Bl. Isidore Bakanja, a member of the Boangi tribe, was born in Bokendela

(Congo) between 1880 and 1890. In order to survive, even as a boy, he had to

work as bricklayer or in farms. He was converted to Christianity in 1906. He

was working in a plantation run by a colonialist in Ikili and was forbidden

by the owner to spread Christianity among his fellow-workers. On 22 April

1909, the superintendent of the business tore off the Carmelite Scapular,

which Isidore was wearing as an expression of his Christian faith, and had

him severely beaten even to drawing blood. He died on 15 August of the same

year as a result of the wounds inflicted in "punishment" for his faith and

which he bore patiently while forgiving his aggressor. He was beatified by

Pope John Paul II on 24 April 1994.

 

OC: Memorial

 

Common of One Martyr

 

                 The only thing I have is the Prayer.

 

Prayer

Merciful and forgiving Father, You filled Your servant Isidore Bakanja with

the gifts of prayer and witness and inspired him to heroic patience and

pardon in his atrocious sufferings, by the grace of Your Holy Spirit, grant

us Your gifts of reconciliation and perseverance in the faith, and lead us

on the way of justice and peace.

We ask this through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.