Fr. Vincent Machozi (STH ’15), Catholic Priest and Human Rights Activist, Murdered in Kivu Province, DRC
Fr. Vincent Machozi (STH’15), a Catholic priest of the religious order Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists), who for several years documented human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was murdered Sunday night by armed gunmen, shortly after he posted an online article denouncing the involvement of the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in the massacres of innocent civilians.
During his years at BU, Vincent found a welcome home at the African Studies Center and regularly worked with the Outreach Program. We are working on organizing a memorial in his honor at Marsh Chapel.
Update: (4/2/2016)
There will be a mass in memory of Fr. Machozi at 6 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 487 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 (Questions call 617-389-5660). The mass will be celebrated with the cooperation of all the communities in which Father Vincent worked during his stay in Massachusetts. The mass will be followed by a potluck in the church hall, to contribute please call Mamou Katende at 978-333-0025.
Update: (4/8/2016)
There will be a memorial and service held at Marsh Chapel on BU’s central campus on April 26 beginning at 2:00 pm. The service will be followed by a communal meal in the community room at Marsh Chapel. More information will be forthcoming.
Update (4/28/2016)
BU Today article on the memorial service.
All are invited to share their memories of Father Vincent Machozi here.
Watch a video of Father Vincent Machozi’s funeral in the Democratic Republic of Congo here.
Watch a video of Father Vincent Machozi’s memorial service at Marsh Chapel here.