espect for the accords signed between the warring parties is necessary for peace in Burundi’: monsignor Pierre Christophe, Apostolic Nuncio in Uganda, recalled this reflection by monsignor Michael Courtney, the Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi killed on
Monday Dec. 29, 2003 a few miles outside Bujumbura, as he took his funeral today.
The Regional Superior of the Xaverians mentions that most of the Xaverian Missionaries of Burundi, together with many other people, were present at the funeral of Bishop Michael Courtney. "The Nuncio, who was shot dead, was very close to us and supported us in our mission commitment. We are left with a great determination to pick up where he left off: a commitment to working for peace."
During the funeral mass, Monsignor Pierre Christophe, who concelebrated with Burundian bishops, read a few other paragraphs from the message prepared by his predecessor (monsignor Christophe has temporarily taken over as the papal representative in Burundi) for World Peace day, January 1, which was found among the documents on his computer. Monsignor Christophe then asked for the reflections of Monsignor Courtney – whom he also remembers as a friend – to be launched by all media.
The Nuncio, who was shot dead, was very close to us and supported us in our mission commitment. We are left with a great determination to pick up where he left off: a commitment to working for peace.
“The funeral began at 11.10 local time, but the coffin was not present, being already on its way to the airport from where it was to be flown to his native Ireland,” a local source mentions after attending this morning’s funeral in the Regina Mundi Cathedral in Bujumbura. “The church was packed. All the most important politicians were there, the Head of State Domitien Ndayzeye, the ex President, Pierre Buyoya, the presidents of the Chamber and Senate, numerous diplomats and priests.
In his homily, Monsignor Christophe asked the question that is one everyone’s lips and which still has to be answered – ‘why was the Nuncio killed?’ – and he asked the competent authorities to get to the bottom of this terrible affair, subsequently remembering the goodness, courage and love for others that distinguished the work of the dead Nuncio.”
During the ceremony, the President of the Burundian Bishops’ Conference, Monsignor Simon Ntamwana, read a statement from the bishops expressing their deep sadness for what has happened and sending their condolences to the Pope, to Monsignor Courtney’s family, and to Ireland. “The Head of State, who was visibly moved, then intervened, saying he had lost a friend, a collaborator and a peace builder, and announcing that the State would confer an honour on Monsignor Courtney in his memory,” added the source.
(From MISNA and Xaverian News)