On 22 July 2025, the Mill Hill Missionaries in the DRC Mission Area together with the family of Fr. Otto and the Diocese of Basankusu honored the memory of Fr. Otto Bambokela, MHM, with the blessing of his tombstone, presided over by Bishop José-Bernard Likolo, the Bishop of Lisala, his cousin, and Bishop Libère Pwongo Bope. A moving Mass of thanksgiving followed, gathering clergy, religious, family, and faithful who came to remember a man whose life was marked by joy and missionary zeal.
Fr. Otto served the Church faithfully in Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, touching countless lives with his humility and deep faith. Though he now rests in the Lord, his spirit continues to live in the communities he served.
On behalf of the Mill Hill Missionaries, Fr. Patrick Lonkoy Bolengu, MHM, offered a heartfelt vote of thanks to God, to the Diocese of Basankusu, to Otto’s family, to the Mill Hill Society, and to Fr. Otto himself. In his words: “Otto, be like perfume even if we no longer see you, may your presence continue to be felt among us. Pray for us.”
A second thanksgiving Mass is planned for 28 July 2025 in Fr. Otto’s home village, once again in the presence of Bishop José-Bernard as the local Church continues to give thanks for this faithful servant.
May Fr. Otto rest in peace and may his life remain a shining example of missionary love and service.
Patrick Lonkoy Bolengu, mhm
