Blessed Isidore Bakanja – Martyr of the Brown Scapular

BL. ISIDORE BAKANJA

Blessed Isidore Bakanja was a young Congolese layman who, after converting to Christianity in 1906, became a devoted catechist. He was martyred in 1909 for refusing to renounce his faith and the Brown Scapular, symbolizing his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Despite severe torture, he forgave his persecutors and died on August 15, 1909, holding a rosary and wearing the scapular. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994.

Isidore Bakanja was born around 1887 in Bokendela, in what was then the Congo Free State (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). From a young age, he worked as a bricklayer and farm laborer to support himself. At 18, he encountered Trappist missionaries and was baptized into the Catholic Church in 1906. His faith was marked by a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, symbolized by his constant wearing of the Brown Scapular and his daily recitation of the Rosary.In 1909, while working on a rubber plantation in Ikili, Bakanja was forbidden by his employer to share his Christian faith with fellow workers. When he persisted, the superintendent violently tore off his scapular and subjected him to a brutal beating, leaving him severely wounded. Despite his suffering, Bakanja forgave his assailant, expressing his intent to pray for him in heaven. He died on August 15, 1909, holding a rosary and wearing the Brown Scapular.

Pope John Paul II beatified Isidore Bakanja on April 24, 1994, highlighting his example as a beacon of reconciliation and brotherly love in Africa. In 1999, he was declared the patron of laypeople in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In honor of his legacy, a sanctuary dedicated to Blessed Isidore Bakanja is being constructed in Boende, Tshuapa Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The project, initiated in March 2022, includes a mausoleum and other facilities, aiming to commemorate his life and martyrdom.

Blessed Isidore Bakanja's feast day is celebrated on August 15, and he is also commemorated on August 12 by the Carmelites.

Feast Day

15-8-1909

Birth Date

--1887

Died Date

15-8-1909

Canonised Date

24-4-1994

Immaculate Conception Parish, Bokote, Democratic Republic of Congo

"God of power and mercy, you gave Isidore Bakanja, your martyr, victory over pain and suffering. Strengthen us who celebrate this day of his triumph and help us to be victorious over the evils that threaten us. Through Christ our Lord."
BL. ISIDORE BAKANJA

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BL. ISIDORE BAKANJA

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