9  Seers, Kinshasa, Zaire, 1984 –1988

 

Status: Currently being investigated

 

Episcopal Remarks:  The late Cardinal Malula deployed a theological and medical commission to study the apparitions. No judgements have been forthcoming.

 

Corroboration by Other Seers:

 

Biographical Information: The community of the Sons  and Daughters of Mary, Mother of Charity (known as Mariechaste) or Chaste-Mary, is located at #8 Rue Mapezo, Kinshasa, Bandalungwa, Zaire. The founder of the Society of Chaste-Mary was Umande Okita Sumbu Amini Fidele commonly known as “Papa Fidele” Papa Fidele, as well as the Mother House of the Society was cnetrally involved in these reported apparitions. The parish located in the Bandalungwa Zone or Mayoralty is St. Charles Loanga. The pastor was Father Ive. The late Cardinal Mayoralty was the archbishop of Kinshasa. Auxiliary Fr. Gossen was advocate and secretary of the Episcopacy of Zaire.  The Legion of Mary was strong in the parish and it is reported that the Society of Chaste-Mary did much good work in the region such as evangelization resulting in many conversions, establishment of prayer groups and prayer meetings throughout the archdiocese of Kinshasa, pilgrimages to the Grotto of the Virgin Mary and the spread of prayer, especially the holy rosary, throughout the archdiocese. The Society alse successfully managed to inspire many young people to embrace religious vocations. Yet it is reported that the Society’s progress was slow and all its works were accomplished in silence and poverty.; which had helped to bring about unity. As Papa Fidele said: “Nevertheless, it is incumbent upon us to recognize that every human endeavor, especially if it is destined for God must be put to the test in one way or another.” The Society was officially started on June 27, 1983 when Cardinal Malula, then the archbishop of Kinshasa, received a delegation from the Society and gave them his blessing, encouragement and permission to continue this apostolate. (The Society had been doing these good works previously). The cardinal placed two priests at the disposal  of the Society, namely Father Rene Hans and Abbot Honore Nszenzg, in order to follow and guide the activites of the Society. The cardinal wisely counseled the delegation thusly “My children to convert people and bring them to the path of eternal salvation is not an easy thing. Be careful that in saving lost sheep, you don’t end up being lost yourselves. Pray a lot and little by little you will manage to do some good by the grace of God” From that time on the Society has become widely known throughout the world for its good work and good fruit produced from this good work. Every member of Chaste-Mary is requird to lead a holy life, keep the Commandments, attend daily Mass, receive the Sacraments, pray (especially the rosary), do penance and make sacrifice and do spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Everyone who wants to be saved may become a member of Chaste-Mary. Perhaps it is a small wonder God has looked favourably upon this Society, and has even sent Our Blessed Mother to appear and give messages of love and guidance to many associated with this Society. It is reported that the messages given were for the Society, for the world, and some personal messages as well. Papa Fidele was born is the St. Charles Mission in Kasongo Tongorie on September 19, 1913, and was baptized the same day after the 7.30 Mass. As a child, Fidele was sickly. The local priest advised his parents to dedicate their child to God and to the Virgin Mary if they wanted him to live. His parents did as advised, promptly making a novena of prayers. Fidele led a life of prayer, attended Sunday Mass with his parents walking one kilometer to attend daily Mass. When the child was 13 he became seriously ill which derailed his entry into the seminary. Fidele never went to the seminary, but got married to Helene Nojiki. Later Our Lady told him during an apparition that it was God’s will that Fidele become married and not become a priest. After he became married, Fidele remained active in church work and spiritual activites. He was president of the Legion of Mary. He created the International Association for the Dead, and the Association of Christian Widows. Then came the creation of the Society of Chaste-Mary . The vos of the Chaste Mary are chastity for one’s station in life, obedience, poverty, humility and submission to the Church and Pope; and to act through solidarity and do everything through Mary, with Mary, in Mary and for Mary. In the apparitions Our Lady stressed the familiar messages of conversion, prayer, recitation of the rosary, love of one’s neighbour, forgiveness and reconciliation of all people. It is reported that one day during an apparition Papa Fidele asked Our Lady “How could I deserve to be called a Servant of Mary, a sinner like Me? I consider myself unworthy when I consider the marvellous works accomplished by the great saints…” Our Lady responded “My Servant, do you think that what you do here is less important that what others have done? Don’t you know that your fervour and devotion to Me, you are serving not so much Me as My Son and My Father?” Our Lady told Papa Fidele that each apparition is related to the world situation in general and to the place of the apparition in particular. There is no longer peace in the world, instead armed conflicts break out everywhere. Man does not use his intelligence for the good of mankind, instead he uses it for the destruction of mankind. Meanwhile in Zaire man draws further away from God, no longer loves God or his neighbour, no longer has compassion for the unfortunate. Family conflicts, rebellion and injustice are the norm. Christians no longer attend Mass or receive the Sacraments. In short God is jeered. On March 4-5, 1987 Our Lady told the seer Danela Losala that apparitions are of three kinds: (i) the visionary sees the apparition by means of his or her own eyes (ii) the visionary sees the apparition speaks to and hears the apparition speak and afterwards relates the message(iii)Our Lady or Our Lord introduce themselves into the body of the visionary and speak through him or her. Our Lady’s messages for the world are pleas for prayer, for penance and to forgive and love one another., On February 8, 1984, Jesus confirmed these messages and apparitions from Our Lady as being authentic and from God.  Our Lady warned the seers, and the Society through the seers, that they would suffer much from criticism, mockery and attacks, ut to stand fast and preserve and pray unceasingly. She especially asked the Chaste-Mary to pray for the countries then at war. Of course the members complied with Our Lady’s request and prayed. There were immediate results; cease fire in Chad as well as between Iran-Iraq and later independence in Nambia as well as cease fire between the government forces and the rebels in Angola. Our Lady also gave secrets to Papa Fidele. Jesus appeared to some of the seers and gave messages to them. Our Lady made several promises and predictions all of which came true. Miracles and healings were performed through the seers.

 

  1. Papa Fidele:  This seer was the founder of the Society of Chaste-Mary and is reported to have led an exemplary Christian life from early childhood right to the present. He was deeply devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady had personal conversations with him and talked to him about his past and also about the future work he was to do. Fidele has a ministry and gift of healing. Reportedly people came from far and wide to have him “lay hands” on them. Every work he did was done only after receiving the blessing of the Church officials, and always carried out with much prayer and loving care. Our Lady referred to Fidele as “Servant of Mary”. It is also reported that Our Lady appeared to Fidele as “Servant of Mary” It is also reported that Our Lady appointed well over one dozen “permanent visionaries” to whom She appeared and gave messages.

 

  1. Hortense Yayi Bambile: This seer was a girl of 15. It is reported that sometimes “well before” February 6, 1984 Our Lady appeared to Yayi in her own home. The seer was cleaning the patio singing while she worked. Her family members suddenly heard her voice change and she began to sing in a marvellous voice. Then her face became transfigured. As her brothers and sisters drew nearer to her they heard her voice become gentle and unusual and then these words “Do not be afraid! It is I the Holy Virgin Mary, here with you. I have come to cure the child. Take My girl to My servant Fidele At #8 Mazepo Street.” Then Our Lady left promising to return at 6.00PM that day. At 6.00PM members of the Chaste-Mary (including Fideles) met at Yayi’s house. While they were praying the rosary Our Lady appeared and spoke to them. There was great joy because all those present heard Our Lady speak. The main message given was “I will do extraordinary things at Mazepo” The seer complied and took “the girl”, Nana to Papa Fidele to be cured.

 

  1. Clementine Denise Tshimba (Nana): Nana was also a girl of 15 when these events occurd. It was Nana who was to be taken to Papa Fidele to be healed according to the message Our Lady gave to Yayi. Nana was suffering from some kind of “malady”. As early as April 13, 1983 it is reported that her behaviour during Mass was such that she had to be removed. She screamd. She would cry for no apparent reason and would become angry over the smallest incident. She even barked like a dog. Her parents had taken Nana to prayer groups and hostpitals but after months of fruitless efforts they decided to take her to Papa Fidele. They arrived in Mepezo on February 5, 1984 which was a day devoted to Papa Fidele’s healing ministry. The sick came up one at a time, and when it was Nana’s turn she knelt and held the crucifix like the others. But as soon as the Sign of the Cross was made on her forehead she resisted and with a sweep of her arm she knocked over the holy water. Papa Fidele then sucessfully exorcised Nana and the devils fled from her body after first throwing her to the ground. That night Nana had a dream in which Our Lady appeared and said She would take Nana for two days and heal her. Upon awakening Nana told her family that Our Lady was going to come that day. The family waqs concerned and took her back to Papa Fidele on Mapezo street. Fidele was puzzled however Our Lady spoke through Nana and affirmed that She was taking Nana for two days. Fidele pleaded with Our Lady to shorten the time, and Our Lady graciously promised to bring Nana back at midnight. Just then Nana began to dance and sing; then she suddenly collapsed. No one could life her or move her; yet Nana held the rosary in her hands and way praying. At exactly midnight, Nana suddenly sat up and began to sing. Nana began to speak English; a language she did not know and had never spoken before. Nana explained that Our Lady fetched her and took her to heaven, where she saw Jesus on the Cross. She was shown hell, where a great fire was burning. Our Lady told Nana to see what was there because “I was very stubborn” Nana was very scared and asked the Virgin Mary to take her home. That night many miraculous healings were performed through Nana. One man had been blind in the left eye for 10 years; ge was instantly able to see out of his left eye.

 

  1. Three Assissa siblings Mado 5 yrs, Bruno 4 yrs and Leticia 2 yrs:  One day in 1986 these three children were home alone in the living room of their home. The door was locked by their mother who had gone to the market and a neighbours house. These children were to receive two unusual visitors. Suddenly the room became well lighted and a lovely play of sparkling stars appeared before their eyes, as well as the sun and the moon. Then they saw a white cloud and a white Man appeared dressed in white and wearing sandals with straps reaching to his knees. A broad red cloth swung across his shoulder to his hip. He stood on the exposed electric wires of the floor. The parents had previously given the children strict orders not to touch those wires, because anyone touching the wires would receive an electric jolt. Of course the children were afraid that the white Man would be electrocuted. The white Man greeted the children in their own language and asked where was their father. When the children said their father had gone to work the white Man said “You will tell him, when he returns, that the Lord Jesus Christ came to visit us. Go in peace” He blessed them and left. The visitor had scarcely left when the light dislay, the stars, the sun and the moon appeared again. Only this timea white Lady appeared from the clouds dressed in all white with a long golden rosary shining on her arm. She smiled and greeted them then asked them “Where is your mother?” The  children answered that their mother had gone to the market. At that the white Lady took Leticia in her arms and rocked her until the child smiled. The the white Lady said “You will tell your mother that Mother Mary came to visit you. I will come back to see her another day. Go in peace.” She then left after blessing them.   When their Mother (Celene) Umande Mulimbi returned home she was amazed at the children’s story; especially since the door was still locked. However Our Lady’s promise to visit Celene did come true.

 

  1. Danela Losala: During the Night of March 4-5, 1987 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to this seer and specified that apparitions are of three kinds (see above)

 

  1. Marie –Louise Wetsi: On November 17, 1988 at the Mother House, both Jesus and Mary appeared to this seer. (Jesus had first appeared to this seer a week after the February 6, 1984 apparition of Our Lady to Nana). Jesus warned the people of the evils in the world and encouraged everyone to pray, to do penance, to love and honour His Mother, the Mother of God. He said He comes to bring peace and to ask for conversion. Then Our Lord said “It is through your prayers, sacrifices and penance that the world and your country will be saved. Recite daily the rosary.”  Our Blessed Mother asked that we pray unceasingly.

 

  1. Celene Umande Mulimbi: Our Lady also appeared to Celene Umanbe Mulumbi, the Mother of the three Assissa children, reportedly on several occasions and confirmed the promise Our Lady had made to the children at the earlier apparition to them. It is reported that Celene became a “permanent visionary” It is also reported that when Our Lady appears to Celene, the seer goes into ecstasy and calls out to the children in a manner that indicates she can read their hearts. Celen is known to have said things like “Why have you not left for school?” or “What have you stolen?” This has put the fear of God into the children’s heards, so it is reported.

 

Number of Apparitions

 

  1. Papa Fidele: Two apparitions, dates unknown, at Mother House, #8 Rue Mapezo, Kinshasa. March 28 (sometimes reported as 25th), 1988 at the same address (it is indicated that there were more apparitions to this seer that are not reported)

 

  1. Hortense Yayi Bambile: Before February 6, 1984 at Yayi’s home. Again at 6.00pm that same evening

 

  1. Clementine Denise Tshimba (Nana): February 6, 1984: Mother House of Chaste-Marie at #8 Rue Mapezo, Kinshasa.

 

  1. Marie-Louise Wetsi: After March 28, 1988: Mother House of Chaste-Marie at #8 Rue Mapezo, Kinshasa. One week after February 6, 1984 at the same address.

 

  1. Danela Losala: 1987: March 4-5, unreported location

 

  1. Mado, Bruno and Leticia Assissa: 1986: At their home on Kimbondo Street, Kinshasa

 

  1. Umande Mulimbi (Celene): 1988: At the seer’s home on Kimbondo Street, Kinshasa.  It is also indicated that this seer had more apparitions of Our Lady. The seer was appointed as a “permanent visionary” by Our Lady.

 

References

1. Peter Heintz A Guide to Apparitions of Our Blessed Virgin Mary (Gabriel Press, Sacramento, California 1995) p. 467-473

 

The Messages

 

Our Lady, February 6, 1984: Our Lady expressed Her joy in the efforts the Society had undertaken towards converting poor sinners: “I am delighted by the goal pursued by your Society and your prayers that you pray for the conversion of the world. There is hardly a greater good in the world than the conversion of a man. I am very pleased with your ability to make known to the world and spread My honour” A week after February 6, 1984 Jesus Himself appeared to the seer Marie-Louise Wetsi and said in part “…I ask conversion of you. The Son of Man will return before long”

 

Our Lord, February 6, 1984: Encouraged everyone to pray to be penitent. He also said  “The world is in danger because of your sin. Pray vigorously for your country. Pray as well for priests that they may live in respect of their commitment”

 

Our Lady, February 13, 1984: Our Lady asked Marie-Louise Wetsi for prayers as well as other requests. It is reported that the Society began praying for the countries at war. They soon recognized some immediate effects sich as a cease fire in Chad, between Iran and Iraq, and between the fighting factions in Angola. Later Nambia became independent.

 

Our Lord, March 29, 1984:  Our Lord Himself appearing with Our Lady said “The world is in danger because of your sins. It is through your prayers, sacrifices, and penance that the world and your country will be saved. If not My Father will punish the world and your country. Recite daily the rosary.”

 

Our Lady, Undated: Our Lady told Papa Fidele that we must pray for those who insult Our Blessed Mother because they do not know what they say or do; and the Holy Virgin remains always their Mother; the Mother of Mercy to all.

 

Our Lady, undated: Our Lady carried a golden rosary during the apparitions even the time when She appeared to the three small children in their home, thus sending the message that She wants everyone to pray the Holy rosary. It is reported that Our Lady asked that the rosary be prayed each time She appeared to the various seers.

 

Our Lady, undated:  It is reported that during each apparition Our Blessed Mother insisted that we pray the holy rosary love one’s neighbour, forgive all offences and reconcile with everyone.

 

Our Lady , undated: Our Lady told Wetsi that She would do “extraordinary things at Mazepo” Thereafter on February 6, 1984 Nana was healed at Mazepo.

 

Our Lady, undated: Our Lady told Celene who had separated from her husband “Bear this cross, pray, your husband is going to convert”

References

1. Peter Heintz A Guide to Apparitions of Our Blessed Virgin Mary (Gabriel Press, Sacramento, California 1995) p. 473 -475