Diocese of Lubumbashi Suspends Luano Parish After Vandalism

Lubumbashi, 2 July 2025 – Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of the Diocese of Lubumbashi has ordered the temporary closure of the parish of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Luano district following a violent break-in in the early hours of 1 July 2025.

Unknown assailants ransacked the church, stealing nearly all items used in the celebration of the Mass and desecrating sacred spaces .

During the vandalism, perpetrators forcibly entered the sanctuary, desecrated the tabernacle, and profaned the Blessed Sacrament. They also stole vestments, altar crosses, liturgical linens, microphones, drums, books, a mixer, and other church equipment

Archbishop Muteba, citing the severity of the offense, decreed that the parish remain closed until a Mass of Reparation can be celebrated and the church’s liturgical integrity restored. He has urged law enforcement to promptly launch an investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible

Emmanuel Mumba, the archdiocesan vicar, reported that in addition to the theft, the tabernacle was emptied and the altar cross removed. He described it as “the total desacralization” of the church, with nearly everything used for the Eucharistic celebration taken

This incident revives a troubling pattern of attacks on Catholic places of worship in the region. In 2021, Archbishop Muteba had condemned similar profanations at grottoes in the parishes of Saint Esprit and Notre Dame des Pauvres

The closure of Saint Francis of Assisi parish means that Mass and all sacramental activities in Luano will remain suspended until the parish is restored to a state of sanctity. Archbishop Muteba has appealed to the authorities to bolster security measures to protect places of worship and ensure the faithful can practice their faith without fear