Father Boniface Isaho Rest in Peace

By Bishop Joseph Mary Kizito – Father Boniface Kasali Isaho of Aliwal North died on April 26 at the age of 56 in his home diocese of Butembu-Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Born in Butembo on October 10, 1963, and ordained to the priesthood on October 3, 1991, he came to South Africa in 2003.

Fr Isaho served in Aliwal until earlier this year, having ministered in parishes in Umhlanga, Aliwal North, and Sterkspruit, and at St Teresa mission.

For his pastoral work he learned Xhosa, which he loved very much. Fr Isaho was a very spiritual priest, hard-working, and always happy with people.

He had a very good working relationship with children, youth and adults. He enjoyed gardening during his free time.

As his bishop, I will miss him very much, since you could count on him for any pastoral work. For the past three months Fr Isaho had been in the DRC waiting for a kidney transplant, necessitated by kidney failure, but due to the lockdown there, he was unable to have that operation.

His funeral took place on April 27 in the DRC. The diocese of Aliwal North will have a memorial Mass for Fr Isaho once the lockdown is lifted.