Inspiring True Story of a Missionary Priest from Kinshasa to the World - a Vocation of Love - by Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala
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CELEBRATION OF 23 YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD!
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” [Mt 20:26] (Image Fr. Jean-Marie Meets Pope Leo XIV in Feb. 2026)
July 20, 2026, marks the anniversary of my ordination as a priest. For the last 23 years, I have been blessed with an extraordinary life journey marked by God’s blessings, travel, numerous commitments, and a deep dedication to others. I remain deeply rooted in my childhood dreams. These simple dreams, which are sometimes almost naive, are a source of renewed energy and a breath of fresh air in my demanding daily routine in Montreal.
July 20, 2026, marks the anniversary of my ordination as a priest. For the last 23 years, I have been blessed with an extraordinary life journey marked by God’s blessings, travel, numerous commitments, and a deep dedication to others. I remain deeply rooted in my childhood dreams. These simple dreams, which are sometimes almost naive, are a source of renewed energy and a breath of fresh air in my demanding daily routine in Montreal.
Humble Beginnings
My mind travels back to my earliest days with my Congolese family. I
was the fourth of seven children, and I harbored dreams as vast as the sky. I
vividly remember the afternoons I spent watching planes fly over Kinshasa,
those steel giants leaving shiny trails in the blue sky. Flying a plane and
taming the clouds seemed to me then to be the pinnacle of adventure and
freedom. At the same time, another calling took hold of me, fueled by my
keen awareness of the suffering around me. I wanted to become a doctor, a
healer capable of healing bodies and breathing new life into them. The vivid
memories of the orphanage, of visiting the sick, and of offering
encouragement to the most vulnerable still resonate in my heart. In this
calling, I saw a mission where technology and humanity come together. At
other times, young Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala dreamed of becoming an
engineer, fascinated by the mystery of machines, construction, and human
ingenuity applied to transforming the world. However, these beautiful and
simple childhood dreams were transformed by the inner voice that called me
to the priesthood, guided by a deep faith and a keen sense of service.
Formation through Encounter
Throughout my journey—from the bustling streets of Kikwit, where I attended high school under the guidance of the Jesuit Fathers, to Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where my biological family lived; from the vibrant neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya, to the history-steeped alleys of Rome; from humanitarian work in Ethiopia to the distant echoes of my missions in Mozambique; from missionary visits to Colombia, England, and France to my student days in the United States; and from the urban energy of Montreal—I found myself confronted with a simple yet profound truth: The faces I encountered shaped my path. Each exchanged glance carried a special light, and each shared smile became a living sign of divine generosity. This text is a vibrant, understated, and sincere tribute to all of you who have marked my 23 years mission as an ordained priest. It is also a tribute to the unexpected power of human connection, which is capable of transcending distance, culture, and time. As I reflect on the past, I realize that, above all, my life is a blessing from the Lord. It is a tapestry woven with countless human stories, some brief and others deeply enduring. Behind each story lies an exchange, a word, or a gesture that has been an invaluable source of support for me, even if sometimes invisible to the world.
Throughout my journey—from the bustling streets of Kikwit, where I attended high school under the guidance of the Jesuit Fathers, to Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where my biological family lived; from the vibrant neighborhoods of Nairobi, Kenya, to the history-steeped alleys of Rome; from humanitarian work in Ethiopia to the distant echoes of my missions in Mozambique; from missionary visits to Colombia, England, and France to my student days in the United States; and from the urban energy of Montreal—I found myself confronted with a simple yet profound truth: The faces I encountered shaped my path. Each exchanged glance carried a special light, and each shared smile became a living sign of divine generosity. This text is a vibrant, understated, and sincere tribute to all of you who have marked my 23 years mission as an ordained priest. It is also a tribute to the unexpected power of human connection, which is capable of transcending distance, culture, and time. As I reflect on the past, I realize that, above all, my life is a blessing from the Lord. It is a tapestry woven with countless human stories, some brief and others deeply enduring. Behind each story lies an exchange, a word, or a gesture that has been an invaluable source of support for me, even if sometimes invisible to the world.
Gift of Family
First and foremost, I think of my biological family, the seven siblings with whom I shared my earliest joys and sorrows. Despite my parents' absence—my mother was a teacher, and my father worked at the FAO—our bond, sometimes marked by tension but above all by unwavering solidarity, served as a solid foundation. I remember my brothers' and sisters' faces, their laughter echoing through our modest home, as well as their tears during darker times. These memories are precious to me because they represent my first experience with generosity and the place where I learned the power of unconditional love.
Then there are the faces of the children, young people, and elderly individuals I have met throughout my life. These anonymous yet vivid figures illuminate my journey with a light of simple, true humanity. They bear witness to the fact that generosity stems from a caring gaze, an outstretched hand, and an attentive presence. I still remember my parents taking us to volunteer with the sisters of Mother Teresa during Christmas and Easter breaks. We shared our time, stories, and prayers with the sick. That childhood experience became the symbol of my vocation, teaching me that listening and being present are sacred acts.
First and foremost, I think of my biological family, the seven siblings with whom I shared my earliest joys and sorrows. Despite my parents' absence—my mother was a teacher, and my father worked at the FAO—our bond, sometimes marked by tension but above all by unwavering solidarity, served as a solid foundation. I remember my brothers' and sisters' faces, their laughter echoing through our modest home, as well as their tears during darker times. These memories are precious to me because they represent my first experience with generosity and the place where I learned the power of unconditional love.
Then there are the faces of the children, young people, and elderly individuals I have met throughout my life. These anonymous yet vivid figures illuminate my journey with a light of simple, true humanity. They bear witness to the fact that generosity stems from a caring gaze, an outstretched hand, and an attentive presence. I still remember my parents taking us to volunteer with the sisters of Mother Teresa during Christmas and Easter breaks. We shared our time, stories, and prayers with the sick. That childhood experience became the symbol of my vocation, teaching me that listening and being present are sacred acts.
Multicultural Faces
I remember the multicultural faces at the seminary during my years as a student. Those young people, who came from all corners of the world with their varied accents and unique customs, opened my eyes to the universal richness of the Church.
The years I spent working in various countries continue to provide me with a tapestry of faces, some filled with dignity and others with anguish, but many with hope. I remember the Ethiopian children's enthusiasm, the Mozambican women's attentive gazes, and the young Kenyans' fearlessness as they aspired to a better future. I also remember the warm welcomes from Italian and American families, as well as the glimmers of hope in the eyes of residents of working-class neighborhoods in Medellín, Colombia, during missionary and humanitarian visits. Every exchange, every shared smile, and every word spoken despite linguistic or cultural barriers was like a seed of peace or a drop of water on the arid path of life. I remember those moments when our common humanity came through powerfully despite our differences. I spend much of my life in Montreal, where cultural diversity reaches an even higher level of complexity. The faces I encounter everyday there are a new treasure to me. I fondly remember my fellow Consolata missionaries; the laypeople who work at the Consolata Missionaries’ humanitarian and Missionary Center on Gouin Boulevard West; the community’s cook; and the friends and benefactors of the Consolata Mission. I remember the men and women religious; the laypeople and the faithful of the parishes who have committed to serve in the Archdiocese of Montreal. These are places where diverse histories, languages, and traditions coexist. Each person I have met carries a special light within them, sometimes veiled by the difficulties of exile or adjustment, but never extinguished.
I remember the multicultural faces at the seminary during my years as a student. Those young people, who came from all corners of the world with their varied accents and unique customs, opened my eyes to the universal richness of the Church.
The years I spent working in various countries continue to provide me with a tapestry of faces, some filled with dignity and others with anguish, but many with hope. I remember the Ethiopian children's enthusiasm, the Mozambican women's attentive gazes, and the young Kenyans' fearlessness as they aspired to a better future. I also remember the warm welcomes from Italian and American families, as well as the glimmers of hope in the eyes of residents of working-class neighborhoods in Medellín, Colombia, during missionary and humanitarian visits. Every exchange, every shared smile, and every word spoken despite linguistic or cultural barriers was like a seed of peace or a drop of water on the arid path of life. I remember those moments when our common humanity came through powerfully despite our differences. I spend much of my life in Montreal, where cultural diversity reaches an even higher level of complexity. The faces I encounter everyday there are a new treasure to me. I fondly remember my fellow Consolata missionaries; the laypeople who work at the Consolata Missionaries’ humanitarian and Missionary Center on Gouin Boulevard West; the community’s cook; and the friends and benefactors of the Consolata Mission. I remember the men and women religious; the laypeople and the faithful of the parishes who have committed to serve in the Archdiocese of Montreal. These are places where diverse histories, languages, and traditions coexist. Each person I have met carries a special light within them, sometimes veiled by the difficulties of exile or adjustment, but never extinguished.
Gratitude
In light of all these encounters, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I know I would not be where I am today without this network of friendships, bonds of trust, and solidarity, nor without the help of the Holy Spirit. I view my journey as a great legacy to be passed on and nurtured. I always keep in mind that every person is a treasure deserving of respect and recognition. These intertwined memories fuel my vision for a renewed mission where communication is not just a verbal exchange, but a way to build genuine connections, show generosity, and live in true brotherhood. I dream of a world where faces are not lost in anonymity, where every person matters, and where words are the key to love and hope. This deeply felt human richness sustains me as I embark on a new phase of my life. This wealth of encounters is a haven for me, an invincible strength, and a call to move forward with confidence and humility.
In light of all these encounters, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I know I would not be where I am today without this network of friendships, bonds of trust, and solidarity, nor without the help of the Holy Spirit. I view my journey as a great legacy to be passed on and nurtured. I always keep in mind that every person is a treasure deserving of respect and recognition. These intertwined memories fuel my vision for a renewed mission where communication is not just a verbal exchange, but a way to build genuine connections, show generosity, and live in true brotherhood. I dream of a world where faces are not lost in anonymity, where every person matters, and where words are the key to love and hope. This deeply felt human richness sustains me as I embark on a new phase of my life. This wealth of encounters is a haven for me, an invincible strength, and a call to move forward with confidence and humility.
Mission Guided by Love
In conclusion, I give thanks to the Lord God, to His Son Jesus Christ, my Savior, to the Holy Spirit who guides and advises me, to the Blessed Virgin Mary through her intercession, and to all those faces—known and unknown, near and far—who have shaped my life. Their generosity, their stories, and their presence have revealed to me the infinite beauty of humanity, open to encounter, sharing, and love. With gratitude, I commit myself to bringing this communion to life ever more fully and ever more deeply, while remaining faithful to my mission: communication and generosity in the service of God. Thank you to all of you, the faces I have encountered, for the strength you have given me, for the seeds sown in my heart, and for the journey we have taken together. May this free and profound gratitude be a breath of renewal, an invisible bond that unites us in peace, brotherhood, and hope.
I give thanks to the Lord God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all those who have shaped my life. Their generosity, stories, and presence have revealed the beauty of humanity. I commit myself to bringing this communion to life, remaining faithful to my mission of communication and generosity in the service of God. Thank you for the strength, seeds in my heart, and journey we have taken together. May this gratitude be a breath of renewal and an invisible bond that unites us in peace, brotherhood, hope, and service to God alongside our sisters and brothers for many years to come.
Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa BILWALA
Archdiocese of Montreal
Episcopal Vicar for Center Parish priest of Sainte Madeleine Outremont
Montreal, July 14, 2026
In conclusion, I give thanks to the Lord God, to His Son Jesus Christ, my Savior, to the Holy Spirit who guides and advises me, to the Blessed Virgin Mary through her intercession, and to all those faces—known and unknown, near and far—who have shaped my life. Their generosity, their stories, and their presence have revealed to me the infinite beauty of humanity, open to encounter, sharing, and love. With gratitude, I commit myself to bringing this communion to life ever more fully and ever more deeply, while remaining faithful to my mission: communication and generosity in the service of God. Thank you to all of you, the faces I have encountered, for the strength you have given me, for the seeds sown in my heart, and for the journey we have taken together. May this free and profound gratitude be a breath of renewal, an invisible bond that unites us in peace, brotherhood, and hope.
I give thanks to the Lord God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all those who have shaped my life. Their generosity, stories, and presence have revealed the beauty of humanity. I commit myself to bringing this communion to life, remaining faithful to my mission of communication and generosity in the service of God. Thank you for the strength, seeds in my heart, and journey we have taken together. May this gratitude be a breath of renewal and an invisible bond that unites us in peace, brotherhood, hope, and service to God alongside our sisters and brothers for many years to come.
Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa BILWALA
Archdiocese of Montreal
Episcopal Vicar for Center Parish priest of Sainte Madeleine Outremont
Montreal, July 14, 2026
Fr. Jean-Marie Kabesa Bilwala is a regular contributor to Catholic News World
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