Congolese Funerals

Unfortunately, I have now attended my first Congolese funeral. The President of our University's Brother-in-law passed away. We attended the funeral in Oicha on Saturday, April 4th. Please pray for the Kasali family as they grieve their loss.

There are several things about Congolese funerals that are similar to the US and several that are not. The night of the death, there is a wake. However, they literally stay up all night crying and praying. The next day is the funeral with a long procession - there is a service at the home of the deceased and at the graveside. Both of these services include a lot of singing and reading of the obituary.

The wailing is uncontrollable from a large group of women that gather around the casket. The whole community comes out to offer condolences to the family. Also, there is a communal meal involved.

All of the Congolese know me to be an extremely happy person, and several of my friends told me that it was hard for them to see me so sad! I had not met the man personally, but I love his family dearly! It was good to pay my respects to the Kasalis. I was glad that I could be there with them to pray and grieve.

I'm reminded of the song by The Byrds (which quotes the book of Ecclesiastes) - To Everything there is a Season. I've seen weddings and I've seen funerals here in the Congo. I look forward to seeing births, especially as several of our teachers and students here are getting married!