We Remember
GOMBO, BR. Mattieu Yange O.F.M.Cap.
November 12, 1964 — December 22, 2015
Br. Matthieu Yange Gombo, O.F.M.Cap., died of cancer at Kelowna General Hospital during the evening of Tuesday, December 22, 2015.
Br. Matthieu was born in Botela, Democratic Republic of Congo on November 12, 1964. He entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order in the Congo on August 16, 1983. He was ordained to the priesthood on August 16, 1992.
Br. Matthieu studied pastoral theology at the Facultes Catholiques de Kinshasa between 1992 and 1994. He taught at a local seminary from 1995 to 1997. In 1999 he was appointed to the faculty of Padre Pio Institute of Religious Studies in Pretoria, South Africa. This institute formed young Capuchin students from various countries in East Africa. In 2006, he was enrolled in a doctoral program in pastoral theology at the Lateran Pontifical University in Rome. He graduated in June 2010 with a doctorate in pastoral theology.
Br. Matthieu came to the Diocese of Nelson during the summers of 2008 and 2009 to serve in replacement ministries. He came on a permanent basis in the summer of 2010. He served in replacement ministry until he was appointed pastor of the Trail Parishes in 2011. Subsequently, he was appointed Director of Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna. Besides the Trail Parishes, Br. Matthieu served for extended periods in Castlegar and in Summerland.
A Prayer Service will be conducted at Immaculate Conception Church, at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, December 28, 2015.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. A reception will follow in Immaculate Conception Hall.
Br. Matthieu will be buried in the Capuchin cemetery in Blenheim, Ontario. This will be preceded by a Funeral Liturgy in St. Mary’s Church, Blenheim, Ontario. This is the first foundation of the Capuchins in English-speaking Canada. Arrangements for these celebrations are still pending.
The Capuchin brothers express gratitude to the doctors and nurses of Kelowna General Hospital for the tender and attentive care which accompanied Br. Matthieu.
As we remember Br. Matthieu in our prayers, we are also asked to pray for his mother and his siblings.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, December 28, 2015
Service
1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Location
Immaculate Conception Church
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Fr. Matthieu. We were Father’s parishioners in Trail till we move to Vancouver in late 2012. Fr is very close to our hearts and it is very sad that we cannot see him again.
Father usually calls us when he is in Vancouver – We always look forward to seeing him – he likes to eat some Filipino dish and we tried to prepare some or bring him to a Filipino restaurant when he is around.
We met him last Oct 14 – we noticed that he is not that lively and but we did not know that he will become very ill.
Father, although our present circumstance does not permit us to be at your wake and funeral – know this that we have been blessed knowing you and that we will miss you.
Thank you all your prayers and blessings.
Rest in peace!
Jerico, Lay, Jerome and Jovan
(Santiago)
I am very saddened by the passing of Br Matthieu, I will always cherish and remember his visits to my house when my husband Carlo was very ill he always spoke Italian to Carlo and when Carlo passed away Br Matthieu did a beautiful
funeral service for my husband Carlo. I will miss Br Matthieu and may he rest in peace.