Territory

The diocese encompasses the cities of Butembo and Beni, the territories of Beni and Lubero, and part of Walikale in the North Kivu province, as well as parts of Mambasa and Irumu territories in the Ituri province, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The episcopal see is located in the city of Butembo, where the Cathedral of Mary Mother of the Church is situated. In Beni, the ancient Cathedral of St. Augustine stands. The territory covers 45,000 km² and is divided into 62 parishes.

History

The mission sui iuris of Beni was erected on April 9, 1934, with the papal bull "Quo latius" by Pope Pius XI, carving out the territory from the apostolic vicariate of Stanley Falls (now the Archdiocese of Kisangani). On February 9, 1938, the mission sui iuris was elevated to an apostolic vicariate with the bull "Si christifidelium" of the same Pope Pius XI.

On November 10, 1959, by the effect of the bull "Cum parvulum" by Pope John XXIII, the apostolic vicariate was further elevated to a diocese, assuming the name Diocese of Beni in the Congo. On July 7, 1960, it changed its name to the Diocese of Beni, and on February 7, 1967, it changed its name again to the current designation, due to the transfer of the episcopal seat from Beni to Butembo. Since April 22, 1988, it has been twinned with the Diocese of Noto.

The activities of the 'Mani Amiche' Association in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

It is perhaps worth reminding all sponsors and supporters, and all those who generously support us, that the 'Mani Amiche' Association has been active since 2000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in collaboration with the Diocese of Butembo-Beni, through various humanitarian actions.

The precarious situation, both politically and socially, in which the country has been for decades, prevents the association from being physically present, but this does not prevent us from helping where there is the greatest need, particularly children and women. Unlike Guatemala, there is no 'Manos Amigas' Center in Africa, but the support work continues

- Distance Support

To address the large number of orphans and minors who could be captured by militias and used as child soldiers, our association supports the orphanages in Mutwanga and Bunyuka. Some children who have been supported from the beginning are now healthy young boys and girls with a good level of education.

- Scholarships

In Congo, we support the expenses for university fees for some students of Pygmy ethnicity (discriminated against) at the Catholic University of the Graben in Butembo. Over the years, numerous students have graduated in medicine, law, and biology.

- Combating Malnutrition

The 'Mani Amiche' Association also supports the "Pietro Bonilli" Educational and Nutritional Center in Magheria, which focuses on the prevention and treatment of epilepsy in school-age children, while also providing them with education. It is a day center where children can refer for meals and school lessons, so they don't have to be alone while adults work. The correct nutrition provided by the Center also allows the fight against epilepsy, a widespread disease in Magheria's children.

A result achieved in the many years of collaboration is the increase in the activities of the Center (when it was at risk of closing), allowing for the possibility of accommodating more children."