Ndembe Nsasi Damase (1936-2025)
Born in Bete Di-Niolo, DR Congo, on November 1, 1936.
Religious vows on December 8, 1955.
Ordained priest on August 6, 1961.
Missionary in Belgium and DR Congo.
Died in Kinshasa, on April 9, 2025, at the age of 88.
Son of Mr. Lau Nsasi and Mrs. Nzuzi Lembo Thérèse, Ndembe Nsasi Damase was born in Bete Di-Niolo, Parish of Dizi in Central Congo, DRC, on November 1, 1936.
After completing his primary education, he attended the Minor Seminary of Mbata-Kiela in Mayombe (1947-1953), where he studied classical Greek and Latin. He entered the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Missionaries of Scheut) in 1954 and took his first vows on December 8, 1955. Damase studied philosophy in Kabwe in Western Kasai (1955-1957) and was then sent to Belgium to study theology (1957 to 1960).
After his ordination on August 6, 1961, the young Father Damase continued his higher studies in classical studies (1962-1965).
In 1965, he was sent as a missionary to the CICM Province of Eastern Kasai, now known as the CICM Province of AFA. He was appointed vicar at the Catholic Mission in Tshilenge, where he spent his first missionary years, which were very happy thanks to his openness and his good command of the Tshiluba language (1965-1969).
From 1969 to 1970, he continued his classical studies and obtained a brilliant State Licentiate in African Languages and Literature at the University of Lovanium, Faculty of Lubumbashi (1970-1972). Yaya Damase was then appointed Assistant at the Faculty of Theology at the same university from 1972 to 1976, teaching general linguistics, with a particular focus on oral and written expression and literature. An important detail: while studying and then as an assistant at Lovanium University, the young Father Damase was the chaplain responsible for married students.
Between 1976 and 1981, obeying the will of his legitimate superiors, Yaya Damase continued his university studies and was sent to the Netherlands, specifically to the University of Leiden, for his Doctorate in Classical Philology, with a thesis on African Linguistics.
From 1981 to 1984, he was appointed Rector of the Père Nkongolo Scholasticate. After his term as Rector, Yaya Damase received a new missionary appointment, this time in Belgium, to strengthen the multicultural presence of the CICM Province in Flanders. During his missionary presence in Belgium, Father Damase worked in pastoral ministry, in the Diocese of Antwerp (1984-1994) and in the Archdiocese of Mechelen-Brussels (1994-1997)., respectively.
In 1998, he was transferred permanently to the CICM Province of KIN, where he exercised his priesthood in the service of the Congregation and youth formation: Head of Missionary Animation (1998-2001); Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UNIKIN (since 2000); Rector of Saint Augustine University in Kinshasa, Head of the CICM Internal Aspirancy in Kangu (2001); and Rector of the Saint Raphael II Community in Limete (2004-2007). It should be noted that Yaya Damase spoke Kiyombe, Lingala, Tshiluba, French, and Dutch fluently.
After many years of loyal service and generous work, Father Damase passed away in Kinshasa on the morning of April 9, 2025, at the age of 88. May he rest in peace!
- Iyenda Mbianghon Yannick, cicm
