Isidore Bakanja: Episode Two
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What historical events set the stage for Isidore Bakanja’s story in 1909?
Belgian Congo 1909. Today, new witnesses step forward to recount how Isidore received the scapular and how that small brown rope began to unsettle Van Cotter's rubber camp.
The Saints. Adventures of faith and courage. Isidore Bakanja. Episode two, Men in White. Listen to all the episodes and discover new shows at the Saints Podcast dot com.
How much longer do we have to go through this farce? Monsieur Van Cotter,
please. Before we proceed, I remind counsel This court will not be used as a forum for religious debate.
Understood, your honor of
course. This is absurd. Monsieur Van Cotter? Your Honor? Compose yourself. I am composed. See that you remain so. Monsieur Renier, call your next witness.
The prosecution calls Bukele Lenganga.
State your name.
Bukele Lenganga. Occupation. Mason, Lebra.
Monsieur Lenganga. Did you know the deceased, Isidore Pakanja?
Yes. Where did you meet him? At the work site near Mandaka. When I met him, his name was Lokito. What were your first
impressions of the young man?
He was quiet at first. Watch everything.
No. Get back to work!
Du bist doch in Ganga.
How does the courtroom opening reveal the tension between faith and colonial law?
Please. You should rest. Your hands. They are bleeding. The stone does not care
about Blood Lucky Top. Blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Tamos bots. Those words you are saying. What are they? Pray us. They bring you peace.
They do. What brings you peace, Lukito? I am still trying to find out. The missionaries teach us, ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will
find. The Christian missionaries. Yes. Can you teach me those prayers, Mr. Linganga? Which ones? All of them. Tell me what the words mean. I want to understand. I will teach you. Repeat
after me. Our Father, who art in heaven. Our Father. Who art in
heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Hallowed Be thy name.
After that encounter, what was your impression of Isidore? He was hungry for faith.
Objection. He's speculating on what Isidore felt. Rephrase the question, Monsieur Renier.
What does Bukele Lenganga testify about Isidore’s first encounter with the scapular?
Of course, your honor. Monsieur Langanga, tell us. Why did you teach Isidor those prayers?
Діз прая з конек архарценс тут. We deepen our knowledge and love for him. By praying together, we become a community of brothers united in the Lord. Thank you, Monsieur
Langanga. No further questions, your honour.
Monsieur Delacroix.
So this is where the trouble started.
Excuse me?
The distraction. Your religion entering the workplace. Objection. Your honor. The prosecution brought the subject of faith into this courtroom. I am simply showing that these prayers caused the boy to stop following orders.
Your honor, with respect. To ignore faith in this case is to ignore the truth about Isidore Bakanja's death. Our objection is to faith being used as grounds for murder.
Enough. Monsieur Renier, you introduced faith as an element of the alleged victim's daily routine. The defense has the right to ask about it. Thank you, Your
Honor. Monsieur Linganga. Please answer the question.
There was no trouble. Ізодо бекейм абаліва. But he was a hard working young man. But he was defiant. Objection
sustained.
No more
questions. Monsieur Langanga, did Isodor force his beliefs on anyone? No. Did he neglect his work? Never. Then what changed is
it or changed?
How are the Catholic prayers taught to Isidore used to illustrate his growing courage?
In what way? He stood more straight. He spoke more clearly. He walked as if what he did mattered. I believe his faith made him unafraid. Unafraid? Unafraid of men who use power like a weapon.
Thank you, Monsieur Langanga. That will be all. Your honor, I call Father Hubert Laurent to the stand.
State your name.
Father Hubert
Laurent, Your Honor. Your occupation? I am a trappist
monk serving in the Congo. Your honor. You will have your opportunity, Council.
Father Hubert How did you come to know Isidor Bakanja? He came to us. Curious to know our Lord Jesus Christ.
He was always asking questions.
Are there any particular questions of his that stand out in your memory?
He wanted to know why men suffer. And how they find the strength to endure it.
But if he was the son of the heavens. Why didn't he fight back? Because he chose the cross. Jesus could have called down angels and destroyed his enemies, but he came to show us another kind of power.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What historical events set the stage for Isidore Bakanja’s story in 1909?
0:01–1:58
2
How does the courtroom opening reveal the tension between faith and colonial law?
1:58–3:14
3
What does Bukele Lenganga testify about Isidore’s first encounter with the scapular?
3:14–4:50
4
How are the Catholic prayers taught to Isidore used to illustrate his growing courage?
4:50–6:45
5
What insights does Father Hubert Laurent provide about Isidore’s devotion and the scapular’s meaning?
6:45–9:20
6
Why does Van Côté demand that Isidore remove his scapular, and what are the consequences?
9:20–11:25
7
How does the trial explore the legal and moral implications of Isidore’s steadfast faith?
11:25–13:05
8
What final reflections and calls to action close the episode?
13:05–13:55