In 1997, in the Republic of Congo, where ministered as a missionary — built a pharmacy and a house for nuns, planned to build a church and a hospital, and intended to teach beekeeping and sheep farming — civil war broke out. On 14.10.1997, with the support of an invading army from Angolan, the democratically elected government fell. The opposition seized power. Arrests of opponents of the new regime began, and property was looted.

At the same time, in 1997, disarmament committees began to be organized in the Poole district, where ministered in the Loulombo mission, among other places. Took the position of vice‐chairman of one of them.

However, in response, militias associated with the Bakongo tribe rose up in arms, particularly in the Pool district. Ntsiloulou militias associated with the Lari tribe joined them. They became particularly active in 08‐10.1998.

It was then, on 25.10.1998, that the Loulombo parish council decided, in the face of the rebel threat, to temporarily abandon the parish. Refused. Reportedly said: „If I leave Loulombo, the Christians will flee too. It's better to stay and die among my parishioners”.

Was then to write last letter to his family: „I am not sure about tomorrow, it is almost war again, the capital of the diocese is deserted. The entire region, one might say, is on fire. Everything is in the Lord's hands. Most of the missions have been plundered. There are only two, or maybe three, where there are priests. I am staying here until the end, the parish is functioning almost normally, every day we pray a part of the Rosary for peace”.

On 27.10.1998, a rebel group appeared in the village. Demanded the surrender of weapons, which they claimed were hidden in the rectory. Replied that „doesn't have it, because did not come to Congo to wage war, but to preach peace”.

The rectory was searched, finding nothing. After the robbery, they left the village, „eating mangoes”, as a witness described it. Immediately after, a second group arrived. Also demanded the surrender of weapons.

Replied that they could „shoot at him and still find nothing”.

Then one of the attackers fired two shots at him.

Fatally.

Was buried in a makeshift coffin behind the chapel, near the grotto of Our Lady.

On 29.12.1999, the rebels — opponents of the overthrown government and president — surrendered and signed a peace treaty. The war claimed 13,929‐25,050 lives, 200,000 people lost their homes and residences, and 6,000 went into exile outside of Congo.