Servants of God
Emile Biayenda
Biography
Emile Biayenda was born in Mpangala, Uganda, in 1927.
He was ordained a priest in 1958 in Brazzaville and immediately appointed parish priest. He was imprisoned for a few months because of his participation in the Legion of Mary. He became titular bishop of Garba in 1970 and in 1971 was appointed archbishop of Brazzaville, a position he held until his death. Pope Paul VI created him Cardinal Priest of San Marco in Agro Laurentino in the consistory of 5th of March 1973.
He died assassinated on the night between 22nd and 23rd of March 1977 at the age of 50.
The Diocesan Inquiry on his “life, martyrdom and fame for martyrdom” closed on June 14, 2003. On 29th of May 2015 the decree of validity was granted.
Procedure
1. The canonical norms concerning the procedure to be followed in the Causes of Saints are stated in the Apostolic Constitution Divinus Perfectionis Magister promulgated by John Paul II on 25 January 1983 (AAS LXXV, 1983, 349-355).
2. To initiate a Cause it is necessary that at least five years pass after the death of the candidate. This is to allow for greater balance and objectivity in the evaluation of the case and to allow the emotions of the moment to decant. There must be a clear conviction among people about his/her sanctity (fama sanctitas) and about the efficacy of his/her intercession with the Lord (fama signorum).
Iconography
