Father Vincent Machozi Scholarship Established
To donate visit bu.edu/machozi or call (617) 353-2349
Father Vincent Machozi (STH '15) was a priest with the Augustinians of the Assumption (Assumptionists), and founder of the website Beni Lubero with the purpose of reporting on the atrocities committed by all sides in the turmoil in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the night of March 20, 2016, Machozi was shot to death by DRC soldiers after he posted an online article denouncing the involvement of the Congolese and Rwandan presidents in the massacres of innocent civilians. Fr. Machozi was a beloved member of the African Studies Center where he worked tirelessly on outreach projects aimed at raising awareness of the the violence in the DRC and promoting peace. On April 26, 2016 the Boston University community celebrated the life of Fr. Machozi. He was committed to working with Protestants and Catholics to promote peace and justice. Center Director Timothy Longman spoke at the memorial service and reminded the community that "the loss of Father Machozi leaves a deep wound, but his life and work inspired others who will step up to continue his ministry of fighting oppression and saving lives." In honor of the life and work of Fr. Machozi the Boston University School of Theology hopes to endow the Fr. Vincent Machozi Memorial Scholarship and Lecture on Building Justice and Peace. This scholarship will be offered to one or more students from Africa, attending Boston University's School of Theology, with a preference for those who are committed to study and service focused on justice and peace. This lecture will address global issues of justice and peace, with a particular focus on grassroots transformations of society.