Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Denis Kitenge, 60, passed away in the Lord on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, following a brief hospitalization for complications due to melanoma. Father Kitenge was a priest of the Diocese of Tshumbe, Democratic Republic of the Congo, who served in residence at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Dunedin from 1998 to 2001 and as Parochial Vicar of the same parish from 2001 through 2006, after which he pursued a degree in Engineering from the University of South Florida, Tampa. He was a pilot, who had previously completed studies at the National Aviation Academy, in Clearwater, where he obtained the skills to repair and maintain airplanes.

After moving to Tampa, Father Kitenge continued to provide assistance in parishes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg until moving back to his native country in December 2010. He later returned to Florida, where he resided in Jacksonville, while continuing his work with aircraft until shortly before his death.

A Funeral Mass was held on May 14, 2024, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, after which Father Kitenge was buried in Tshumbe.

Please keep the family members and dear friends of Father Kitenge in your kind thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,
by the mercy of God, rest in peace!