Bishop of Goma
Willy Ngumbi, M. Afr., was born on February 13, 1965, in Bujumbura (Burundi), where his family had temporarily relocated due to his father’s work. He attended primary and secondary school in Walikale, after which he entered the *Notre Dame d’Afrique* Major Seminary in Bukavu for philosophy studies (1984–1987). Subsequently, he completed his novitiate in Fribourg (1987–1988) with the Society of Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers); he then carried out apostolic work in Birni N’Koni, in the Diocese of Maradi (Niger), before beginning theology studies in Toulouse (1990–1993), which he concluded with a Licentiate degree. He made his perpetual profession on December 1, 1992, and was ordained a priest of the Society of Missionaries of Africa on August 1, 1993. Following his ordination, he held various positions: 1993–1994: Parochial Vicar at Birni N’Koni parish, Diocese of Maradi (Niger); 1994–1997: Parish Priest of Zinder parish, Diocese of Maradi (Niger); 1997–2000: Vocations animator and formator for the White Fathers' propaedeutic program in Goma; 2000–2003: Provincial Assistant for the South-East Congo Province; from 2004: Formator at the White Fathers' novitiate in Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).