Bishop of Mweka
Oscar Nkolo Kanowa, C.I.C.M., was born on September 8, 1957, in Mbuji-Mayi. He attended primary school in Kamilabi-Kananga and secondary school at the Minor Seminary of Kabwe. He subsequently entered the Interdiocesan Major Seminary of Kasai-Kabwe for the philosophy cycle. In 1981, he moved to the Scheut Fathers' novitiate in Mbudi, Kinshasa. He made his first vows in September 1982 and his perpetual vows in September 1986. He was ordained a priest on July 19, 1987. Following his ordination, he spent ten years on mission in the Dominican Republic, where he undertook various responsibilities: 1988–1995: Parochial Vicar and Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua, while also serving as Treasurer of the Dominican Province; 1995–1997: Vice-Provincial of the Dominican Republic; 1996–1998: Rector of the Pre-novitiate; 1998–1999: Studies in formation at St. Louis University (USA); 1999–2000: Rector of the Scholasticate in Kinshasa; 2001–2003: Member of the provincial administration and Assistant Provincial Procurator; 2004–2012: Provincial Superior of Kasayi (two consecutive terms) and of Southern Africa (one term); since 2014: Treasurer of the international novitiate in Mbudi, Kinshasa.