BASANKUSU, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF. - The first station (Yumbi on the Congo River, upstream from Kwamout, currently within the Apostolic Prefecture of Bikoro) was founded in 1905 by the Mill Hill Missionaries at the invitation of King Leopold II. In 1919, when the Vicariate of Belgian Congo was dissolved, the mission, relocated to Bokakata in the Lulonga basin, was transferred to the Vicariate of New Antwerp (now Lisala) and later erected as a prefecture (1928). Its territorial boundaries were defined and borders with the mission of Coquilhatville were adjusted in 1931. On January 8, 1948, it was elevated to an Apostolic Vicariate. The territory covers approximately 70,000 sq. km.; total population: approximately 226,000 Bantu people (Mongo, Ngombe, Monganda, etc.), of whom 33,405 are Catholic and 3,508 are catechumens; pagans number about 155,500; Protestants about 21,500. The 15 primary stations (14 churches, 183 chapels) are served by 50 priests and 7 Mill Hill Brothers (almost all Dutch), assisted by 45 sisters (of the Sisters of Charity of Morslede and Franciscan Tertiaries of Asten); 275 catechists and 107 teachers. Mission works include 45 elementary schools (3,716 pupils), 2 vocational schools (43 pupils), one normal school (52 pupils), several maternal and infant care centers, and 10 dispensaries.
Evangelization is hindered not only by unfavorable climatic and sanitary conditions but also by progressive population decline, particularly among the Mongo, caused by widespread immorality, as well as by the increased dispersion of the indigenous population seeking profitable employment (copal extraction) during the war. However, good prospects are offered by increased school attendance and the founding of colleges, which are vibrant with future Catholic families.