A traditional dance known as Ligubo was the final calligraphy that was served at the final resting place of a cultural giant Father Claude Boucher Chisale at Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art at Mua Mission in Dedza on Thursday.
This was evidence that Boucher, who was widely known as Achisale or ‘Bush’ at Kungoni was no ordinary person, he served Malawi with all his soul until he breathed his last Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on Monday at the age of 83.
As a member of the White Fathers, Boucher was not supposed to be laid to rest at Kungoni but rather his original home Canada or Likuni in Lilongwe where most of the fathers have been buried.
But Boucher, who founded Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art in 1976, requested to be buried at this place, a residence he called home for years and his wish was granted.
Now his remains lie at Kungoni compound just a few metres from the Amphitheatre where annual open day events that he created are held. This is where the mass for the funeral was also held.
As someone, who was passionate about culture and brought people to understand religion and culture together, Boucher was buried in a simple coffin made from hard wood.
The coffin was not bought but upon his death on Monday, word had to be sent to Kungoni to wood carvers he used to work with, to fashion one with symbols inscribed on it, telling his story.
And having been made from hard wood, the coffin turned out to be heavy such that it took some time to be laid in the grave which was also deep.
On his resting place, apart from wreaths, an artwork of Jesus Christ was also laid symbolising that Boucher had finally finished his work and that he was now awaiting resurrection.
The funeral ceremony yesterday started in the church where Boucher had been lying since his remains were taken from Likuni on Wednesday.
This is a church that is decorated with several drawings done by Boucher, who was also a visual artist, speaking volumes of some of the chores of men and women.
In their eulogies, people, who included His Lordship Peter Chifukwa of Dedza Diocese, praised Boucher for uniting societies as well as selling Malawi to the world through culture.
Minister of Lands Deus Gumba, who represented President Lazarus Chakwera, said Boucher although he came from Canada, he was a Malawian in all his way of life.
Several people, who included bishops, fathers brothers, sisters, academicians, traditional leaders and politicians travelled from various places to be part of the funeral ceremony.
Former official hostess Mama Cecelia Tamanda Kadzamira also attended the burial ceremony and laid her wreath.
There were sad faces especially losing a colossus of a person but not enough to produce tears and at 83 years old, Boucher, who celebrated his birthday on August 2nd – the funeral ceremony was a celebration of his life.
“We are sad that he is gone but we are given strength through his works and his words of wisdom. We will keep on the work that he started and his legacy will live on,” Father Brenda O’shea (Angozo), who is now the Director of Kungoni Centre of Culture and Art and took over from Boucher, said.
