KOLPING INTERNATIONAL mourns the loss of its Kolping brother and long-standing Managing Director of KOLPING Benin, Marcellin C. Djanato, who passed away on February 24 in Lomé after a short illness. He was aged 69.
Marcellin Djanato has been passionately committed to Kolping since the 1990s. He came into contact with the association and its global ‘help for self-help’ through his studies in fisheries in Germany. With the support of his German contacts, he also brought these ideas to Benin. Together, donations were collected and initial relief efforts were initiated in Marcellin’s hometown of Agbato. This was followed by the founding of Kolping Families, the establishment of a health centre and, in 2005, the founding of the National Association of KOLPING Benin. Marcellin Djanato led the association with great success and dedication until the end. Under his leadership, KOLPING Benin grew to almost 4,000 members and contributed to the sustainable development of the country with projects in agriculture, well drilling, microcredit and literacy. ‘Marcellin was the face and heart of KOLPING Benin. His death leaves a void that can only be filled by the many positive memories we have of him. We are deeply indebted to him for his life’s work and will remember him in prayer at the grave of Adolph Kolping,’ explains General Praeses Christoph Huber.
His work remains both a role model and an obligation for us. It is with deep gratitude and affection that we bid farewell to an extraordinary person and loyal Kolping brother.
