SMPC Member, Jean-Marie Mupenda is a statistician and information technology professional with a depth of project management experience, but these skills are not all he brings to the Sandhurst Mission and Pastoral Council.
A refugee from the People’s Democratic Republic of Congo, Jean-Marie is a living example of grace and resilience. Guided by his faith, he is a staunch human rights advocate committed to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.
In 2003, Jean-Marie and his wife Adolphine were newlyweds when they fled their home country to seek refuge in nearby Benin. In 2007, they were granted asylum in Australia and moved to Shepparton where they are raising their seven children and are active participants in parish life at St Brendan’s.
Over the last seventeen years, Jean-Marie has contributed to the Shepparton community by volunteering in various leadership positions. For ten years he was the President of the Goulburn Valley African Communities Association and the African Communities representative on the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District.
In these roles, he has worked to showcase African culture and encourage mutual respect and cultural cohesion. “I want to create spaces where everyone can thrive and participate fully in society, regardless of their background,” emphasises Jean-Marie.
He has also advocated tirelessly for the rights of people in his homeland. As President of Voices for Silent People (VSP), Jean-Marie petitioned the Australian Government to support an international tribunal to investigate war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and has connected VSP members directly with people in Congo.
Jean-Marie says his Christian faith has informed his commitment to justice and compassion.
“I remember my father had this very big bible,” jokes Jean-Marie. “But seriously, we lived a Catholic life which formed my values.”
Jean-Marie is ever mindful that now, in Australia, he can advocate for causes without fear. “I was very active in denouncing the violation of human rights in my country, but when I discovered the government pretended to protect people while secretly assassinating those who opposed them, I became worried.” Given his precarious situation, Jean-Marie heeded the warning of his friends – “You will be a number” – and fled with Adolphine to Benin.
Jean-Marie and Adolphine lived in Benin as refugees, without any scope to settle there permanently, so he sought assistance from the United Nations Refugee Agency. “When I came to Australia, the immigration agent told me I was no longer a refugee, because I already had a permanent residency visa; it was a miracle for my family,” says Jean-Marie, who feels incredibly blessed, and driven to raise awareness of the plight of millions of people who are suffering in refugee camps, not knowing what their future holds.
Jean Marie says he feels privileged and honoured to be a member of the SMPC. “I think it’s important for me to participate fully in the Church and in society and that I represent others well. When African Catholics in Shepparton heard I was on the SMPC, they were happy – they could see themselves on the SMPC. They wanted to meet me to discuss issues and ideas for me to take to the SMPC. This is good news because it shows they feel they belong to the Catholic family.”
