25 march is feast of Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. In Cyangugu Diocese this date was a joyful day as the christians of Cyangugu Diocese were celebrating the Episcopal consecration of Father Edouard Sinayobye.

This ordination ceremony was attended by different sort of people and officials like His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda Archbishop of Kigali, Mgr Andrzej Jozefowicz Pope’s messenger in Rwanda, Mgr Thaddée Ntihinyurwa former Cyangugu Diocese Bishop who is now in retreat, all Bishops of Rwanda dioceses, minister of local government and other local opinion leaders. They were also different christians from Cyangugu and Butare Dioceses where he was born.

Inauguration ceremony occurred in the holy mass offered by Bishop Philip Rukamba, in this rite Father Edouard Sinayobye was given a ring which symbolize his fidelity and nuptial bond with Cyangugu Diocese his spouse, they gave him also a Miter as a mark office and authority, then a Pectoral cross that reflects the dignity of the bishop office and a Crosier to highlight his duty to his flock by sustaining the weak and wavering, solidifying their  faith and leading those gone astray back into the true fold.

After becoming a Bishop Edouard continues with Eucharist offering. After holy mass different people took speeches that focused on thanking God for remembering Cyangugu Diocese that have spent 3 years without Bishop following the death of Bishop Jean Damascène Bimenyimana who died in 2018. In that period of time it was leaded by His Excellence Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of Gikongoro Diocese.

The minister of local government Gatabazi Jean Marie Vianney who was stand for the President of Republic thanked a good cooperation between Rwanda catholic church and Rwanda Republic and asks everyone to maintain that bond. He told Bishop Edouard that he president of Republic is happy for him and he will help him to achieve his tasks in his new duties.

In his speech, Bishop Edouard Sinayobye thanked God and his Holiness Pope Francis who appointed him to be Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, he told the rally that he become in Cyangugu to be a servant and parent to Cyangugu’s christians. He also thanked Butare Diocese that raised him well and make him responsible christian. To the President of Republic, Bishop Edouard asks Minister of local government to thank him in his place and tell him that he will always pray for him so that God can keep blessing him and Rwandan country.

As he was advised to look after poor and needy by his former Bishop Philip Rukamba, Bishop Edouard insisted that he will try his best so that christians of Cyangugu Diocese will be spiritually and physically health.

Bishop Sinayobye Edouard was appointed by his Holiness Pope Francis to be a bishop of Cyangugu Diocese on 6th February 2021 and was inaugurated on 25 March 2021. His motto is “Fraternitas in Christo” (Brotherhood in Christ).   

By Fabrice Kazuba