On Sunday, July 14th, 2024, Runyanzovu Parish witnessed a historic and joyous occasion as the priests’ house was blessed, followed by a Holy Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend Edouard SINAYOBYE, Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese. The event was a significant milestone for the parish, created in 2022 and dedicated to the Holy Family.
The Holy mass at the center of the ceremonies
The ceremony began with the blessing of the new priests’ house, a much-needed facility that marks the parish’s progress and the community’s resilience. This was followed by a solemn and uplifting Holy Mass, led by Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE, who praised the community’s determination and faith. He reminded everyone that the creation of Runyanzovu Parish was driven by the local Christians’ needs, which the Diocese responded to despite the challenges.
During the blessing ceremony of the priests’house
Runyanzovu Parish, comprising 5 sub-parishes and 100 Christian Base Communities (CEB), serves approximately 9,508 Catholics. Despite the lack of a local health center, with the nearest one being 12 kilometers away, the presence of the parish and its resident priests brings hope. The priests frequently visit the poor, the sick, people with disabilities, and the elderly, offering them sacraments and various forms of assistance.
The courage and initiative of the Runyanzovu Christians stand as a testament to their unwavering faith and commitment. Taking the responsibility into their own hands, they collected funds to buy the land for their parish, constructed the chapel, and successfully completed the priests’ house project. Their determination and collective effort, with support from the Diocese and benefactors, have been the driving force behind these achievements. We encourage the community to continue in this direction, exemplifying the power of unity and dedication.
During the speeches, heartfelt gratitude was expressed towards the benefactors who supported the project, particularly Madame Traude Schroettner from Austria, who attended the ceremonies and pledged to provide a new motorcycle for the priests. The parish priest, Jean Baptiste NDUWAMUNGU, highlighted other pressing needs, including classrooms for primary and secondary schools, a local health center, better road conditions, and offices for the priests.
With our friends from Austria, we are a one family
The event was marked by vibrant dances, songs, and speeches, reflecting the community’s joy and thanksgiving to God for the project’s successful completion. Local authorities, represented by the Executive Secretaries of Nkungu and Nyakarenzo Sectors, acknowledged the strong collaboration between the Diocese and local authorities and committed to ongoing cooperation for the people’s development.
During ceremonies, young children expressed their joy
The visitors from Austria, who played a crucial role in constructing the priests’ house, expressed their pride in the community’s unity and joy. They emphasized the importance of sharing this joy with people in Austria and fostering the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood under one Father, our Almighty God.
The ceremonies, which began at 9:30 am and concluded at 3:00 pm with the Bishop’s blessing, were a testament to the power of faith, community, and collaborative efforts. The people of Runyanzovu Parish, with their unwavering spirit and commitment, continue to inspire and bring hope to their region.
Let us continue to support and pray for Runyanzovu Parish as they embark on this new chapter, striving for further development and the well-being of their community.
Prepared by Fr. Diogene DUFATANYE