The Diocese of Cyangugu was honored to welcome Most Reverend Karl-Heinz Wiesemann, Bishop of the Diocese of Speyer, on Saturday, 17th August 2024, as part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the Diocese of Speyer and the Diocese of Cyangugu. Bishop Karl-Heinz arrived at Kamembe Airport, accompanied by two Christians from the Diocese of Speyer, and was warmly received by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu Diocese.

On Sunday, 18th August 2024, Bishop Karl-Heinz participated in a significant event for the local Catholic community—the priestly ordination of Deacon Simon Kaneza, a native of Nkanka Parish. The ordination took place at Nkanka Parish, where the Bishop was joined by a delegation from the Parish of Erfenbach in Speyer Diocese, led by Madame Barbara. This event was a powerful testament to the strong and enduring bonds between the two dioceses, which were initially forged by Bishop Taddée Ntihinyurwa, the first Bishop of Cyangugu, and Bishop Anton Schlembach, former Bishop of Speyer.

In his address at the ordination ceremony, Bishop Karl-Heinz expressed deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to the growth and sustenance of this partnership. He specifically acknowledged the efforts of the late Bishop Jean Damascene Bimenyimana, former Bishop of Cyangugu, and the current Bishop, Edouard Sinayobye, as well as the faithful from both the Diocese of Speyer and the Diocese of Cyangugu. He emphasized that “All in Jesus Christ we are one, and to be one is a significant sign of God’s presence. It shows that we will all be together in heaven if we continue to build and strengthen this unity.”

The third day of Bishop Karl-Heinz’s visit, Monday, 19th August 2024, was marked by several key visits to important sites within the diocese. In Mashyuza Parish, he visited the Missionaries of Charity, where the Sisters shared their experiences of working among the poor. He also toured Saint Paul Muko School, which has played a crucial role in integrating around 320 former street children. These children are now receiving education, nourishment, and accommodation with generous families who have welcomed them into their homes. The children expressed their gratitude to the Bishop through testimonies and a vibrant display of traditional dances and gymnastics, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

At Mashyuza Parish, Bishop Karl-Heinz also visited disabled children and their parents, who are supported by the diocesan Caritas. These families receive specialized treatments such as physiotherapy and kinesiology, which have significantly improved their quality of life.

The Bishop’s final stop on this day was at Saint Joseph Mibilizi Hospital, where he reviewed the ongoing construction of a new maternity ward—a project funded by the Diocese of Speyer. He expressed his joy at the positive impact this project is already having on the services provided to pregnant women and pledged continued support for the hospital’s initiatives.

On the fourth day of his visit, Bishop Karl-Heinz traveled to Nkombo Parish, located on an island in Lake Kivu. The community there was celebrating 20 years of partnership between Nkanka Parish and Erfenbach, and eight years of collaboration between Nkombo Parish and the Parish of Efnebach. In his speech, Bishop Karl-Heinz reiterated that unity is the vision of the Church, stressing that “to be one—people from Germany, people from Rwanda, Cyangugu Diocese—all of us are brothers and sisters. We are one, and we must share that joy and belief in our unity.” As a symbol of this strong partnership, he presented a candle to the parish priest of Nkombo.

Throughout his visit, Bishop Karl-Heinz has been accompanied by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye, who has guided him through the various projects and initiatives that the two dioceses have built together over the past 40 years. The visit continues, with Bishop Karl-Heinz set to explore more of the Diocese of Cyangugu, further strengthening the ties that bind these two dioceses in faith and friendship.

“Es lebe die Partnerschaft zwischen der Diözese Cyangugu und der Diözese Speyer!”

Prepared by Fr Diogene DUFATANYE