On 31st July, the Rwanda-Burundi Province of the Society of Jesus gathered in joyful thanksgiving to celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. The Eucharistic celebration was a profound expression of gratitude for God’s faithfulness, bringing together Jesuits, bishops, priests, religious, family members, friends, and the faithful to commemorate significant milestones in the life of the province.
This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as Fr. Olivier Kayitare, SJ, professed his Final Vows, making his definitive commitment in the Society of Jesus. The province also honoured the Golden Jubilee of Priesthood of Mgr. Alexis Habiyambere, SJ, Fr. Theoneste Nkeramihigo, SJ, and Fr. Augustin Karekezi, SJ, together with the Silver Jubilee of Jesuit Religious Life of Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ, and Fr. Jean Paul Mukunzi, SJ.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, whose homily reflected on the life and enduring legacy of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He highlighted the indispensable role that the Society of Jesus continues to play in the Church in Rwanda through the formation of priests, religious, and lay faithful, while nurturing men and women committed to serving God and society with discernment, compassion, and intellectual excellence. “To dedicate one’s life to God today, in a world that often no longer values Him, is a courageous witness. Religious life may not always be appreciated or understood, but those who have truly encountered the love of God are not discouraged by this. They are sustained by a profound joy and an enduring peace that come from knowing and following Christ.” — Antoine Cardinal Kambanda.
The celebration was graced by the presence of Mgr. Emeritus Philippe Rukamba, Mgr. Jean Marie Vianney Twagirayezu, Bishop of Kibungo Diocese, and Mgr. Emeritus Jérôme Gapangwa Nteziryayo of Uvira Diocese, alongside numerous priests, religious, family members, benefactors, alumni, collaborators, and friends of the Society of Jesus. Their presence reflected the deep communion shared within the Church and the appreciation for the Jesuits’ mission in Rwanda and Burundi.
The celebration honored lives shaped by decades of generous service to God and His people.
The three Golden Jubilarians marked 50 years of priestly ministry, witnessing to a lifetime of faithful pastoral service, while two companions celebrated 25 years of Jesuit religious life, giving thanks for a quarter century of living the Ignatian vocation. The profession of Final Vows by Fr. Olivier Kayitare, SJ, added another joyful dimension to the celebration, marking the culmination of years of formation, discernment, and generous response to God’s call. Together, these milestones represent a faithful commitment and service to the Church through priesthood, religious life, and Jesuit vocation—a remarkable testament to God’s enduring grace and the generous response of His servants.
In his speech, Fr. Fabien Gasigwa, SJ, Provincial of the Rwanda-Burundi Province, invited the jubilarians and the entire assembly to contemplate the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of faithful discipleship. Drawing on seven key moments in Mary’s journey of faith, he reflected on her openness to God’s will—from her humble question at the Annunciation, “How can this be, since I do not know man?” (Luke 1:34), to her wholehearted response, “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), and her loving visit to her cousin Elizabeth. He encouraged everyone present to embrace God’s call with the same humility, trust, courage, and joyful availability that characterized Mary’s life. Her example, he reminded the congregation, continues to inspire every Christian to respond generously to God’s invitation and to place every gift at the service of others. Addressing the jubilarians, Fr. Gasigwa Fabien, SJ, expressed the province’s heartfelt gratitude for their decades of faithful witness. He wished them jubilees filled with joy, peace, wisdom, and the grace to continue enriching the Church through their experience, counsel, and loving service under the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Concluding the celebration, Fr. Gasigwa Fabien, SJ, summarized the gratitude of the entire Province in seven simple yet deeply meaningful expressions:
These words beautifully captured the affection, respect, and gratitude of the Rwanda-Burundi Province for companions whose lives continue to inspire future generations of Jesuits and all who share in their mission.
A Heart Filled with Gratitude
One of the most moving moments of the celebration came when Fr. Olivier Kayitare, SJ, addressed the assembly following the profession of his Final Vows.
With deep humility, he gave thanks to God for the gift of his vocation and expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, the Society of Jesus, his formators, fellow Jesuits, collaborators, and all those whose encouragement and witness had accompanied him throughout his journey. He acknowledged that his vocation had been nurtured by the support, prayers, and example of countless people who helped him grow in his desire to follow Christ as a Jesuit priest. His words served as a reminder that every vocation is both a personal response to God’s call and the fruit of a community that accompanies, supports, and believes.
The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola is more than an annual commemoration; it is an invitation to renew the Ignatian mission of seeking and finding God in all things. The witness of the jubilarians and the definitive commitment of Fr. Olivier Kayitare, SJ, remind us that every vocation flourishes through faithfulness, generous service, and a constant openness to God’s call.
As the Rwanda-Burundi Province looks to the future, it does so with gratitude for the past, hope for the present, and confidence in the God who continues to call men and women to serve the Church with courage, discernment, and love.
May the spirit of St. Ignatius continue to inspire us all to live Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam—For the Greater Glory of God
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