“To remember is our duty; it is also a way of restoring the dignity of the lives taken during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.”
With this conviction, the faithful gathered at Centre Christus in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and deep remembrance on 7th April 2026. This moment was dedicated not only to honoring the memory of the Jesuit fathers who lost their lives during the Genocide against the Tutsi on April 7th, 1994, but also to remembering all those who were killed with them.
In a particular way, the Rwanda-Burundi Jesuit Province commemorated three of its own: Fr. Mahame Chrysologue, SJ, the first Rwandan Jesuit, a pioneer whose vocation opened the way for many others; Fr. Gahizi Patrick, SJ, known for his dedication to pastoral service and his closeness to the people; and Fr. Innocent Rutagambwa, SJ, whose life bore witness to faith, generosity, and commitment to the mission. Their lives remain a lasting testimony to the values they embodied and shared with the communities they served.
This commemoration also brought together many people who came to remember their own loved one; family members, friends, and neighbor who perished during those tragic events, including those who were killed at Centre Christus. In this shared space of memory, our Province’s grief met the grief of the people, forming a united act of remembrance.
The ceremony was marked by symbolic and prayerful gestures. A light of hope was kindled, reminding all present that even in the face of darkness, hope endures. A commemorative Mass was celebrated, entrusting the souls of the departed to God’s infinite mercy. Participants also paid their respects by laying flowers at the Centre Christus memorial site where the victims are buried, a gesture of love, remembrance, and enduring connection. Remembering is not only about the past; it is a commitment for the present and the future. At Centre Christus, this commitment was expressed in three words: to remember, to unite, and to renew. To remember is to safeguard truth and dignity; to unite is to rebuild bonds that were broken; and to renew is to commit ourselves to a future rooted in peace, justice, and reconciliation.
In honoring the memory of the Jesuit fathers and all those who were killed with them, the community renews its promise: to keep their memory alive, to stand together in unity, and to continue building a future where such tragedy is never repeated.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace.