Celebrating The Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Final Vows of Fr. Kayitare Olivier, SJ and Jubilees

On 31^st July 2026, 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.

Honoring Lifelong Fidelity

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.

By Ms. Laura Dusingize