On Saturday, 11 February 2023 Saint Ignatius High School (SIHS) celebrated a graduation ceremony for its 5th class (2021-2022). The day started with a procession of the graduates leading to the School’s tent where a Eucharistic celebration was to take place. Rev. Fr. Augustin Karekezi, SJ, the president of the school’s board of governance, was the main celebrant, surrounded by Frs Fabien Gasigwa, SJ (the day’s guest of honour), Innocent Rugaragu, SJ (the Rector of Saint Ignatius Schools), and Emile Nsengimana, SJ (SIHS Rector).
In his homily, the celebrant reminded the congregation that thanksgiving is an important act to pose everyday of our lives. Commenting on the sin of Adam and Eve, he drew the congregation’s attention to how Adam accuses Eve and the latter, the snake. “No one of them asked for forgiveness” he wondered. He insisted that part of thanksgiving is looking back to see what was not done as best as it could have been.
A ceremony of handing certificates to graduates followed. Students’ leaders, teachers, parents, Jesuits and all present were wonderfully entertained by the school’s traditional dance club.
A series of speeches followed. Thanksgiving was the recurring theme that cut across all that was said. In his remarks, the Regional Superior of Rwanda-Burundi who was also the guest of honour reminded the graduates to walk in the light of God, to be good ambassadors of the school wherever they are going, and to always have their alma mater at heart. He reminded them that they are beautiful roses that must fascinate and leave the world in wonder, just as Saint Ignatius of Loyola asks us to go and set the world on fire.
On this occasion, the graduates asked for the school to facilitate them in creating the school’s alumni association.