Journeying With The Youth
In the Rwanda-Burundi Jesuit Province, accompanying young adults is a priority apostolic commitment.
In both Rwanda and Burundi, young people represent the majority of the population and carry within them the promise of a new future. In a context marked by economic challenges, social changes, the digital revolution, and deep aspirations for peace and justice, they are called to become agents of change. The Society of Jesus recognizes their creative potential, their capacity for innovation, and their desire to give meaning to their lives. For this reason, it is committed to accompanying them so that they may discover their vocation, develop their talents, and become women and men dedicated to the service of others.
The accompaniment of young people draws its inspiration from the spirituality of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This spirituality invites each person to seek and find God in all things, to practice discernment, and to respond generously to God’s call in the concrete realities of life. It is a spirituality of movement, hope, and transformation, encouraging young people to grow in their relationship with Christ while actively engaging in the service of the common good.
We believe that every young person carries a unique calling. Our mission is to create spaces where they can listen to the voice of God, reflect on their experiences, deepen their faith, and discover how to place their gifts at the service of society. Thus, spiritual accompaniment is not limited to religious formation; it seeks the integral growth of the person—human, intellectual, spiritual, social, and professional.
Today, the Province accompanies nearly 6,000 young people through its various apostolic works. This mission is carried out notably through our schools; social centres, including Urumuri Centre in Kigali and Yezu Mwiza in Bujumbura; our parishes and chaplaincies; and Ignatian movements such as MAGIS and MEJ, as well as choirs, youth associations, and other local initiatives.
Through these different spaces, young people are invited to take part in spiritual retreats, vocational discernment sessions, leadership training, volunteer experiences, and activities that promote human development, solidarity, and civic engagement.
Accompaniment is always a reciprocal journey. As we walk alongside young people, we discover their dreams, questions, talents, and new ways of looking at the world. Their creativity, dynamism, and capacity for innovation also enrich our own mission.
In turn, we help them reflect on their experiences in the light of the Gospel, discern the movements of their hearts, make free and responsible choices, and build their lives on solid values. We seek to form young people who are able to bring together professional competence, spiritual depth, and social commitment.