The Holy mass was in the evening and in attendance were the confreres, the Salesians family, the Christians community and friends of the late Fr. Elie. The mass was celebrated by Fr. Nguyen Van Gia cat Joseph, the Principal of Don Bosco VTC -Kamuli , assisted by Dn. Godwin Cekecan, co-celebrated by Salesian priests and a diocesan priest, Fr Peter Abwoli a close friend to Fr Elie.
The main celebrant quoted Art. 54 of the constitution while introducing the mass “… when it happens that a Salesian dies working for souls, the Congregation has won a great triumph…”
His life profile was read by Br. Christian Nsanzumuhire which touched the congregation. During the homily, in connection with the Uganda Martyrs which we celebrate today 3rd June, Fr Cat Joseph stressed the joy their death had brought for us here on earth and in heaven. So, when a servant of God dies (Fr. Elie) more especially when it is a Salesian. He said just as our founder Don Bosco promised us ” Work, bread and heaven” we are sure that he has met the celestial beings. He asked us to imitate the late Fr Elie’s simple, determined, joyful, humorous, kind, loving, hardworking, polite, playful qualities…in summary a priest, a father, a friend of a unique character with a big Salesian heart which made him connect with all categories of people within and without.
Everyone here and outside has something at least to say about the late Fr Elie since you had a personal experience with him. Among the few called to give a speech was the headteacher of Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School, the PTA chairman of the school, the Chairperson and Coordinator of Salesian Cooperators in Uganda, a friend of Fr Elie among many, a Burundian representative within the community. All these people recognised all the qualities made mention above on Fr. Elie Nyandwi. May his soul find rest and enjoy the fullness of beautitudes in heaven.
Dn. Godwin Cekecan, SDB.
