On Thurday evening, November 7, 2024, the Salesian community “Scolasticat Bl. Michael Rua”, located in Muhanga in the sector of Shyogwe, celebrated solemnly the feast of Bl. Michael RUA, the patron of this community. This feast, which is celebrated on 29th October in the universal church, was postponed to 7th November for different pastoral reasons. The festivities started with the Eucharistic celebration led by Fr Gabriel NGENDAKURIYO – Provincial of the African Great Lakes province (AGL). It was attended by Salesians of Don Bosco of the Scolasticat community, salesian cooperators, ADMA, Christians and other members of the Salesian Family.
Fr Gabriel NGENDAKURIYO, in his homily elaborated on the human and spiritual figure of Blessed Michael Rua and his zealous and tireless cooperation with Don Bosco, “Michael Rua was born in Turin on 9th July 1837, 22 years after the birth of Don Bosco; as a young child, he used to attend the oratory of Don Bosco at Valdocco until when he assimilated the spirit of Don Bosco. From these first encounters, St. John Bosco mysteriously discerned that little Michael was destined to be his principal helper in the congregation he was to found. A relationship that would last forever had begun.” said Fr Gabriel.
Fr Provincial further reminded the Salesians of Kabgayi and Christians the beautiful and heart touching words of Fr Pascal Chavez – Rector major emeritus, on the figure of Michael Rua saying that Michael Rua was a copy of Don Bosco, the most faithful son of Don Bosco and the living testament, much more than a disciple, a friend, a son or a successor, God gave St. John Bosco another himself to expand his work, he was like the bell that reverberated far and wide the spirit and mentality of St. John Bosco, founder of our Congregation. We should always invoke him, imitate him as our patron Saint and first successor of Don Bosco.
In his concluding remarks Fr Gabriel demonstrated that although Don Rua was acclaimed by his contemporaries as another Don Bosco, some of his personal characteristics were very different from those of his master. In this sense his mission also consisted in completing him. In fact, the distinction between the two did not separate, but unite them in view of the realization of God’s plan for them and for the Salesian work.
There is unanimous recognition of the qualities of Michael Rua: a man of noble character, upright conscience, acute intelligence and a prodigious memory, a gifted organizer, but above all, a humble soul overflowing with faith.
His countenance was cheerful, his presence discreet, and his spirit was perpetually serene. His heart, however, was ardent and his horizons vast! His ability to manage and simultaneously carry through a series of undertakings gave him a marked note of determination. His good humour was also evident, even in the most difficult moments.
Father Gabriel invited the members of the salesian community of Kabgayi to pray for the miracle needed in order to proceed to his canonization.
Mugasho Richard Dickson, sdb
