On the evening of Monday, February 3rd, the Salesian community of Scolasticate Blessed Michel Rua Kabgayi gathered for a solemn and joyful celebration of the feast of St. John Bosco. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Right Reverend Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa, Bishop of Kabgayi Diocese. This special occasion brought together priests, religious men and women, lay faithful, members of the Salesian family and young people, all united in honoring the legacy of Don Bosco, Father and Teacher of the youths.

Bishop Ntivuguruzwa’s Homily: Don Bosco as the Good Shepherd.

In his homily, Bishop Ntivuguruzwa delivered a powerful message, drawing a deep parallel between Don Bosco and Jesus, the Good Shepherd. He emphasized that the image of Don Bosco among young people reflects Christ’s mission of guiding, protecting, and loving His flock. Don Bosco, through his mission, dedicated his life to the spiritual and social upliftment of young people, especially the little ones and the poor. He said “John Bosco faced a lot of challenges ranging from financial to social challenges, but he was never discouraged, he never abandoned his mission but instead he trusted in divine providence. We can say he was the good shepherd like Jesus who never lost any of the sheep entrusted to Him by the Father”

The Bishop then turned his attention to the broader challenges facing society, particularly the state of families and the state of young people today. He expressed his strong desire to see men and women, young and old, standing up to defend the family as the first and most fundamental school in society. He stressed that the family plays a crucial role in shaping individuals and that a strong family foundation is essential for nurturing responsible and God-fearing citizens. He desires to see adults holding hands of their young brothers and sisters, leading them towards Jesus.

A Call to Heal a Society in Crisis.

Bishop Ntivuguruzwa did not shy away from addressing the pressing issues affecting young people today. He lamented the reality that many young people have gone astray due to the influence of drugs, materialism, and the pursuit of wealth through unethical means. He acknowledged that even Christians themselves are not exempt from the struggles of moral and spiritual illness, declaring, “We are sick, we have wounds, we need to be healed.” His words were a call for reflection, repentance, and renewal, urging the faithful to seek God’s healing and guidance.

The Bishop’s message was a plea for collective responsibility, urging families, educators, members of the salesian family and the Church to work together in forming the youth and rescuing those who have strayed from the right path. He stressed that without strong moral and spiritual foundations, society would continue to face crises that could deeply damage future generations.

Expanding the Salesian Mission in Kabgayi Diocese.

A significant part of the Bishop’s message was his expressed desire to see the Salesian mission and charism extend beyond its current reach and become more deeply integrated at the diocesan level. He recognized the Salesians’ valuable contribution to education, evangelization, and youth development and encouraged that their approach to evangelization be embraced throughout the diocese.
He called on clergy, religious, and lay faithful to learn from the Salesian model of education, which is centered on reason, religion, and loving kindness. He encouraged a pastoral approach that goes beyond mere teaching and actively engages with young people, guiding them with patience and compassion, just as Don Bosco did.

A Celebration of Faith and Renewal.

The celebration of the feast of St. John Bosco was marked by a strong sense of unity, faith, and commitment to the mission of caring for and educating young people.

The Mass was animated by vibrant liturgical songs animated by the confreres of Kabgayi. Young people actively participated, showing their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace a life of faith and service.

As the celebration concluded, Bishop Ntivuguruzwa’s words remained in the hearts of the faithful—a reminder of the Church’s responsibility towards young people and the importance of strengthening family values. He argued the Christians to always remember him in their prayers such that he may be the good shepherd as Jesus and serve diligently. The call for healing and renewal resonated deeply, inspiring hope that the Salesian spirit would continue to flourish within the Diocese of Kabgayi, bringing light and transformation to many young lives.

This event was not only a commemoration of a great Saint but also a moment of reflection and recommitment to the mission of guiding and forming the youth. As Don Bosco himself once said, “Do whatever you can. God will do what we cannot.” With this spirit, the Salesian family in Kabgayi moves forward with renewed zeal, embracing their mission to educate, evangelize, and transform lives.

Richard Dickson MUGASHO, sdb

Scolasticate – Don Bosco Kabgayi