- On Saturday, August 29th, the Salesian community of Rukago officially received a new Rector
During the ceremony of installing Fr. Sinaize as Rector of the Salesian community of Rukago, the Provincial, reading and quoting the Constitutions, highlighted that the Rector in the community is the Director of the Salesian religious community and the first responsible one for the EPC (Educative and Pastoral Community). He said that faith comes first, for the Rector represents Christ. He is at God’s service and at the center of the community. He is the animator of the members of the community and all the collaborators. Father Sinaize professed his faith and signed the document, and this marks the beginning of his ministry as Rector of the Salesian community of Rukago.
- On Sunday, August 31st, Fr. Sinaize was entrusted with the pastoral leadership of the parish, assuming the role of Parish Priest. On that day, a multitude of Christians from every corner of the parish, along with invited guests, assembled to witness the installation of Fr. Sinaize Bigirimana as the new Parish Priest.
The installation ceremony was presided over by His Excellency, the Bishop of Ngozi Msgr. George Bizimana. The gathering was also graced by the presence of the Provincial, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, accompanied by a significant number of Salesians. The event also convened members of the broader Salesian Family, religious congregations engaged in pastoral ministry within the parish, and civic dignitaries. In his opening address, the Bishop recalled the three essential functions of a parish priest, rooted in the ‘munera Christi’ : the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. These functions of a Parish priest are sacred duties entrusted to him for the building up of the Body of Christ.
The Bishop emphasised that the parish priest is bound to proclaim the Gospel and ensure sound catechesis. He declared that Fr. Sinaize is called to instil the Catholic faith and doctrine in the hearts of the faithful. Moreover, the Parish priest sanctifies the people of God through the celebration of the sacraments. The Bishop noted that Fr. Sinaize will make every provision for sacramental life, and spiritual life, enabling the faithful to grow in grace and holiness. He is the right hand of the Bishop in the Parish, a pastor of the parish. And also, the parish priest exercises the pastoral governance in the name of Christ. The Bishop described this role as shepherding the flock in faith, unity, and charity modelled after the Good Shepherd who “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The parish priest prays for them. He is always in unity and faith with the catholic church.
With deep gratitude, the Bishop thanked the outgoing parish priest, Father Benjamin Gahungu, for his remarkable pastoral leadership. Under his guidance, the parish flourished both spiritually and in number. Many young people received the sacraments, and the community experienced tangible growth in faith and fellowship. His legacy, marked by dedication and compassion, was honoured with heartfelt prayers and blessings for his future ministry.
Fr. Sinaize Bigirimana was then formally installed as the new parish priest. The Bishop introduced him as a man of humility and spiritual depth, known to him personally for many years. Humility, said the bishop, is the root of all gifts /talents and graces including unity and truth. Thus, if one wants his talents to grow, he accepts to be humble. Drawing from Christ’s teaching “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mat. 18:4), he urged the faithful to imitate Fr. Sinaize’s humility and to embrace him as a model on their journey toward eternal life.
The installation rite included Fr. Sinaize’s public profession of faith and renewal of priestly promises. In his dialogue with the Bishop, he replied with the words “ ‘Yego ndabishaka’ (Yes, I want it) and ‘ Yego ndavyemeye’ (Yes, I believe)” with which he accepted the mission entrusted to him, pledging fidelity to the Church and to the people of God of Rukago.
Thereafter, the Bishop solemnly led the new parish priest to the presider’s chair at the altar, signifying his canonical authority to shepherd the parish community. In a gesture rich with ecclesial symbolism, the Bishop entrusted to him the keys of the church and of the tabernacle, thereby conferring both pastoral responsibility and custodial stewardship over the sacred space.
The celebration culminated in a fraternal agape meal, symbolizing the unity of the ecclesial body. The Salesians gathered around the Bishop, reaffirming their commitment to the mission. The pastoral council, liturgical teams, and economic committees expressed their readiness to support Fr. Sinaize in his new role. His multifaceted talents, especially in music and community engagement, were recognized as gifts that will enrich the parish’s spiritual and cultural life.
The event drew notable guests, including the secretary of the administrator of Muhanga commune, who praised the Salesians’ contributions to education and holistic human development. He affirmed that “the development brought by the Church is not only spiritual but also social and integral, respecting the dignity of the human person.”
The installing of Fr. Sinaize Bigirimana marks a new chapter in the history of Rukago parish. Blessed by the presence of the Bishop and embraced by a vibrant community, this moment stands as a testament to the Church’s living tradition where apostolic succession, pastoral care, and communal faith converge in service to the Gospel.
May this humble shepherd lead with wisdom, love and fidelity, and may the parish of Rukago continue to flourish as a beacon of light in the Diocese of Ngozi.
Thaddee Nduwimana, SDB
