On Saturday, October 5, 2024, Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira was formally consecrated and entrusted with the leadership of the Diocese of Butare.
The ceremony, held at Butare Cathedral, was attended by several distinguished guests, including the Minister of Local Government Jean Claude Musabyimana, who represented the President of Rwanda, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana, Southern Province Governor Alice Kayitesi, and the leaders of Huye, Gisagara, Nyanza, and Nyaruguru districts, among many others.
The event was preceded by a Holy Mass led by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda.
In his address, Bishop Ntagungira urged the priests of the Butare Diocese to remain vigilant and continue fostering unity among themselves.
He asked for their support, saying, “I want you to be not only my fellow missionaries but also my brothers and friends.”
He continued, “The duty of a shepherd is to lead from the front, showing the way while staying close to the flock. A shepherd must know the scent of his sheep (the faithful), and this is the goal: to smell like the sheep and be deeply connected to the community he leads.”
“I will ensure that we, as a community, live together in harmony. I will listen to you, and you will listen to me, as we discern together what is right and make decisions based on mutual agreement.”
Bishop Ntagungira expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Bishop Philippe Rukamba, and urged the priests of the Butare Diocese to work together in unity and brotherhood.
Minister Musabyimana commended Bishop Philippe Rukamba for his significant contributions to promoting unity and reconciliation, education, and supporting young mothers.
“We greatly appreciate Bishop Rukamba for initiating the healing and reconciliation process in the diocese, as well as his various efforts in education,” the minister said.
He also pledged the government’s continued cooperation with the new Bishop of Butare Diocese, assuring him of unwavering support in the diocese’s mission.
Cardinal Kambanda told the faithful of Butare Diocese that God had blessed them with a good bishop who is full of strength and determination to carry out his duties.
“Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira is a man of strength and willpower. Stay close to him, for you have been given a strong and willing shepherd.”
Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira is the third bishop of Butare Diocese, which was founded in 1961. He succeeds Bishop Philippe Rukamba, who followed the first bishop, Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi.
Photos: Igihe&Kinyamateka
