Saturday, August 24, 2024, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimimana, Vice Chancellor of ICK, celebrated his Sacerdotal Silver Jubilee.
The Mass, led by retired Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege at Minor Seminary St Léon, was attended by dignitaries, including the Mayor of Muhanga District.
Retired Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege shared fond memories from Father Prof. Dushimimana’s formative years.
He said “I have watched him grow. He was not only smart in the classroom, but he also loved music and had a talent for making people laugh. When I read his book about children’s education, I realized it was not merely scientific research, but a personal calling. Today, on this jubilee, I see the proof of this dedication and calling evident in his life’s work. Father Fidèle, I wish God grants us another 25 years to witness your continued journey.”
Bishop Smaragde reminded Father Prof. Dushimimana that the time for diligent work is now more crucial than ever.
He said, ‘The time for your mission has begun, and it has reached a critical stage that demands wisdom, patience, dedication, and the ability to seek counsel. These qualities will be essential for you to excel in your priesthood.”
In her address, the Mayor of Muhanga District commended Fr. Dushimimana for his dedication and impact within the community.
Mayor Kayitare stated, ‘On behalf of the district leadership, we regard him as an excellent partner whose events we, as district authorities, are always eager to attend. We are pleased with the way he fulfills the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Diocese. Collaborating with him brings us great satisfaction and joy.”
“As Christians, we are also proud of the progress our priest has made. We wish him a wonderful Jubilee, while also expressing our gratitude that he remains with us on this journey. We apologize for any challenges that the herd may have caused him,” she added.
The Miracle of Books
The Miracle of Books began in 1989 when he was in his third year at the St. Léon Minor Seminary. At the time, he was responsible for playing the piano. One day, as he was attending Mass at the Kabgayi Minor Basilica, he heard someone playing music that was enchanting to his ears. After the Mass, he approached the musician and discovered that he had the fifth volume of a music book titled Les organistes célèbres et grands maîtres classiques by Louis Raffy.
Since Dushimimana wanted to learn to play like that musician, he asked if he could borrow the book. However, the man refused and told him that he had to first study the preceding volumes, Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4, before tackling the fifth one. This was disappointing for Dushimimana, especially since he was told that the only person who had the book was the musician himself.
Still, he didn’t lose hope; he remained determined and believed he would eventually find all five volumes.
While beginning his propaedeutic year at Rutongo Major Seminary, Dushimimana received the first volume of Les organistes célèbres et grands maîtres classiques as a gift. Later, when he was in Major Seminary at Nyakibanda, he found Volume 5, bringing his collection to two volumes, with three still missing.
During his time at the seminary, he received another gift containing Volumes 3 and 4, leaving only Volume 2 missing. In between 1996-1997, while reviving a magazine named Soleil Levant that he was in charge of at the major seminary, he came across the name Muswahili Paulin, who he thought could assist in revitalizing the publication. In their conversations, he learned that Paulin had Volume 2, completing Dushimimana’s collection.
Father Professor Dushimimana refers to this experience as ‘A Miracle of Books’ and likens it to the gift of priesthood he received.
He said, “The way I found these books in an unexpected manner is a gift from God, just as priesthood is also a divine gift. The miracle became possible because I believed it was possible and kept my faith.”
He added that obtaining these books did not only benefit him personally; during his time as an educator at St. Léon, he used these books to teach music to children. This aligns with his belief that “Priesthood is a gift from God, not meant for my benefit alone, but for serving the people of God.”
He also noted that The Miracle of Books passed through the hands of various people, including parents, educators, and friends, much like the gift of priesthood, which came through the support and guidance of many, from parents to others who helped him embrace this calling.
As the Mass concluded, Father Prof. Dushimimana expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone present, emphasizing the importance of living in peace and pursuing successful endeavors within the community and beyond.
This joyful celebration not only marked two and a half decades of Father Prof. Dushimimana’s priestly service but also resonated as a testament to the profound impact of faith, community, and shared love in the continued journey of nurturing souls and uplifting lives.
