Today, Sunday, October 6, 2024, Cité Nazareth de Mbare School in the Kabgayi Diocese celebrated its Silver Jubilee since its founding.
The event began with a Mass graced by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of Rwanda’s Episcopal Conference, alongside Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa of Kabgayi, Bishop Vincent Harolimana of the Ruhengeri Diocese, Bishop Celestin Hakizimana of the Gikongoro Diocese, and Bishop Emeritus Anastase Mutabazi, who served as Bishop of Kabgayi from 1996 to 2004 and played a key role in the construction of Cité Nazareth de Mbare. Retired Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege was also present.
The celebration was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice-Mayor of Muhanga District in charge of Social Affairs, Mr. Gilbert Mugabo.
During the Mass, a message from Pope Francis was read, expressing solidarity with the Kabgayi Diocese during this significant milestone. Cité Nazareth Mbare was established following the wish of Saint Pope John Paul II, who visited Rwanda and celebrated Mass at the very location where the school stands today.
Pope Francis’ message read: “On this day, His Holiness Pope Francis joins the Diocese of Kabgayi in thought and prayer. He also shares in your joy as you celebrate 25 years since the founding of Cité Nazareth de Mbare. He extends his gratitude to the educators of this institution, particularly the headmistress, Mama Drocella Musabyemariya, and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart for their devotion, which ensures that every child feels the love of God.”
The message continued: “Dear children, His Holiness encourages you to always place your faith in God, who loves you infinitely and gave His life for you on the Cross. He urges you to put your hope in Christ, live according to the Gospel, and embrace the gift of forgiveness, both for yourselves and for those who have wronged you. He entrusts you to the Blessed Virgin Mary through the prayers of Saint John Paul II.”
Pope Francis concluded his message by giving his blessing.
Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, reflecting on the significance of the school, noted that Cité Nazareth de Mbare is a special gift from Saint Pope John Paul II to Rwanda, as the school plays a vital role in the Church’s mission.
He said, “We are here to celebrate these 25 years because education first and foremost helps a child to know God. The children we welcome here often come from difficult backgrounds or have not had the opportunity to grow up in a family setting. By helping them understand that God is a loving Father, we instill hope and faith in them, which enables them to develop their talents and use them effectively.”
Cardinal Kambanda linked this to the mission of Catholic education, which focuses on listening to children, recognizing their gifts, and understanding their concerns to support their growth.
Cité Nazareth: A Legacy from Saint Pope John Paul II to the People of Rwanda
Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa emphasized the historical connection between Cité Nazareth de Mbare School and Saint Pope John Paul II.
He recalled how, during his visit to Rwanda in 1992, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Mbare site, where the Sacerdotal Sacrament was administered on September 8, 1990.
During that Mass, 25 Rwandans, including Cardinal Antoine Kambanda and Bishop Vincent Harolimana, along with six others from the Goma Diocese, ordained priesthood by Pope John Paul II.
Bishop Ntivuguruzwa added, “The strong connection between this institution and Saint Pope John Paul II continued. This saint envisioned and built this home after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It became a refuge for orphans and vulnerable children, providing them with both education and parental love.”
Due to the large number of orphans in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, in 1997, Pope John Paul II initiated the project to build the school through his commission for family welfare. The aim was to offer these children what history had denied them.
On May 1, 1997, Cardinal Alfonso López Trujillo laid the foundation stone, and in 1999, the home started receiving children, alongside the launch of the school for their education.
Bishop Ntivuguruzwa concluded by thanking God for this blessing, saying, “Brothers and sisters, we are here to thank God, the indescribable God, who gave us Saint Pope John Paul II. He provided these Rwandan children, who were affected by the genocide, a chance to grow up in this home. This home has restored life and dignity to many children, nurturing and educating them with love. It continues to carry and heal the wounds of those who suffered.”
Mr. Gilbert Mugabo, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact the school has had over the past 25 years.
He said, “Let us thank God for the good fruits this school has borne over the past 25 years. We also extend our gratitude to Saint Pope John Paul II for his vision in establishing this institution. What started as a home has grown into a beacon of hope for many children, where they receive not only education but also moral and spiritual guidance.”
Mr. Mugabo emphasized that the school has significantly contributed to education and social welfare. He highlighted the importance of reflecting on the school’s future direction as it continues to serve many generations.
Currently, Cité Nazareth Mbare accommodates 795 children, including 720 in primary and secondary school and 75 in preschool, all of whom live on campus.
Photos: Kinyamateka