The New Province of Rwanda-Burundi: A Sign of Hope for Us! Happy Feast of St. Ignatius!

This year, the feast of our Father Ignatius has a special and moving significance: it coincides with the official establishment of the new Province of Rwanda-Burundi. This event is about more than just an administrative change; it is a living symbol of hope, a strong sign that Africa and indeed the entire world, has been longing for.

From the humble status of a dependent region to the bold move of becoming an autonomous region, and finally to a full-fledged province – what an extraordinary journey! This path tells a story marked by passionate decisions, tough trials, and a remarkable revival.

I still remember, as if it were yesterday, the ACE Province Days in the early 1990s. I was then a young scholastic studying philosophy, deeply moved to witness such a moment of grace. During those sessions of communal discernment, where the voice of God intertwined with our sometimes-heated debates, something truly remarkable was unfolding. We could hardly imagine the full scope of our discussions, but we sensed that God was writing a decisive page in the history of the Society in Africa.

Around the table, there are figures we still hold in grateful memory: Matungulu Otene, Martin Ekwa, Léon de Saint Moulin, Innocent Rutagabwa, Ugirashebuja, Élie Koma, Jean-Claude Michel, and many others. Many have gone to the Father’s house. May they rest in His light! And let us also honor those who remain among us, living witnesses of that historic deliberation: Théoneste Nkeramihigo, Augustin Karekezi, Ntima Kanza, Ndundu Massamba, and many others.

Then tragedy struck in 1994. Rwanda was devastated by genocide. From the very beginning of this region, the genocide cut down the vital forces at its core. We remember with deep emotion the companions who paid with their lives for their faithfulness to the mission: Fathers Chrysologue Mahame, Patrick Gahinzi, Innocent Rutagambwa. Their shed blood became the seed of life and faith for this new entity.

The young Region might have died in its infancy. Yet, what seemed to be lost was born again. The flame we believed was extinguished was rekindled from the ashes. Slowly, painfully, with patience and faith, it revived. This Province is nothing less than a resurrection.

Today, we witness this remarkable miracle: a young, vibrant, bold, and missionary Province, ready to join the great Ignatian adventure. Visiting its communities, one senses the freshness of new beginnings and the strength of hope. Yes, the dream has become reality, and this reality restores courage throughout Africa.

On this feast of St. Ignatius, I give thanks to God for this great consolation. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Father Fabien Gasigwa, SJ, the first Provincial of Rwanda-Burundi, and to all the companions of this new Province. Thank you for providing us with a bright sign that God continues to work wonders in our Society, even in times of darkness.

With all of you, I joyfully proclaim: Happy Feast of St. Ignatius!