In the Province of Our Lady of Kibeho, December month 2025 was marked by the joy of our Sisters who once again said yes to the Lord. Some renewed their vows, four made final vows, six young women were welcomed into the novitiate, and one was welcomed into the postulancy, in addition to those who began their postulancy in October 2025.
Joy abounded when our four Sisters—Sister Marie Adelphine Nisingizwe, Sister Marie Claudine Niyongere, Sister Marie Diane Ingabire Maniragaba, and Sister Marie Fortunée Hortence Uwizeyimana—after their intensive preparation through a thirty-day Ignatian retreat in Goma-Keshero, Democratic Republic of Congo, made their final vows in Kibeho during the Eucharist of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Bishop Célestin Hakizimana, the Ordinary of Gikongoro Diocese. The happy coincidence of our sisters’ vow ceremony with the pilgrimage of the Missionaries of Mary, Mother of the Word, from all the dioceses of Rwanda, further enhanced the celebration. Many priests who accompanied the pilgrims, as well as the pilgrims themselves, participated in the Mass during which our sisters made their final vows. It was a very powerful witness for many who were present and for those who followed the ceremonies remotely on Pacis TV and Radio Maria.
Speaking to the assembly, the national chaplain of the Missionaries of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Word, reminded them, and all of us, the essentials for living as witnesses of the Mother of the Word, among other things: to pray constantly, to convert, and to share the message of the Mother of the Word with others. It became clear that the pilgrims present that day had something in common with the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate of Our Lady of Kibeho Province, as the Provincial Superior, Sister Angeline Kambugu, pointed it out: “Our Province is under the patronage of Our Lady of Kibeho, and like you, missionary pilgrims of the Mother of the Word, you carry within you this mission of sharing the message of this Mother who appeared at Kibeho. We share this common project.”
Regarding the various messages of the day, one point was emphasized: the awareness of the gift we have received in consecrated life and the conditions for living it happily, the paramount being obedience. Bishop, the main celebrant stressed that those who disobey are naked before their superiors and before God, while those who obey are clothed in divine wisdom. We give thanks to God for the gift of vocation in our religious family and in the Church.
He who trusts in the Lord will never be put to shame.
Text : Sr. Liberata Niyongira, SAC
Photos: Stephen Nsengiyumva