For some time now, the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine Missionary Sisters) of Our Lady of Kibeho Province have been preparing for the opening of the Jubilee marking their 50 years of presence in Rwanda. These preparations were characterized by a spiritual focus. Guided by Father François Harelimana, SAC, and Sister Angeline Kambugu, SAC (Provincial Superior), gatherings for all the sisters were organized around the Jubilee theme: “Together for the Mission: Remembrance, Gratitude, Fidelity.” These moments were deeply enriching, as they enabled members of the Province to look back with love at our history from the very beginning to the present day to recognize God’s blessings upon our Province with a spirit of thanksgiving, while also acknowledging our shortcomings with a contrite heart, so as to look toward the future under God’s gaze.
Almost all the Sisters of the Province undertook a well-organized pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and unity among us Sisters, and especially with Mother Mary, who accompanies us on this journey.
The official opening celebration took place on 6th September 2026, at Saint Vincent Pallotti Parish at Gikondo, Kigali, Rwanda. The principal celebrant was His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, joined by nine other bishops. Four of them emeritus: Archbishop Thadée Ntihinyurwa (Archdiocese of Kigali), Bishops Anastase Mutabazi (Kabgayi Diocese), Smaragde Mbonyintege (Kabgayi Diocese), and Selvirien Nzakamwita (Byumba Diocese); and five currently serving: Bishops Vincent Harolimana ( Ruhengeli Diocese) Célestin Hakizimana (Gikongoro Diocese), Baltazar Ntivuguruzwa (Kabgayi Diocese), Jean Bosco Ntagungira (Butare Diocese), and Jean Marie Vianney Twagirayezu (Kibungo Diocese).
Many priests from the Pallottine family participated, alongside diocesan priests and numerous members of different Congregations.
The joy was immense. Almost all the Pallottine Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Kibeho Province were present, along with young women in formation. Seeing them all together was a powerful witness to Saint Vincent Pallotti’s words: “The Congregation will grow and will be blessed by God.”
During the Eucharist celebration, three Sisters, Sr. M. Chantal Mukamana, Sr. M. Grace Musabyimana, and Sr. M. Innocente Mukandagijimana made their final profession following a thirty-day Ignatian retreat led by Brother Antoine Kazindu, a Marist Brother. Two others: Sr. M. Liberata Niyongira and Sr. M. Thérèse Tegera celebrated the 25th anniversary of their consecrated life. The collaboration among the sons and daughters of Saint Vincent Pallotti extends beyond pastoral work to joint celebrations; the Pallottine family was truly blessed on this day. Two Pallottine seminarians: Brother Christian Mapenzi Nsengiyumva and Brother Jean Bosco Sibomana also made their final profession; two priests: Fr. Wenceslas Tegera and Fr. Ascension Nkulikiyimana celebrated 25 years of their consecrated life; and Fr. Jean Pierre Nsabimana, Provincial Rector of the Holy Family Province, celebrated the 25th anniversary of his priesthood.
There is reason to give thanks to God. Thank you, Lord, for your immense love for your children. Thank you for inspiring the pioneer sisters who founded and began the mission in Rwanda; thank you, Lord, for placing within their hearts a missionary spirit and zeal, which they have passed on to us from generation to generation. We extend our gratitude to all those who have supported this mission, whether closely or from afar. We think of the successive Major Superiors of the Congregation who enabled and guided the mission of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters in Rwanda in particular way Sister Josephine D’Souza, our current Superior General, who sent a message of encouragement and was represented by her Councilor, Sr. M. Claire Mukeshimana (also a member of Our Lady of Kibeho Province). We also express our deep appreciation to our Polish Mother Province, which passed the missionary beacon to us and is represented at this event by Sr. Anna Kot, delegate of the Provincial Superior, Sr. Yvonne Nadjeiko.
The various messages that marked the day centered on thanksgiving to God, who has guided the steps of the Missionary Sisters throughout these fifty years from the pioneers to the youngest sister of today. Blessed be God; from generation to generation, we shall sing of His wonders.
Text: Sr. Liberata Niyongira, SAC
Photos: Sr. Adeline Dusabe SAC (1-7), Charlotte from Kinyamateka news paper (8-14)