The Priest's 11 silent prayers at Mass - Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

If you have seated closer to the altar during the celebration of the Mass, you must have noticed that the priest says some prayers quietly (or in a low tone) at different points in time during mass. These are called the silent prayers of the priest. There are eleven of such prayers that are more like private prayers for only the priest to pray during mass and they all have profound meanings. 

1.    Before Proclaiming the Gospel 

When a deacon is not present, the priest will bow before the altar, quietly praying: Cleanse my heart and lips, almighty God, that I may worthily proclaim the Gospel. After this, the priest proceeds to the pulpit to proclaim the Gospel. 

2.    After Proclaiming the Gospel 

At the end of the Gospel, the priest kisses the book of the Gospel, saying quietly: Through the words of the Gospel, may our sins be wiped away. 

3.    Holding the Paten with the Bread

The priest holding the paten with bread, slightly raised, says is a low voice: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer you; fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life. In case the offertory chant is not sung, the priest does say these words aloud and the people respond: Blessed be God for ever. 

4.    As the Priest Pours Wine and Little Water in the Chalice 

During the offertory, the priest pours wine and little water in the chalice. While doing this sacred action, the priest or the deacon silently says: By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity. 

5.    Holding the Chalice with Wine

The priest raising the chalice with wine offers this prayer: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer you; fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink. Again, if the offertory chant is not sung, the priest can say the prayer aloud. 

6.    Before Washing his Hands 

After bread and wine are prepared, and before washing the hands, the priest, bowing profoundly, prays: With humble spirit and contrite heart may we be accepted by you, O Lord, and may our sacrifice in your sight this day be pleasing to you, Lord God. 

7.    As the Priest Washes his Hands 

The priest standing side of the altar washes his hands, saying quietly: Wash me, O Lord, from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (My altar servers do hear me say this particular prayer). 

8.    After the Sign of Peace 

As the priest finishes the sign of the peace, he takes the host, breaks it over the paten, and drops a small piece of it in the chalice, saying: May this mingling of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it. 

9.    After the Invocation of Lamb of God 

The priest will join hands and say quietly: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit, through your Death gave life to the world, free me by this, your most holy Body and Blood, from all my sins and from every evil; keep me always faithful to your commandments and never let me be parted from you. 

 OR

May the receiving of your Body and Blood, Lord Jesus Christ, not bring me to judgment and condemnation, but through your loving mercy be for me protection in mind and body and a healing remedy. 

10. Priest Before Consuming the Body and Blood of Christ 

Before consuming the Body of Christ, the priest says silently: May the Body of Christ keep me safe for eternal life. Similarly, before drinking the Blood of Christ, the priest will say: May the Blood of Christ keep me safe for eternal life. 

11. As the Priest Purifies the Sacred Vessels 

The priest carries out the purification, quietly saying: What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart that what has been given to us in time may be our healing for eternity.

(Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch; a Nigerian Catholic Priest ordained for the Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Fathers)

Bujumbura : les Dominicains célèbrent Saint Dominique, ordonnent trois prêtres et célèbrent jubilés

Bujumbura, 8 août 2026: Les Dominicains, également appelés Frères Prêcheurs du Vicariat du Burundi et du Rwanda, ont célébré ce samedi 8 août 2026 la fête patronale de Saint Dominique, fondateur de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs. La célébration a été marquée par plusieurs événements majeurs dans la vie de la famille dominicaine : l’ordination sacerdotale de trois frères, la profession solennelle des vœux de deux frères, le renouvellement des vœux, ainsi que la célébration de jubilés sacerdotaux.

La célébration eucharistique s’est déroulée à la chapelle des Dominicains de Kinanira IV, à Bujumbura, sous la présidence de S.E. Mgr Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, Frère Dominicain et Évêque de Bubanza, mandaté par l’Archevêque de Bujumbura.

Cette célébration a réuni les membres des communautés dominicaines francophone et anglophone du Vicariat du Burundi et du Rwanda, ainsi que de nombreux fidèles venus partager ce moment important de prière et de communion fraternelle.

Trois nouveaux prêtres ordonnés

Au cours de la célébration, trois frères dominicains ont reçu le sacrement de l’Ordre et ont été ordonnés prêtres. Il s’agit de :

• Frère Prime Nsavyimana ;
• Frère Silas Nizigiyimana ;
• Frère Emmanuel-Noel Nsanzerugeze Nsanzurwimo.

Cette ordination constitue une nouvelle étape dans leur vocation et leur engagement au service de l’Église et de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs.

Deux frères font leur profession solennelle

La célébration a également été marquée par la profession solennelle des vœux religieux et la promesse d’obéissance à Dieu de deux frères dominicains : Frère Audace Kwizera et Frère Frédéric Ndengeyingoma.

Par cet engagement solennel, les deux religieux ont renouvelé leur disponibilité à suivre le Christ au sein de l’Ordre des Prêcheurs et à consacrer leur vie au service de Dieu, de l’Église et de leurs frères et sœurs. Le programme de la célébration comprenait également le renouvellement des vœux de plusieurs membres de la communauté dominicaine.

Deux jubilés sacerdotaux célébrés

La journée a été particulièrement significative pour deux prêtres dominicains qui ont rendu grâce pour les années consacrées au ministère sacerdotal. Frère Liboire Kagabo a célébré son jubilé d’or de l’ordination sacerdotale, marquant ainsi 50 années de sacerdoce.

De son côté, Frère Symphorien Ntibagirirwa, Prieur du Couvent Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin de Bujumbura, a célébré son jubilé d’argent de l’ordination sacerdotale, marquant 25 années de sacerdoce.Ces jubilés ont constitué un moment privilégié d’action de grâce pour les années de service consacrées à l’Église et à la mission dominicaine.

Une célébration placée sous le signe de la vocation et de la mission

La fête de Saint Dominique a ainsi offert à la famille dominicaine du Vicariat du Burundi et du Rwanda une occasion de célébrer à la fois la vocation sacerdotale, la vie religieuse consacrée, la fidélité aux engagements et la mission d’évangélisation.

À travers l’ordination de trois nouveaux prêtres, la profession solennelle de deux frères et les jubilés sacerdotaux, cette célébration témoigne de la continuité de la vocation dominicaine et de l’engagement des Frères Prêcheurs au service de l’Église dans la région.

La célébration de la fête patronale de Saint Dominique à Bujumbura restera ainsi comme un moment important de prière, d’action de grâce et de communion fraternelle pour les Dominicains du Vicariat du Burundi et du Rwanda.

Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura: Iyatirwa mw'ibanga ry'ubudiyakoni bugana ubusaserdoti busuku

Abatiwe mw'ibanga ry'ubudiyakoni bugana ubusaserdoti busuku bangana 12. Umushingantahe wa Diyoseze amaze guhamagara abagira ngo baterwe iteka ryo kwatirwa mu budiyakoni, umwe umwe wese mw'izina ryiwe, yasavye kw'izina rya Ekleziya ntagatifu kubinjiza mw'ibanga ry'ubudiyakoni.

Na we amaze kumenyeshwa ko babikwiye, Umwepiskopi wa Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura araheza arabahamagarira iryo banga, ariko babanje kugiriranira ikiganiro, ngo bemere imbere y'abantu bose ko bazorangura neza iryo banga bashinzwe, ko bemeye kubaho mw'ibanga ry'ukutubaka izabo mu ntumbero y'ukwegukira rwose Kristu Umukama ku bw'Ubwami bw'ijuru no ku bw'umwitwarariko wo gukorera Imana n'abantu, kandi ko bazokwama bubaha Umwepiskopi abatiye n'abazomusubirira. 

Umwepiskopi, ashizeko inkofero yiwe y'ubwungere, yabubitseko ibiganza ku mutwe w'umwe umwe wese. Arangije, yabavugiyeko igisabisho co kubatira. Igisabisho co kubatira kirangiye, abadiyakoni bashasha bambitswe istola n'abasaserdoti, kumwe abadiyakoni bayambikwa. 

Ni mu birori vyo kuri uyu wa gatandatu igenekerezo rya 18 Mukakaro 2026, muri Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura, muri Paruwase Buterere, mu musi mukuru w'iyatirwa mu busaserdoti busuku no mu budiyakoni, mu nkuka y'imisa irongowe n'Umwepiskopi mukuru wa Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura, Nyenicubahiro Musenyeri Gerevazi Banshimiyubusa. (SRC: Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura Burundi).

Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura: Iyatirwa mw'ibanga ry'ubusaserdoti busuku

Abatiwe mw'ibanga ry'ubusaserdoti busuku bangana 16, harimwo abasaleziyano 4. Muri abo bose, Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura yagabanyemwo abasaserdoti 14. Umushingantahe wa Diyoseze amaze guhamagara abagira ngo baterwe iteka ryo kwatirwa mu busaserdoti, umwe umwe wese mw'izina ryiwe, yasavye kw'izina rya Ekleziya ntagatifu kubinjiza mw'ibanga ry'ubusaserdoti busuku, na we amaze kumenyeshwa ko babikwiye, araheza arabahamagarira iryo banga. 

Ariko na bo nyene babanje kugiriranira ikiganiro, ngo bemere imbere y'abantu bose ko bazorangura neza iryo banga bashinzwe mu mutigiri w'abasaserdoti ari abafasha nyabo b'abepiskopi mu kuragira ubusho bw'Imana barongowe na Mutima-Mweranda, ko bemeye kandi bazogamburuka ibijanye n'iryo banga vyose, baninahaze Imana kandi batagatifuze umuryango w'abakristu cane cane mu nkuka y'imisa no mw'isakramentu ry'ikigongwe. 

Na bo nyene baraganye kugamburukira Umwepiskopi n'abazomusubirira canke n'abepiskopi b'aho bazorangurira ubutumwa hose, be n'abakuru b'umuryango w'abihebeye Imana ku basaleziyano batiwe, hanyuma Umwepiskopi aca abaturirako ko Imana yorangura muri bo iciza bariko basaba.

Umwepiskopi yubitse ibiganza ku mutwe w'abatiwe mu busaserdoti, hanyuma abasaserdoti bari aho bose bambaye istola baca baraza kugira batyo nyene, bakikuza Umwepiskopi gushika igikorwa c'iyatirwa gihere. 

Neza na neza batiwe kw'isaha zitandatu n'iminota 20, baca bahabwa ibimenyetso vy'ubusaserdoti, ugutumbereza neza isitola, ukubambika umutamana w'ubusaserdoti, chasuble, ukubasiga amavuta mu minwe, ukubashikiriza ikalisi irimwo umuvinyu n'ipatena iriko umukate, n'ububasha bwo gutanga isakramentu ry'ikigongwe. 

Ni mu birori vyo kuri uyu wa gatandatu igenekerezo rya 18 Mukakaro 2026, muri Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura, muri Paruwase Buterere, mu musi mukuru w'iyatirwa mu busaserdoti busuku no mu budiyakoni, mu nkuka y'imisa irongowe n'Umwepiskopi mukuru wa Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura, Nyenicubahiro Musenyeri Gerevazi Banshimiyubusa. (SRC: Diyoseze Nkuru ya Bujumbura Burundi).

Cyangugu 2026/2027: Menya aho abapadiri bazakorera ubutumwa

Umwepiskopi wa Diyosezi ya Cyangugu Myr. Sinayobye Edouard  yatanze ubutumwa ku basaseridoti b’iyi diyosezi mu byiciro bitandukanye. 

Diyosezi ya Cyangugu yashinzwe na Mutagatifu Papa Yohani Pawulo wa II, kuwa 14/11/1981, ibyawe na Diyosezi ya Nyundo. Ni Diyosezi ifite ubuso bungana na 1,125 Km2 butuwe, ahasigaye hakaba Parike y’igihugu ya Nyungwe n’ikiyaga cya Kivu.

Inyandiko ya Diyosezi yo kuwa 14/7/2026 igaragaza uko abasaseridoti bahawe ubutumwa mu mwaka wa 2026-2027. Ushaka inyandiko igaragaza aho abapadiri bose batumwe, kanda AHA

Indi nkuru wasoma: 

Menya Diyosezi ya Cyangugu n’abashumba bayiragijwe

Burundi: L’Archidiocèse de Bujumbura annonce les candidats aux ordinations sacerdotales et diaconales 2026

L’Archidiocèse de Bujumbura a officiellement publié la liste des candidats qui recevront les ordres sacrés en 2026.
L’annonce, faite par la Chancellerie de l’Archidiocèse, a été lue dans toutes les messes dominicales à partir du 28 juin 2026.

La célébration des ordinations sacerdotales et diaconales se tiendra le samedi 18 juillet 2026 à la paroisse Buterere, dans une célébration eucharistique qui réunira les fidèles, les familles des ordinands, les prêtres, les religieux et les religieuses, ainsi que de nombreux invités venus accompagner les futurs ministres de l’Église. 

Quatorze nouveaux prêtres pour l’Église 

Au cours de cette célébration, quatorze diacres seront ordonnés prêtres, dont deux Salésiens de Don Bosco. Ces nouveaux prêtres proviennent de différentes paroisses de l’Archidiocèse et ont achevé leur parcours de formation en vue du sacerdoce. 

Les candidats à l’ordination sacerdotale sont :

1. Diacre Akimana Bridget Brax (Paroisse Ngagara)
2. Diacre Ingabire Emmanuel (Paroisse Gatabo)
3. Diacre Kiberwa Zélote (Paroisse Munanira)
4. Diacre Ndayikengurukiye Noé (Paroisse Buterere)
5. Diacre Ndayisenga Fabrice (Paroisse Bukeye)
6. Diacre Ndayisenga Jérôme (Paroisse Mutumba)
7. Diacre Ndayisenga Trésor (Paroisse Musaga)
8. Diacre Ndikumana Janvier (Paroisse Bukwavu)
9. Diacre Nshimirimana Thierry (Paroisse Matara)
10. Diacre Nshimirimana Vianney (Paroisse Mubimbi)
11. Diacre Nyambirigi Raoul (Paroisse Kinindo)
12. Diacre Nzeyimana Isaac Claver (Paroisse Buziracanda)
13. Diacre Majambere Alexandre, Salésien de Don Bosco
14. Diacre Ndayishimiye Willy, Salésien de Don Bosco

Douze séminaristes seront ordonnés diacres

L’Archidiocèse procédera également à l’ordination de douze candidats au diaconat, étape importante vers le sacerdoce. Ces futurs diacres sont :

1. 
   Fr. Havyarimana Clément (Paroisse Jenda)
2. Fr. Manirakiza Vianney (Paroisse Kiganda)
3. Fr. Ndayikengurukiye Marcel (Paroisse Karinzi)
4. Fr. Ndayisenga Éric (Paroisse Rushubi)
5. Fr. Ndayishimiye Fabien (Paroisse Rushubi)
6. Fr. Ndayiziga Kennedy Galilée (Paroisse Kanyosha)
7. Fr. Nduwimana Chanel (Paroisse Kirombwe)
8. Fr. Niyokindi Félicien (Paroisse Kirombwe)
9. Fr. Niyomwungere Cédric (Paroisse Rushubi)
10. Fr. Nkurunziza Egide (Paroisse Buziracanda)
11. Fr. Nshimirimana Jonas (Paroisse Mubimbi)
12. Fr. Nzoyisaba Jean Marie (Paroisse Kivoga-Tenga)

Un appel à la prière

À travers ce communiqué, l’Archidiocèse de Bujumbura invite tous les fidèles à accompagner ces futurs prêtres et diacres par la prière durant leur temps de préparation, afin qu’ils répondent avec fidélité à l’appel du Seigneur et exercent leur futur ministère avec amour, humilité et dévouement au service de l’Église et du peuple de Dieu.

La célébration du 18 juillet 2026 constituera un moment de grande joie pour toute l’Église de Bujumbura, marquant l’accueil de nouveaux ouvriers dans la vigne du Seigneur.

Byumba: Hatangajwe aho abapadiri bazakorera ubutumwa 2026-2027

Umwepiskopi wa Diyosezi ya Byumba Myr. Musengamana Papias yatanze ubutumwa ku basaseridoti b’iyi diyosezi mu byiciro bitandukanye. 

Inyandiko ya Diyosezi yo kuwa 30/6/2026 igaragaza uko abasaseridoti bahawe ubutumwa mu mwaka wa 2026-2027, igasaba ko abahawe ubutumwa bushya bagomba kuba bageze aho batumwe bitarenze kuwa 30/07/2026. Ushaka inyandiko igaragaza aho abapadiri bose batumwe, kanda AHA

Gikongoro yatangaje aho abapadiri bazakorera ubutumwa mu mwaka wa 2026 - 2027

Diyosezi Gatolika ya Gikongoro yatangaje urutonde rw'iyimurwa n'ishyirwaho ry'abapadiri (nominations des prêtres) ruzagenga umwaka wa 2026–2027. Izi mpinduka zashyizweho n’Umwepiskopi wa Diyosezi ya Gikongoro Myr Celestin HAKIZlMANA hagamijwe kurushaho kunoza umurimo w'iyogezabutumwa, no gusubiza ku bikenewe mu maparuwasi no mu nzego zitandukanye za Diyosezi.

Nk'uko bisanzwe mu Kiliziya Gatolika, urutonde rw'iyimurwa n'ishyirwaho ry'abapadiri rugena aho buri mupadiri azakorera, inshingano ahabwa ndetse n'igihe izo nshingano zizatangirira. Impinduka nk'izi zigamije kongera imbaraga mu butumwa bwa Kiliziya no gufasha abakristu kubona abashumba babegereye.

Muri iki gihe, Abakristu ba Diyosezi ya Gikongoro barasabwa kwakira neza abapadiri bahawe inshingano nshya, kubashyigikira no kubasabira kugira ngo bazasohoze neza ubutumwa bahawe. Abapadiri na bo basabwa gukomeza umurimo wabo barangwa n'ubwitange, ubufatanye n'urukundo bakorera Imana n'abayoboke bayo.

Niba ushaka urutonde rwose rw'abapadiri bose n'aho boherejwe mu mwaka wa 2026–2027, kanda AHA.

Religious Freedom: A Fundamental Human Right

Religious freedom is one of the most fundamental human rights and a cornerstone of human dignity. The Catholic Church, through the Second Vatican Council, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting this right in the Declaration Dignitatis Humanae, which proclaims the freedom of individuals and communities in matters of religion. 

According to the Church's teaching, every person has the right to seek the truth and to practice his or her faith without coercion. Faith, it emphasizes, cannot be imposed by force but must be embraced freely through the power of truth itself. Respect for human dignity requires that no individual be compelled to act against his or her conscience or prevented from living according to sincerely held religious beliefs. 

Religious freedom extends beyond the individual and has an important social dimension. It calls on governments and public institutions to recognize and protect this right within their legal systems. As a civil right, freedom of religion allows people to worship, teach, and share their faith while contributing positively to society. 

At the same time, the Church acknowledges that religious freedom, like other rights, is exercised within the framework of the common good. Laws and public policies should protect the rights of all citizens, preserve public order, and promote peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs. 

The Second Vatican Council also underlined that even where a particular religion has historical or cultural significance within a nation, such recognition should never result in discrimination against other religious communities. Equal treatment and mutual respect are essential principles in a society governed by the rule of law and international human rights standards. 

Despite growing awareness of human rights worldwide, violations of religious freedom continue to occur in many countries. In some places, religious instruction, catechesis, or even the public practice of faith can lead to legal penalties. Such restrictions highlight the continuing need for dialogue, tolerance, and stronger protections for fundamental freedoms. 

As the world becomes increasingly diverse, safeguarding religious freedom remains essential for building peaceful and inclusive societies. By respecting the conscience and beliefs of every individual, nations strengthen the values of justice, human dignity, and social harmony. (Image: AI)

25 Servants of God stepped to Sainthood

During the audience granted to His Most Reverend Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, today on June 18,2026, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Dicastery to promulgate the Decrees regarding:

the martyrdom of 20 Servants of God and the heroic virtues of 5 Servants of God, including the Servant of God Júlio Maria De Lombaerde who founded 3 religious congregations.

the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints has been authorized to to promulgate the Decrees regarding:

- the martyrdom of the Servants of God Juan Torres Torres and 19 companions, diocesan priests, killed in hatred of the faith between August and September 1936, in the territory of the diocese of Ibiza, Spain, in the context of the same persecution;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Júlio Maria De Lombaerde (né Júlio Emilio Alberto), professed priest of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Holy Family and Founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Congregation of the Missionaries of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, born in Waregem, Belgium, on 7 January 1878 and died near the present-day municipality of Alto Jequitibá, Brazil, on 24 December 1944;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Mary Teresa Tallon (née Julia Teresa), founder of the Congregation of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, born on 6 May 1867 in Hanover, United States of America, and died on 10 March 1954 in Monroe, United States of America;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Maria Agnese Tribbioli, professed religious sister and founder of the Congregation of the Pious Worker Sisters of Saint Joseph, born on 20 April 1879 in Florence, Italy, and died there on 27 January 1965;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Clara Andreu y Malferit (née Barbara Onofria), professed nun of the Hieronymite Monastery of Saint Bartomeu of Inca, born on 4 December 1596 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and died on 24 June 1628 in Inca, Spain;

- the heroic virtues of the Servant of God Maria Petra Giordano (née Nicoletta), professed nun of the Order of Preachers, born on 4 July 1912 in Naples, Italy, and died on 21 June 2006 in Bibbiena, Italy.

YEZU KRISTU ADUSABA GUKUNDA ABATWANGA - Padiri Jeremie HABYARIMANA

Umupadiri uri kwigisha abakristu (Ifoto: AI)

Inyigisho yo ku wa kabiri w'icyumweru cya xi gisanzwe, umwaka a mbangikane

Isomo ryo mu gitabo cya mbere cy’Abami: 1 Bami 21, 17-29).

Zaburi: 51(50), 3-4, 5-6b, 11.16.

Ibangondirimbo ribanziriza ivanjili: Yh 13, 34.

Ivanjili: Mt 5, 43-48.

INYIGISHO yateguwe na Padiri Jeremie HABYARIMANA

Yezu Kristu akuzwe!

Uyu munsi Nyagasani Yezu wapfuye akazuka aje mu ijambo rye yuje urukundo. Kugira ngo na twe arutwuzuzemo akoresheje ijambo atubwira.

Mu isomo rya mbere, turabona Uhoraho uburyo ari umunyampuhwe, We utareka abanyabyaha ngo bapfe nta cyo yababwiye, ahubwo akababurira, akabereka inzira mbi barimo n’ingaruka zabyo zose ntacyo abakinze, kugira ngo bo ubwabo bihitiremo niba bagomba gukomeza gupfa, cyangwa se niba bagomba guhindukira kugira ngo ikiganza cye kibakingire urupfu. Ibyo rero turabibona nyine uko Uhoraho yohereza umuhanuzi Eliya na we agahagurukana ubutwari akajya gutangariza umwami ijambo rye. Ijambo ry’Uhoraho!

Mu by’ukuri Ijambo rya Nyagasani Uhoraho, umuntu yavuga ati “ntabwo rivugwa n’ibigwari.” Kuko ni ijambo riteye ubwoba, ni ijambo rifite imbaraga zirenze iza muntu. Kubwira umuntu ngo niba utaretse ibi urapfuye, cyangwa se kumurondorera ibigiye kumubaho bitewe n’ibikorwa bye bibi, bisaba ubutwari burenze ibyo umuntu yakwibwira. Cyane cyane iyo ari umuntu ukomeye mu maso y’abantu b’iyi si nka Akabu wari umwami ashobora kwica agakiza. Ni we wari itegeko, ni we wari ubucamanza, icyo yemezaga yaragikoraga mu byo yari ashoboye byose ku bo yari ayoboye. Ariko Eliya ibyo nta bwoba byari bimuteye.

Ku bahanuzi rero, ijambo ry’Uhoraho riruta ubuzima bwabo. Ntashobora kuriceceka. Ahitamo gupfa aho kugira ngo ariceceke. Ahitamo kurivuga bashaka bakamwivugana. Iyo ni Ingabire rero ya Roho Mutagatifu kandi Kiliziya yose igomba guhora isaba. Kiliziya yose! Kandi kiliziya yose ni abakristu bose, abemera Yezu bose, ntabwo ari abashinzwe kwigisha bonyine. Abakristu bagombye kuvugana ubwigenge, kuvugana umwidegembyo, kuvuga ijambo rigamije kugirira abantu akamaro, badatinye urupfu, badatinye inabi bashobora kugirirwa. Ahubwo bagatekereza ineza barimo bagirira abandi bavuga iryo jambo. Iryo jambo riburira ababi ribahamagarira guhinduka abo baba ari bo bose.

Umuhanuzi Eliya rero yuzuye ubwo bubasha bwa Roho Mutagatifu, aragenda abwira umwami amagambo atyaye Uhoraho yamwohereje kuvuga. Imbuto byeze, ni uko nyine Akabu yaciye bugufi. Akabu uyu munsi na we ni urugero Yezu Kristu atwereka. Kuko hari abantu benshi babwirwa ijambo nka ririya, aho kugira ngo bace bugufi, ahubwo bagashaka gucamo ibice cyangwa guconshomera abaribabwiye. Ni uko nyine ibitotezo bivuka. Kutihanganira ijambo ry’Uhoraho n’abarivuga. Bo bakakubwira ijambo ryiza ryagukiza, wowe ugatangira kubavuga nabi no kubasebya, cyangwa no kubagirira nabi no ku buryo bunyuranye. Abahanuzi nyine ni yo mpamvu igihe cyose babaye abantu badakunzwe na bose. Ndetse benshi muri bo niba atari bose, barishwe. Abenshi muri bo! Ikiri cyo ni uko bose bahuye n’ingorane. Kuko abantu bose ntibashobora kumva amagambo nk’ariya ngo bakureke ugende, kereka nta bubasha bagufiteho bwa hano ku isi.

Umuhanuzi Eliya rero, ibyo ari byo byose ububasha bwa Roho Mutagatifu bwaramwuzuye, ubutumwa bwe kandi bwera imbuto; Akabu arahinduka, Uhoraho amugirira impuhwe.

Ntabwo rero Uhoraho agamije gutungura abanyabyaha ngo abahitane, ahubwo arababurira igihe cyose. Nta muntu muri twe utaraburiwe. Niba ataraburirwa kandi, azaburirwa. Imburo izamugeraho byanze bikunze, kugira ngo ku munsi w’urubanza hatazagira ugira icyo yitwaza ngo “Ariko jyewe ibyo sinari narigeze mbyumva. Sinari nzi ko ari bibi.” Nyagasani udukunda akora uko ashoboye kugira ngo buri wese (…) yewe niba atanakoresheje n’abo bantu, nawe ubwawe azakubwirira mu mutima wawe akwereke urumuri rukwereka ko uri mu kugira nabi. 

Akabu rero atubere urugero. Twumve ko igihe Uhoraho atubwiye ko icyaha cyacu kizaduhitana, ataba agamije kutwica ahubwo aba agira ngo tukireke, hanyuma tubeho. Ni nde se uyobewe muri twe ko icyaha ari urupfu, kandi ko cyica? Ushobora kubyirengagiza ariko rero igihe ukuri kuzagu (…) igihe ifirimbi izakuvugiraho ni ho uzabona ko atari imikino. Icyaha ntabwo ari umikino.

Icyaha si umukino! Ntabwo ari icyo gukinishwa. Ibyo byose ni nde ubiyobewe? Icyo tubura ni ukuvuga tuti “Nyagasani Yezu turabiretse. Duhindure” (nko muri iyi Zaburi) “Mana yange ngirira imbabazi ukurikije ineza yawe. Kubera impuhwe zawe nyinshi umpanagureho ibyaha byange. Nyuhagira wese ibicumuro byange maze unkize icyaha nakoze. Nkiza. Ntandukanya n’uwo mwanda w’ibyaha, kandi unsukure umpe ubuzima bushya. Sinshaka kongera, ahubwo ni wowe nshaka gukurikira, gukunda kuruta byose na bose.”

Yezu rero aratwibutsa mu Ivanjili itegeko abakristu twebwe duhabwa rivugitse mu yandi magambo. Yezu yaravuze mu Ivanjili ya Yohana ati” Ni mukundane, kandi mukundane nk’uko nabakunze.”

Urwo rukundo rero imwe mu ntambwe ikomeye yarwo ni ‘Gukunda’ nk’uko Data nyine akunda. Mukundane nk’uko nabakunze. Hano ati” Mukundane nk’uko Data akunda.” Bigaragarire hehe se? Mu kugirira neza ababagirira nabi, mu gukunda ababanga. Ese ibyo abakristu turabyumva ra?

Uyu munsi rero Yezu arabitwibukije ibyo ari byo byose. Kandi ntabitwibutsa gusa, agamije kubiduhera imbaraga. Kubw’imbaraga za muntu, nta muntu ushobora gukunda umwanzi we nta we ubishoboye. Ariko Yezu Kristu wigize umuntu uzi intege nke zacu, niba tumusabye koko dukomeje kuduha ingabire y’urukundo, kuduha gukunda nk’uko Se akunda. Nk’uko we ubwe akunda, kuduha ingabire y’urukundo, ingabire ya Roho wabo, Roho Mutagatifu, Roho wa Yezu, Roho wa Data, azayiduha. Aduhe kubabarira. Ni yo mpamvu nta muntu ugomba kwihanukira ngo avuge ngo ibyo ntibishoboka. Ku bantu oya, ariko twebwe dufite ingabire. Roho Mutagatifu arahari. Ubwo rero birashoboka Kuri twe. Kandi rero Nyagasani Yezu Ntashobora kutwigisha ibyo abona ko bidashoboka mu buzima bwacu. Icyo gihe ntashobora kugita. Ibyo yatwigishije byose byose ni uko bishoboka. Ni uko bishobora gukurikizwa. Cyane cyane ko imbaraga ari ize, We ubwe uzitwihera.

Abantu rero bose bahembera inzangano mu bantu, bamenye ko baba bakora ubutumwa bwa sekibi. Ubutumwa bwa Yezu Kristu ni ubutumwa bw’impuhwe; Kubabarira abahemu, gukunda abantu bose kandi abo ari bo bose. Ibyo nta wundi wabishobora usibye uwo Yezu Kristu yabihaye, kandi nta n’undi ushobora kubyigisha usibye umukristu. Aha rwose ni umwihariko wacu twebwe abakristu; gukunda abanzi. Kandi igihe cyose tunaniwe gukunda abatwanga, tujye tumenya ko n’ubukristu bwatunaniye.

Nyagasani Yezu Kristu rero agiriye amasengesho ya Bikira Mariya aduhe Roho w’urukundo adusendere, adutandukanye burundu n’inzangano zose, aduhindure, adutagatifuze. Ngwino Roho wa Yezu.

Singizwa Yezu Kristu wadupfiriye ukazuka!

Mutima utagira inenge wa Bikira Mariya uturengere uturwaneho mu izina rya Yezu.

Padre JEREMIE HABYARIMANA

Ruhengeri mu burezi, Iminsi mikuru yizihijwe muri Gicurasi

Umunsi w'Uburezi Gatolika muri Paruwasi Katedrali ya Ruhengeri

Mu kwezi kwa Gicurasi 2026, Diyosezi ya Ruhengeri yaranzwe n’ibikorwa bitandukanye byo kwizihiza iminsi mikuru y’amashuri Gatolika, gutanga amasakramentu no gushimira uruhare rw’abarezi n’ababyeyi mu burere bw’urubyiruko. Ibyo birori byayobowe na Nyiricyubahiro Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana, Umwepiskopi wa Diyosezi ya Ruhengeri. 

Ku wa 1 Gicurasi 2026, École Saint-Marc Ruhengeri yizihije umunsi mukuru ngarukamwaka wayo. Ibirori byatangijwe na Misa Ntagatifu yabereye muri Katedrali ya Ruhengeri, iyobowe na Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana, watanze amasakramentu y'ibanze kuri bamwe mu banyeshuri b’iki kigo. 

Ku wa 16 Gicurasi 2026, Seminari Nto ya Nkumba, yaragijwe Mutagatifu Yohani Intumwa, yizihije umunsi mukuru wayo ndetse inizihiza isabukuru y’imyaka 38 imaze ishinzwe. Misa yabimburiye ibyo birori yayobowe na Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana, wagaragaje ko iyo seminari ikomeje kugira uruhare rukomeye mu gutegura abato mu rugendo rw’ihamagarwa n’uburere mboneragihugu. 

Ku wa 21 Gicurasi 2026, muri Paruwasi Katedrali ya Ruhengeri hizihijwe Umunsi Mukuru w’Uburezi Gatolika. Mu Misa yabereye ku Ngoro ya Bikira Mariya Mwamikazi wa Fatima, Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana yashimiye Imana ku migisha iha amashuri Gatolika ndetse anashimira ababyeyi, abarezi n’abayobozi b’inzego zitandukanye ku ruhare rwabo mu kurera urubyiruko. Yasabye abanyeshuri gukura nka Kristu i Nazareti “mu gihagararo, mu bwenge no mu busabaniramana,” anasaba abakorera ubutumwa mu mashuri Gatolika gukomeza kurangwa n’ubumwe n’ubufatanye mu kubaka umwana ushoboye kandi ushobotse.

Bukeye bwaho, ku wa 22 Gicurasi 2026, Groupe Scolaire Marie Reine Rwaza yizihije umunsi mukuru wayo ngarukamwaka. Mu Misa yayobowe na Musenyeri Harolimana, abanyeshuri 26 bahawe Isakramentu ry’Ugukomezwa, anasaba iri shuri gukomeza gushingira uburere bwaryo ku ndangagaciro za Bikira Mariya. 

Abanyeshuri ba ETEFOP bahawe Amasakramentu

Ku wa 23 Gicurasi 2026, ETEFOP TSS Ruhengeri yizihije umunsi mukuru wa Mutagatifu Karoli Lwanga, umurinzi wayo. Muri ibyo birori, Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana yatanze amasakramentu y’ibanze ku banyeshuri, abashishikariza gukomera ku ndangagaciro z’ubupfura, ukwemera n’umurava mu masomo. 

Ku wa 27 Gicurasi 2026, Umunsi Mukuru w’Uburezi Gatolika ku rwego rwa Diyosezi wahimbarijwe muri Groupe Scolaire Busogo II, muri Paruwasi ya Busogo, ishuri ryizihizaga Mutagatifu Antoni wa Paduwa. Ibirori byabimburiwe na Misa yayobowe na Musenyeri Visenti Harolimana, aho hatangiwe Isakramentu ry’Ugukomezwa ku banyeshuri 74, barimo abakobwa 46 n’abahungu 28, biga mu bigo bya Kiliziya Gatolika byo muri Paruwasi ya Busogo. 

Muri uwo muhango kandi, abarimu bamaze imyaka 25 bakora umurimo w’uburezi bahawe ishimwe ryihariye mu kwizihiza yubile yabo, hanatahwa inyubako nshya z’amashuri yubatswe muri GS Busogo II, zitezweho kurushaho guteza imbere ireme ry’uburezi. 

Ibi bikorwa byose bigaragaza umuhate wa Diyosezi ya Ruhengeri mu guteza imbere uburezi bushingiye ku ndangagaciro za Gikristu, guha urubyiruko uburere bufite ireme no gukomeza gufatanya n’ababyeyi, abarezi n’inzego z’ubuyobozi mu kubaka ejo hazaza heza h’abana b’u Rwanda.

Pope’s first visit to Spain: Catholic Church remains a major presence

 Image :Filippo Monteforte/AFP

The Holy See has released statistical data ahead of the seven-day Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Spain, scheduled for 6–12 June 2026. This Pope’s first visit to Spain, will take him to Madrid, Barcelona, Montserrat, Gran Canaria, and Tenerife, where he will meet civil authorities, clergy, religious, young people, migrants, and the faithful. 

The seven-day journey will include major liturgical celebrations, an address to Spain’s political institutions, the inauguration of the new Tower of Jesus Christ at Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Família, and encounters with migrants in the Canary Islands. 

The Apostolic Journey is expected to strengthen the faith of Spanish Catholics while highlighting themes central to Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, including evangelization, youth engagement, social solidarity, and support for migrants. 

What about statistics from the Central Office of Church in Spain 

The recent released statistics from the Central Office of Church reveal that the Catholic Church continues to play a significant role in Spanish society, with more than 45 million Catholics, thousands of parishes, and an extensive network of educational and charitable institutions operating across the country. 

As of 31 December 2024, Spain had a population of approximately 48.6 million people, of whom 45.3 million (93.25%) were identified as Catholics. The Church's pastoral structure comprises 71 ecclesiastical jurisdictions, 22,788 parishes, and 4,137 other pastoral centers, serving communities throughout the nation. 

A substantial workforce supports the Church’s pastoral mission. Spain counted 130 bishops (as of April 30, 2026), 18,113 priests, including 12,461 diocesan priests and 5,652 religious priests, as well as 601 permanent deacons. Religious life remains vibrant, with 32,996 professed women religious, 2,435 religious brothers and 96 lay missionaries. Additionally, 80,637 catechists assist in faith formation and evangelization. 

Despite ongoing challenges related to priestly vocations, Spain recorded 1,343 major seminarians preparing for the priesthood and 595 minor seminarians, indicating continued interest in ecclesiastical ministry. The Church also maintains a strong educational presence. Catholic institutions operate 3,773 primary schools, 1,885 secondary schools, and 104 higher education establishments. 

Beyond education, the Church remains one of the country's largest providers of social and charitable services. Catholic organizations manage 58 hospitals, 51 clinics, 848 homes for the elderly and disabled, 660 orphanages and nurseries, 226 family consultation centers, 197 rehabilitation and social education centers, and more than 3,051 other charitable institutions. 

The figures underscore the enduring influence of the Catholic Church in Spain, not only as a religious institution but also as a key contributor to education, healthcare, and social welfare across the country.

Pope Appoints Rev. John Mbua Mwandi as Bishop of Kitui Diocese

The Holy Father has appointed Rev. John Mbua Mwandi, until now parish priest of Mulutu, as the new bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kitui in Kenya. 

The appointment was officially announced by the Vatican, ushering in a new chapter for the diocese as it prepares to welcome a bishop bringing decades of pastoral and administrative experience in the Catholic Church. 

Born on 24 September 1970, Bishop-elect Mwandi studied philosophy at Saint Augustine’s Senior Seminary before undertaking theological studies at Saint Matthias Mulumba Senior Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood on 8 December 2001. 

Following his ordination, he served in several parishes across the diocese, beginning as parish vicar in Ikutha in 2002. He later served as parish priest in Miambani from 2001 to 2005, in Ikanga in 2006, and at the Cathedral of Kitui from 2007 to 2011. He also served as dean of the Eastern Deanery from 2005. 

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Bishop-elect Mwandi pursued further studies in administration and management, earning a diploma in Project Management from the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi in 2008. 

Over the years, he has held several key leadership positions within the diocese, including diocesan bursar from 2011 to 2020, pro-vicar general from 2016 to 2020, and later vicar general. Until his appointment as bishop, he was serving as parish priest of Mulutu. 

Catholics in the Diocese of Kitui have welcomed the appointment with joy and hope, expressing confidence in the bishop-elect’s experience, leadership, and dedication to the mission of the Church. The episcopal ordination and installation ceremony is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.