Kanombe, Nyarugunga – on 29 August 2025, the Catholic Church in Rwanda reached a historic milestone, celebrating 125 years since its arrival in the country. The Jubilee Mass in Nyarugunga was graced by His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, who stood shoulder to shoulder with Christian faithful, including ex-comatants who were wounded in the liberation struggle.

_{His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda leads the Jubilee Mass in Nyarugunga, marking 125 years of the Catholic Church in Rwanda.}

The Mass was the highlight of the day, bringing together thanksgiving to God and a special tribute to those who sacrificed for Rwanda’s peace. Cardinal Kambanda’s presence alongside the ex-combatants deeply touched everyone. 

“This gathering is of great value because it reminds us that man does not live on bread alone but also needs the comforting word of God,” Cardinal Kambanda told the congregation. “Your prayers carry enormous strength. As ex-combatants who sacrificed for others and for your country, you remain living witnesses of God’s purpose.”

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he urged them never to give in to despair:

“The greatest mistake in life is to despair. I commend you for your resilience and courage.”

Ex-combatants Speak of Pride and Sacrifice

Speaking on behalf of the ex-combatants in Nyarugunga, Demob. John Ndekezi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Cardinal’s pastoral care.

“We are proud to see the country we fought for thriving under good leadership. Many lives were sacrificed, and we, the survivors, are living testimonies of that sacrifice,” he said.

Ndekezi praised the government’s commitment to ex-combatants, recalling that “even in the battlefield of 1991, wounded fighters were never abandoned.” He lauded the law safeguarding ex-combatants’ rights, the ongoing support of the Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC), and the compassion shown by partners such as the Good Samaritan Organisation.

^{Ex-combatants wounded during the liberation struggle join the faithful in thanksgiving, standing as living witnesses of sacrifice and resilience.}

Leadership Stands with Ex-combatants

The event was attended by Hon. Valérie Nyirahabineza, President of the RDRC, alongside with Commissioner Gatabazi. Hon. Nyirahabineza paid tribute to the worshippers for honouring the ex-combatants and expressed profound appreciation for Rwanda’s leadership.

_{Hon. Valérie Nyirahabineza, President of the RDRC, pays tribute to ex-combatants and reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to their welfare. She pose with ex-combatants kids.}

“We thank God for blessing us with an exceptional gift – His Excellency President Paul Kagame – who stood shoulder to shoulder with those who sacrificed, some with their lives, others with their limbs, to give us a country that glorifies God and radiates joy,” she said.

She pledged that the RDRC will continue accompanying ex-combatants, including organising visits to historic liberation sites so that they remain firmly rooted in the value of their sacrifice.

Gifts of Faith

^{Ex-combatants receive Bibles as a symbol of faith and hope, crowning the Jubilee celebration in Nyarugunga.}

To crown the day, ex-combatants in Nyarugunga received gifts, including Bibles, symbolising the sustaining power of God’s word in their journey of resilience and hope.

As the Church marks 125 years in Rwanda, the Jubilee celebration in Nyarugunga not only rekindled faith but also honoured the men and women whose sacrifice gave Rwanda a future. It was a poignant reminder that the nation’s past, present, and future remain woven together by faith, courage, and unity.