Rwanda Government Commends Catholic Church as Kigali Archdiocese Ordains 11 Priests During Golden Jubilee Celebrations
KIGALI, Rwanda – As the Archdiocese of Kigali marked its 50th anniversary, the Catholic Church celebrated the Jubilee of the Priesthood with the ordination of 11 new priests and the ordination of nine seminarians to the diaconate.
Representing the Government of Rwanda at the celebrations, Emmanuel Rwego Ngarambe, State Minister in the Ministry of Sports, commended the Catholic Church for its continued contribution to Rwanda’s development and its strong partnership with the government. He encouraged the newly ordained priests to uphold that legacy through dedicated service.
The celebrations began with a Holy Mass held at Sainte Famille Parish on Saturday, July 18, 2026, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali. He was joined by several retired bishops, including Bishop Jérôme Gapangwa, Bishop Emeritus of Uvira; Bishop Anastase Mutabazi, Bishop Emeritus of Kabgayi; Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege, Bishop Emeritus of Kabgayi Diocese; and Archbishop Thaddée Ntihinyurwa, Archbishop Emeritus of Kigali.
Addressing the congregation, State Minister Rwego Ngarambe said the occasion was a moment of gratitude and celebration.
“We are delighted to witness this special occasion that brings together priestly and diaconal ordinations while also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Kigali. It is an opportunity to thank God and to celebrate the remarkable milestones that have been achieved,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, he thanked the Catholic Church for its continued collaboration with the state in sectors including education, healthcare, and other initiatives that improve the well-being of Rwandans.
“We appreciate the commitment you continue to demonstrate. My special message to those beginning their priestly ministry is to continue along this path of service. You are now members of the wider family of priests, but you also remain Rwandans. For that reason, you carry an even greater responsibility to work with others in building the Rwanda we all aspire to,” he said.
The minister also prayed that the newly ordained priests would remain faithful to their vocation, asking God to strengthen, protect, and guide them in their daily ministry.
The newly ordained priests are Fr. Aimable Azabaho from Gishaka Parish, Fr. Juvens Nishimwe from Munanira Parish, Fr. Florien Usengayezu from Rulindo Parish, Fr. Honoré Niyonzima from Sainte Famille Parish, Fr. Elie Hakizimana of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines – SAC), Fr. Pascal Mugambira (SAC), Fr. Olivier Hakizimana of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Fr. Emmanuel Numviyumukiza (SDB), Fr. Thomas Nyarwaya, Fr. Eric Twagiramungu of the Discalced Carmelites (OCD), and Fr. Blaise Ngayaboshya (OCD).
In addition to the government delegation led by State Minister Rwego Ngarambe, the ceremony was attended by senior government officials, priests from across the country, members of various religious congregations, Catholic faithful, and the families and friends of those ordained to the priesthood and diaconate.
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