In Rugero, Burundi, a week dedicated to discovering San Cesare de Bus

Since the parish of Rugero was founded, we realized that Cesar de Bus, the patron saint, was little known, and that many parishioners even found his name difficult to pronounce. We therefore felt the urgency to make him known to the parishioners, and for his feast day, April 15th, we dedicated a week to introducing him and endearing him to our parishioners. We titled it “We thank the Lord for the gift of our patron saint, Saint Cesar, and the Doctrinaries”.
From Monday, April 13th to Friday, April 17th, we visited all five parishes, each day in a different branch, teaching, administering the sacrament of Reconciliation, and celebrating the Eucharist. Father Ezéchiel Hakizimana taught on the Christian vocation to holiness and the importance of the saints’ intercession in life. Father Désiré Dusaberugira, from the Bujumbura community, also shared a video of the second part of the life of Saint César de Bus. Father Dusaberugira’s availability was invaluable and demonstrates how the doctrinaries of the Burundian delegation collaborate with each other.
Instead of April 15th, we celebrated the liturgical feast of Saint Caesar on Saturday the 18th, to ensure everyone could participate. The Mass was presided over by the parish priest, Father Schadrack Matthieu Dunia, along with other priests, some from other parishes.
After Mass, the children from Rugero and Mutara, the two largest branches, had the opportunity to showcase their talents through dances and games based on the life of Saint Cesar de Bus. The day concluded with a joyful sharing.
On the occasion of the week dedicated to Saint Caesar, we encouraged parishioners to thank the Lord for the service that the doctrinaries, Sons of Saint Caesar de Bus, provide to the community of Rugero. Thus, the week’s offerings were donated to the seminaries in Bujumbura and Gitega, where we were all trained. Despite the precarious economic situation, everyone donated something, proud to have contributed to the formation of their future pastors.
In closing, a word about the project to build the parish church, which is dear to all parishioners. The budget is high, and the population has limited resources. Therefore, we constantly ask for prayers and financial support to continue this important project for the parish community of Rugero.

Some images of the week dedicated to Saint Caesar