On June 28, 2026, the thirteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Superior General, Father Sergio La Pegna, accompanied by the Secretary General of the Congregation, Father Dieudonné Nyamweru, and the delegate for Burundi, Father Fidèle Ntunzwenimana, celebrated the Eucharist with the faithful of the Nyabibuye branch in the Archdiocese of Gitega, which is preparing to become an autonomous parish in the coming years. Also present at the Eucharist were Fathers Paul Sibomana and Gilbert Bigirimana, representatives of the Congregation in the branch.
Father Fedele Ntunzwenimana presided over the celebration, Father La Pegna gave the homily in Italian, and Father Fedele simultaneously translated into Kirundi. Drawing on the day’s readings, he exhorted the faithful to give God first place in their lives. It was truly a great joy for the faithful of Nyabibuye, a joy that could be seen on their faces; seeing the Superior General among them was a sign of encouragement for these faithful, who are desperate to become a parish. To this end, they are dedicating themselves heart and soul to completing the construction of the presbytery, as well as the fencing, which is currently at foundation level; and, of course, the other facilities the parish will need.
After the celebration, the Superior General had the opportunity to visit the rectory under construction and noted that the work was progressing well, although much remains to be done.
Before the final blessing, Father La Pegna expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Nyabibuye for their warm welcome. He encouraged them in their work, emphasizing that his visit was a gesture of support for the parishioners who eagerly await their parish in Nyabibuye. The Superior emphasized that a parish is not made up of houses or buildings constructed of stone and other materials, but is primarily made up of souls, which must be strengthened by nourishing them with the Word of God and the sacraments.
père Gilbert Bigirimana, dc
