Rwanda: Bishop of Cyangugu in a solidarity visit to the Diocese of Nyundo.

Fr. Fidele Mutabazi - Kigali, Rwanda.

A month after devastating floods hit Rwanda, Bishop Edouard Sinayobye has led a diocesan delegation of priests on a solidarity visit to the Diocese of Nyundo, one of the areas badly affected by the floods.

Nyundo Curia offices suffered damage

Disaster struck the Diocese of Nyundo and other regions of Rwanda on the night of 2 - 3 May 2023. Heavy rain started on 2 May and continued throughout the night. Hundreds lost their lives while many more were injured. Thousands were also displaced by the flooding.

The floods caused much material and infrastructure damage to the Diocesan offices of Nyundo. The Diocese lost most of its office equipment and official documents.

Arriving at the Diocesan Curia in Nyundo, the priests from Cyangugu and their Bishop were welcomed by the local Ordinary, Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza and priests of Nyundo. Together they surveyed the damage caused by the floods in order to better appreciate the gravity and scale of the destruction and losses.

The disasters have not changed you

Bishop Sinayobye praised the courage of the Bishop of Nyundo, priests, religious and the faithful of the Diocese for defying adversity and forging ahead with various apostolates,

“We have come to share life with you and to join ourselves to your situation after the misfortune you experienced. We have visited different places affected and are happy you are well. The disasters have not changed you. We thank God, who has given you courage and allowed you to stand firm in these trying moment,” said Bishop Sinayobye.

A football match to celebrate life

Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza (left) with Bishop Edouard Sinayobye (right).

Bishop Sinayobye and team gave Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza some contributions from the faithful of Cyangugu Diocese. These comprised computers and IT items, money and other materials to help repair and rehabilitate facilities.

The Dioceses of Cyangugu and Nyundo are located in the west of Rwanda and share important historical links.

The visit to Nyundo Diocese concluded with a football match pitting the Cyangugu priests’ team against that of Nyundo priests. When the soccer match ended, the score line was  2 goals to 1 in favour of the hosts, the Nyundo team of priest