Celebrating 50 Years of Faith: Bishop Philippe Rukamba’s Golden Jubilee in Butare

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, the Diocese of Butare celebrated the 50th Jubilee of Bishop Philippe Rukamba, marking his half-century of priesthood.

The celebration began with a Mass led by Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of the Diocese of Nyundo, accompanied by Bishop Philippe Rukamba of Butare, who was celebrating his Jubilee, Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira, who has been elected to lead the Diocese of Butare, Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of the Diocese of Cyangugu, Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege of the Diocese of Kabgayi (retired), Bishop Jean Marie Vianney of the Diocese of Kibungo, Bishop Servilien Nzakamwita of the Diocese of Byumba (retired), Bishop Anastase Mutabazi of the Diocese of Kabgayi (retired), Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of the Diocese of Gikongoro, Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa of the Diocese of Kabgayi, and several auxiliary bishops.

The event was also attended by local government officials, led by the Governor of the Southern Province, Madam Alice Kayitesi, as well as district leaders from the Southern Province, various members of the clergy, faithful Christians, and other distinguished guests.

In his sermon, Bishop Philippe Rukamba urged those consecrated to God, including the clergy, Christians, and others, to actively contribute to making the world a better place by fostering brotherhood, humility, love for God, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion for the poor. He encouraged planting seeds of love and good deeds and reflecting on the fruits of one’s life to better understand one’s impact on the world.

Bishop Philippe introduced the faithful to Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira, the newly elected leader of the Diocese of Butare, stating that he will be the diocese’s shepherd starting October 5th when he receives the pastoral staff. He emphasized that he is not retiring but intends to continue his work, including teaching catechism in the fourth grade of primary school in the upcoming 2024–2025 academic year, as he still feels strong and capable.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba expressed his gratitude to God for his family, who supported him in his education and vocation. He shared that his decision to enter the priesthood was entirely his own, and his family respected his choices. He reflected on his upbringing, highlighting how his sense of freedom and independence shaped his path. He originally aspired to become a doctor but decided to enter the seminary, a decision he attributed to his aversion to blood.

He continued to thank God for the many blessings and wonderful people he encountered throughout his life. He reminded the faithful to always trust in God’s unwavering love, to guard their hearts and families, and to love God fully without harboring ill will towards anyone. He asked for forgiveness from those he may have wronged and committed to living a good life, urging others to learn to love like Christ, as it brings peace.

Honorable Eutalie, a Christian woman from the Diocese of Butare, spoke about Bishop Philippe Rukamba’s 50 years of priesthood, noting that he has spent 27 of those years as their bishop. She expressed gratitude to God for choosing him as a priest and thanked the Diocese of Kibungo for nurturing him before he became their shepherd. She praised his leadership, especially in education and healing the community, noting how he helped the faithful reconnect with the Church after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She emphasized that Bishop Rukamba’s efforts had fostered unity and development, particularly through initiatives like Caritas.

Southern Province Governor Alice Kayitesi also expressed her gratitude to Bishop Philippe Rukamba for his role in the region’s development and his efforts in promoting unity and resilience among Rwandans, particularly through the reconciliation journey that began in this diocese. She appreciated his support for school feeding programs initiated by the Diocese of Butare and welcomed his successor, Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira, assuring him of continued cooperation with the government.

Bishop Anaclet Mwumvaneza of the Diocese of Nyundo, who led the Jubilee Mass, emphasized the rarity and blessing of celebrating such a milestone in priesthood. He commended Bishop Philippe Rukamba for faithfully fulfilling his priestly duties, guiding, teaching, and sanctifying the people through the sacraments and other means. He noted that the fruits of Bishop Rukamba’s ministry were evident, particularly in education, where he made significant contributions. Bishop Mwumvaneza also highlighted that Pope Francis had recently accepted Bishop Rukamba’s request for retirement and announced his successor, Bishop Jean Bosco Ntagungira. He assured that even in retirement, Bishop Rukamba would continue to serve the Church, as no priest ever truly retires.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba was born on May 26, 1948, in Rwinkwavu, Kayonza District, Eastern Province. He was baptized on May 29, 1948. He attended primary school in Rwinkwavu, Rulindo, Rwamagana, and Zaza. In 1961, he entered the minor seminary in Kabgayi and later attended Saint Paul Seminary in Kigali, where he completed his secondary education in Greek and Latin. On September 14, 1968, he entered the major seminary in Nyakibanda to study philosophy and theology. He was ordained a priest on June 2, 1974, in the Diocese of Nyundo. In 1976, Bishop Joseph Sibomana of the Diocese of Kibungo sent him to Rome for further studies, where he earned a doctorate and wrote a thesis on “Saint Cyprian and Martyrdom.”

From 1983 to 1991, Bishop Rukamba led the minor seminary in Zaza. From 1991 to 1992, he served as spiritual director at the major seminary of philosophy in Kabgayi, and in 1992, he became the parish priest of Kibungo Cathedral. On January 18, 1997, he was appointed bishop, and on April 12, 1997, he was installed as the Bishop of Butare Cathedral.

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