The Diocese of Bubanza held ceremonies for the ordination of priests and deacons, alongside the collation of ministries in lectorate and acolytate, at the Sainte Famille de Nazareth de Gihango parish on Saturday, July 11, 2026. This significant event, which took place within the spiritual heart of the diocese, marked a key moment for the local Catholic community. During the event, a significant number of seminarians received the ministry of lectorate, an important step in their journey towards priesthood. The ceremonies thus marked a key moment for the diocese, celebrating both the advancement of individuals and the ongoing vitality of the church's mission.
Key Figures Attend Ceremony
Mgr Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, Bishop of the Diocese of Bubanza, presided over the ceremonies. His presence showed the spiritual importance of the day's proceedings. During the event, Bishop Ntakarutimana delivered a profound homily, stating, "La moisson est grande, mais il y a peu d’ouvriers" (The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few). This reflection noted the ongoing need for dedicated individuals to serve the Church. He further elaborated on the key role of clergy, remarking, "Les prêtres sont ces personnes qui ont plu à Dieu et qui, pour être ses véritables ministres, doivent travailler non pour la récompense matérielle, mais plutôt pour la gloire et l’amour qu’ils ont envers le Seigneur" (Priests are those persons who have pleased God and who, to be His true ministers, must work not for material reward, but rather for the glory and love they have for the Lord). His words offered guidance and inspiration to all present, particularly those receiving new ministries.
Gervais Ndirakobuca, a native of the parish, chaired the organizing committee for the ceremonies. His leadership was instrumental in the successful execution of the day's events. Ndirakobuca addressed the ordinands and those receiving ministries, stating, "C’est le moment opportun pour vous de rendre grâce à Dieu pour vous avoir appelés à œuvrer dans son ministère sacerdotal, mais aussi pour vous avoir permis de franchir un tel pas" (This is the opportune moment for you to give thanks to God for having called you to work in His priestly ministry, but also for having allowed you to take such a step). He acknowledged the profound commitment and spiritual growth demonstrated by the individuals.
Details of Ordinations and Ministries
Seven deacons were ordained as priests during the ceremonies at the Sainte Famille de Nazareth de Gihango parish. This ordination represents the culmination of years of theological study and spiritual formation for these individuals. The ordination also saw nine acolytes elevated to the diaconate, marking their formal entry into the clerical state and their commitment to service. Additionally, a significant number of seminarians received the ministry of acolytate as part of the event, further progressing in their vocational journey. These ordinations and conferrals of ministries were central to the day's proceedings in the Diocese of Bubanza. The various stages of spiritual formation were recognized, marking significant progress for those entering or advancing within the priestly ministry, reinforcing the Church's continuous growth and dedication to service.
Bishop's Message and Parish Significance
The Sainte Famille de Nazareth de Gihango parish, where the ceremonies took place, is located within the Diocese of Bubanza, specifically in Commune Bukinanyana, Province of Bujumbura. This location provided a fitting and sacred setting for the important religious rites. Gervais Ndirakobuca, who chaired the organizing committee, addressed the ordinands and those receiving ministries during the event. Ndirakobuca stated, "C’est le moment opportun pour vous de rendre grâce à Dieu pour vous avoir appelés à œuvrer dans son ministère sacerdotal, mais aussi pour vous avoir permis de franchir un tel pas." Furthermore, Ndirakobuca presented a gift of a cow and a sheep to Gihango parish. This thoughtful gift was made on behalf of the faithful and the organizing committee, signifying a gesture of support and solidarity for the local parish community and its ongoing mission.
Reflections and Future Ministry
The President of the Senate of Burundi, Gervais Ndirakobuca, participated in the ceremonies, lending a notable civil presence to the religious event. Ndirakobuca addressed the ordinands and those receiving ministries, stating, "C’est le moment opportun pour vous de rendre grâce à Dieu pour vous avoir appelés à œuvrer dans son ministère sacerdotal, mais aussi pour vous avoir permis de franchir un tel pas." He emphasized the profound significance of their calling and the considerable progress they had made within their spiritual journey. The newly ordained priests and deacons, along with those who received ministries, are now poised to embark on new chapters of service, bringing their spiritual gifts to the communities within the Diocese of Bubanza and beyond. Their commitment strengthens the Church's mission to spread its message and serve its faithful.
