The Postulate Community “Our Lady of the Apostles” in Nyundo/Rwanda
Vocational Experience in Nyundo.
This year (2025) the Nyundo Community is made up of three Brother Formators and 8 young Postulants, 5 of whom are in their second year.
Here is what Brother Damien Habimana – Brother Visitor, Superior of the Community and Head of the Postulate:
“Let us share our experience of Vocations Ministry. At the level of the “Notre Dame de Kibeho” District, we have formed a Team of three Brothers responsible for leading Vocations Ministry at the national level. In addition, each Community and each Brother takes care of Vocations Ministry in their respective environments.
Brother Damien visits the vocational group of Apefoc Secondary School, Nyundo Cathedral Parish
In Rwanda, young people are plentiful! In almost all Parishes, Secondary Schools, and Universities, we find well-organized Catholic youth groups, commonly called “vocational groups.” Each group meets once a week or once a month to pray, meditate on biblical texts about the Christian vocation, and reflect on the call to holiness, which can be lived in different forms within the Church: marriage, consecrated life, and priestly life. Sometimes, a religious brother or sister, a priest, or a married couple shares a testimony.
Some dioceses organize annual gatherings of vocational groups, called the “Diocesan Vocational Forum,” to facilitate their encounters with various congregations, pray together, share Christian experiences, and receive teachings on vocation-related themes.
Visit to the vocational groups in Rambura (Girls and Boys)
To reach a large number of young people and introduce them to the Mennaisian vocation, we visit these vocational groups in their respective parishes or schools. We also participate in these forums. When physical presence is not possible, we hold video conferences with the young people. Wherever we go, we leave behind a leaflet summarizing the essentials of what it means to be a “Brother of Christian Instruction of Ploërmel.”
Visit to the Vocational Group at Kibihekane Secondary School, Rambura Parish
Three times a year, we organize sessions for BCI aspirants to introduce them to the identity of a brother, our history, our charism, and the conditions for advancing in the vocation. Before admitting them to the postulancy, we visit each candidate’s family to discuss with their parents their expectations for their son, their consent, and their family situation.
The main challenge we face in Rwanda, in the entire Congregation, and in the whole Church is to work tirelessly, persevere, and continue calling young people to the vocation.
Currently, Rwanda has:
- 5 young men in formation (novitiate and scholasticate)
- 26 Brothers
- 3 Communities
- 5 Educational works
- 1 Formation house (Postulate)
Brother HABIMANA Damien – “Notre Dame de Kibeho” District (Rwanda)
Young People from South Sudan Arrive at the Kisubi Postulate (Uganda)
Since last year, young people from South Sudan have been joining the Kisubi Postulate. This year, in the first year, there are 13 postulants: 8 from South Sudan and 5 from Uganda. In the second year, there are 8 postulants: 3 from South Sudan and 5 from Uganda.
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Five Postulants from South Sudan in their First Year
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A group of first-year postulants, with Brother Desiderio (Formator, in the center). Two postulants are missing from the photo. |
The entire Congregation rejoices in the presence of all these young men and wishes them growth as they follow Christ.