The Archbishop of Kigali, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, in an interview with The New Times shed light on the cancellation of Easter baptisms due to the upcoming 29th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi.

The upcoming Easter celebration is scheduled for Sunday, April 9. It will coincide with the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, which will have already started two days before, on April 7.

Kambanda explained that during this period of commemoration, feasts cannot be held, and therefore, baptisms during Easter cannot be conducted.

Cardinal Kambanda noted that although it may be difficult to accept this decision, there is an important message to be found in it when viewed through the eyes of faith. He emphasized the true meaning of Easter, which is the victory of life over death, of love over hatred, and of light over darkness, as demonstrated by Christ's resurrection.

ALSO READ: Evangelism and philanthropy: Gospel ministry’s pre-Easter celebrations with vulnerable groups

The Cardinal expressed hope that despite the suffering caused by death, it does not have the final say in a person's life.

He noted: "When you kill a person, it is not the end of it because in the life to come, you will face him or her in judgment before God. And those who did good to the brothers and sisters in trouble will be rewarded."

This message of Easter during the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi gives hope and strength, he said.

ALSO READ: Where Easter and Rwanda’s history meet

According to Josephine Kwihangana, a Catholic, the congregation understands the decision to cancel baptisms during this time of commemoration. It is alright to postpone them, she agreed, since they can always have them later.

Kwihangana said: "We are honoring Tutsi victims massacred in the 1994 Genocide. We keep them in our prayers. And Easter reminds us even more that they’re not gone."

It's not the first time Easter celebrations have coincided with the commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi. This has happened in the past, specifically in 1996, 1998, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2012, and 2020.

The Catholic Church has always made adjustments accordingly to respect and honor the victims of the genocide.