WESTERN PROVINCE

NYAMASHEKE — The Bishop of Cyangugu Catholic Diocese, Jean Damascene Ntakirutimana has ordained three people into priesthood.

The ceremony took place at Karengera Catholic parish, Karengera sector in Nyamasheke district, on Thursday, July 10. He also ordained two people to deaconate.

Presiding over the function, Bishop Ntakirutimana hailed those who were ordained, for their hard work and clean record which led to their ordination.

In attendance of the function was also Member of Parliament, Judith Kanakuze, Sector Executive Secretaries of Karengera, Nkungu, Kagano and Ruharambuga sectors, members of the civil society, Army and police officials.

Bishop Ntakirutimana urged the new priests and deacons to always preach the word of God according to the doctrines of the Bible and to encourage all Rwandans to change their attitudes towards Christianity.

"Today you have become priests and deacons because of your discipline and hard work in carrying out the work of God in this region. But to me I think this is just the beginning of your duties and time to tell all Rwandans to turn to Christianity and to change their attitudes towards work and discipline,” he said.

Speaking at the occasion, the Nyamasheke district Mayor, Vincent Muragwa called upon the newly-ordained members to regularly encourage residents to participate in all government programmes.

Muragwa also asked them to teach their followers to love one another, encourage peace, unity and reconciliation.

"As God’s servants who are here today I call upon you to always foster unity, peace and reconciliation among Rwandans, and to teach all residents to love each other because that is when our nation will have total peace and security,” Muragwa said.

He also encouraged the audience to fight the genocide ideology and its related crimes. Genocide suspects should be encouraged to tell the truth of what happened during the 1994 Rwandan genocie, he said.

In the meantime, Muragwa commended Cyangugu Diocese officials for their various support to the district.

Ends