Church helps reunite estranged families

GATSIBO- The Catholic Church in Nyagihanga Sector, Gatsibo District has launched a family union program that seeks to solve family conflicts among Church members. According to Church leaders, the program was launched in 2007 by Byumba Diocese after a series of evaluations that revealed a number of conflicts in many families in the area. The Church reportedly organizes an ‘evening for couples’ once a week where they seat together, discuss their family issues and seek lasting solutions. Speaking to The Sunday Times, some Church members testified that with the help of the program, they easily manage to solve most of the internal conflicts in their families. “A husband and wife meet one evening for private talks. They discuss a variety of issues facing their family and solve them. This has registered tremendous improvement of relations among Church members,” said Florence Gisagara, one of the Church leaders. Gisagara added that the program was launched in Nyagihanga Catholic Church following similar programmes in Rwamiko, Muhura, Byumba and Nyinawimana. “This serves as a tool that solves family conflicts without seeking local authorities. We want to extend it to non church members.” Emile Nyiramucyo, one of the initiators of the program, said that among the main family issues is lack of private discussions between couples. “Most of the families lack closed discussions. But this program is vital as it brings them together. The union also plays a role in uniting them,” he said. Father Paul Gahutu of Nyagihanga Parish, said that the program has reconciled a number of families that had separated. Marie Gorette Nsabiye had separated from her husband, Thacien Nyiramahirwe, for the last 13 years but were re-united as a result of the program. “We thank God that this program was launched at our parish. We separated a long time ago but we are happily living together due to the program,” said Nsabiye. Ends