On Saturday, February 1, 2025, IFAK Don Bosco hosted a vibrant celebration in honor of the Feast of Saint John Bosco, coinciding with the conclusion of the Youth Ministry Month in the Archdiocese of Kigali.
The day commenced with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, alongside Bishop Shawn McKnight from Jefferson, USA, and numerous priests, including Fr. Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, the Provincial Superior of the Africa of Great Lakes Province (AGL).
The ceremony was marked by the administration of sacraments, where 14 young individuals received baptism and confirmation. As part of the event, youth who excelled in Bible and Church history competitions were recognized and rewarded with gifts, including Bibles.
In his homily, Cardinal Kambanda emphasized God’s unwavering love for the youth, urging them to always rejoice in His grace and acknowledge their invaluable contribution to the Church.
He stated, “Dear youth, be joyful and remain happy because Christ loves you. Always give thanks to God for the strength and wisdom you possess. The Word of God is your guiding light, bringing you hope, peace, and joy. Stay faithful and practice self-discipline to avoid sin.”
The Cardinal highlighted that young people constitute approximately 70% of Rwanda’s population, making it imperative for the Church to dedicate significant attention to their spiritual and moral growth. He also drew a connection to Rwanda’s National Heroes’ Day, noting that many past heroes were youth, and today’s youth are the future heroes of the nation.
He added, “As we commemorate National Heroes’ Day today, we also reflect on the fact that many of our past heroes were young people. The youth of today are the heroes of tomorrow, and we wish them a bright future filled with joy and purpose.”
The culmination of the Youth Ministry Month in the Archdiocese of Kigali was purposefully aligned with the Feast of Saint John Bosco, the patron saint of youth. His teachings and mission focused extensively on the welfare and spiritual growth of young people.
Fr. Ngendakuriyo reaffirmed the commitment of the Salesian community to upholding Don Bosco’s mission of nurturing “honest citizens and good Christians” through education, pastoral work, and various youth-centered initiatives.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Art Development, Mr. Ngabo Olivier, commended the Catholic Church’s leadership for bringing together the youth of the Archdiocese of Kigali. He acknowledged the significant role the Church plays in shaping young Rwandans with strong values and a commitment to national development.
He stated, “The Catholic Church’s contribution to Rwanda is immeasurable. You are raising a generation of youth with values and a passion for building the Rwanda we aspire to.”
The celebration was further enriched with lively traditional dance performances, which added to the joyous atmosphere. Performances by the IFAK Don Bosco cultural troupe and Don Bosco Nursery and Primary School were particularly well received by the youth and parents in attendance.
The event was a true testament to the spirit of Saint John Bosco and the unwavering dedication of the Church to the holistic development of young people in Rwanda.
