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The Bishop’s Easter Message
The House of the Bishops has issued an Easter message to be read in all the Churches within the Anglican Church of Burundi on 23rd April 08. The House has pointed out some socio-political problems that the country is going through, mainly:
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The blockage within the parliament
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The split of the main political parties
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The daily killings of innocent people in different parts of the country and the brutal rape of women
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The devaluation of the culture where students rebel against their teachers
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The increase of poverty and the decrease of the national economy
Towards those challenges, the House of the Bishops has made the following recommendations:
1. To the Government :
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to recognize its responsibility of protecting every citizen
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to use its authority to stop the killings and other social vices
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to punish the troublemakers and restore peace and security
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To the citizens
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to remain calm and promote peace and love
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to sensitize the schoolgoers to value education and respect educators
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to promote Christian ethics in the schools
The message was received with high expectations. Mrs Cris Inandava had this to comment:
“Our hearts were burning within us while the Bishop’s message was being read to us. No other homily was needed to be delivered. We thank our beloved bishops for the courageous message to the nation”.
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II. UCE Seminar in Makamba
The Universal Chastity Education has held a youth seminar from March 31 to April 2nd at the youth Centre in the Cathedral grounds. Forty two students from different parishes have responded to the
rendez-vous. Fruitful awareness, information, discussion, story telling, sketches and commitment have characterized the seminar. The Bishop of Makamba
(UCE National Director) was the main facilitator. At the end of the seminar, all of the participants signed the commitment cards, and expressed their thanks to the Diocese of Makamba for initiating this important programme. Many of them commented:
“I was having many plans to run after girls by kissing and caressing them. Now I’m changed by the message of
UCE. From now onwards I stop this habit”, commented Bernard
Ciza.
“I have been attending many seminars on HIV/AIDS where they taught us that if you are not able to abstain, use condoms. The Bible says, no temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful; when you are tempted he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10.13. What we are not able to stand for, God is able. Whoever will tell me he /she has not been able to stand, I will show him a way
These UCE teachings have come to us at right time. We go back home committed to abstain from sexual intercourses until we get married sometimes in future. UCE message is the real message to us. I have made a decision. We thank all those who sponsor this programme, said Janviere
Iradukunda.
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Ciza Bernard, the first from left
Miss Iradukunda
Janviere, the first from left in black T-shirt
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III. Death announcement!
Mr Simeon
NYANDWI, one of the oldest catechists within Makamba Diocese went to live with his Lord on this Wednesday, April 2nd. He worked as the first catechist in Makamba sub-parish which is now the Cathedral. He donated as thanksgiving to the Church the plot in which there are implantations of Karonge sub-parish and Karonge primary school which is under convention. He was a widow. He died in his nineties. He left us with his elder son Sabimbona Samuel who is also serving as a catechist. May his soul stay with the Lord.
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