Six Salesians Ordained Priests in Rwanda and Burundi as Church Celebrates New Vocations

KIGALI/BUJUMBURA – The Salesian Family in the Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Province celebrated a day of joy on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as six Salesians of Don Bosco were ordained priests during separate ordination ceremonies held in Rwanda and Burundi, marking another milestone in the congregation’s mission of serving young people.

In Kigali, Rwanda, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali, presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration at Sainte Famille Parish, where 13 deacons were ordained to the priesthood, including Fr. Emmanuel Numviyumukiza, SDB, and Fr. Olivier Hakizimana, SDB.

The celebration formed part of the Golden Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Kigali, which also included the ordination of nine seminarians to the diaconate and the celebration of the priestly jubilees of several priests including salesians.

Meanwhile, in Bujumbura, Burundi, Archbishop Gervais Banshimiyubusa ordained 16 priests, among them four Salesians of Don Bosco: Fr. Alexandre Majambere, SDB, Fr. Willy Ndayishimiye, SDB, Fr. Moise Ndihokubwayo, SDB, and Fr. Déo Nizerimana, SDB. During the same celebration, the Archbishop also instituted eight lectors, ten acolytes, and ordained twelve deacons.

The six newly ordained Salesian priests represent the continued growth of vocations within the Salesian Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Province. Their ordination strengthens the congregation’s mission of evangelization, education, and accompaniment of young people in Rwanda, Burundi, and beyond, following the charism of Saint John Bosco.

The celebrations in Kigali and Bujumbura brought together bishops, priests, religious, family members, benefactors, and thousands of faithful in thanksgiving for the gift of new vocations, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to forming shepherds dedicated to serving God and His people.