The Catholic Church in Rwanda is mourning the death of Monsignor Dominique Ngirabanyiginya, who passed away on Wednesday.

He passed on at about 3:00 a.m. He was 79.

His death is attributed to multiple chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, among others, according to the Bishop of Butare Diocese, Philip Rukamba.

Bishop Rukamba told The New Times that Mgr Ngirabanyiginya had served as a priest for 52 years since 1967 until his death.

 After his studies in Europe (Italy), he was nominated as a priest at Mibirizi Parish.

Later, he went to teach Latin, Music, among other courses ,at Petit Seminaire de Nyundo where he spent 49 years.  

Mgr Ngirabanyiginya was a famous composer of religious liturgy songs, had a fanfare for Petit Seminaire and he was responsible for it, composing songs and teaching them to seminarians, according to Bishop Rukamba.

 "He was really a good priest with humility and was an expert priest other priests should learn from,” Rukamba eulogised.

He lived in Rome, Italy for more than 6 years studying, he went to study and developed his talent for music.

 ‘For us Mgr Dominique was a very important person, who loved the youth, particularly seminarians and has lived with them for more than 49 years. He composed many songs including "Imana Nisingizwe mu Ijuru,” said Rukamba.

He described the deseased priest as a professional, who respected people, was patient,  faithful, punctual and God loving.

He exuded these as his personal guiding principles, said Rukamba.

Father Evariste Dukuzimana, the head of studies at Petit Seminaire Nyundo who has been close to him, said Mgr Ngirabanyiginya means a lot not only for the school but also for the Catholic Church.

The title "Monseigneur’’ was given to him by the Pope as eminent title because of the remarkable activities he did for the Catholic Church.

Mgr Ngirabanyiginya was born in Kabgayi Parish, Kabgayi Diocese, in 1937, started minor seminary in 1952, then continued his studies in Rome, where he got ordained in 1964, .

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