Future priests at Kabgayi Major Seminary in Muhanga District [Saint Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Philosophicum] have been urged to uphold morality, strengthen their spirituality, and lead with integrity. They are called to serve Rwandans with spiritual guidance while fostering solidarity and embracing the Ndi Umunyarwanda (I am Rwandan) identity. The call was made on January 22 during inaugural launch of Ndi Umunyarwanda at Kabgayi Major Seminary, under the supervision of Unity Club Intwararumuri, as part of a plan to engage higher learning institutions. Ndi Umunyarwanda programme was initiated in 2013, with an ultimate goal of building a national identity and to foster a Rwandan community that is based on trust and unity. It was initiated to strengthen the solidarity of the people, uphold their moral and spiritual values, as well as make them understand their fundamental rights as Rwandans. Jean Damascène Bizimana, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, addressed seminarians regarding Rwanda’s history and the “Ndi Umunyarwanda” programme, reminding them that during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, many parishes became sites of mass killings. He urged seminarians to study this history thoroughly as they prepare for priesthood, emphasizing the need to help Christians and Rwandans heal from their wounds in the communities where they will serve. “You need to thoroughly examine the history of Catholics and colonialists before 1900 and after they began collaborating. Their harmful politics significantly contributed to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi because many of the genocide masterminds were educated in seminary schools,” he stated. “I’m not saying the Catholic Church directly prepared them to become killers, but to a large extent, it failed. You cannot nurture individuals who later commit such atrocities and then deny any responsibility. Building a better Rwanda requires the participation of everyone in their respective roles, including those preparing to dedicate themselves to God and the Church. As the Latin phrase goes, ‘Mens sana in corpore sano,’ meaning ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body,’” he added. ALSO READ: Ndi Umunyarwanda' concept should be a legacy for posterity While presenting the historical background of Ndi Umunyarwanda and Rwanda's history, Bizimana reiterated that Ndi Umunyarwanda was the way Rwandans identified themselves before colonists came to Rwanda. The Tutsi, Hutu and Twa ethnic identities were forged with the purpose of destroying Rwandans' unity, he said. “We should restore this unity and resist misleading narratives spread on social media by individuals with self-serving motives,” he said. As part of upholding values and integrity, he reminded them to be exemplary, emphasizing that being a priest is not a guarantee of good character. He gave the example of Joseph Habyarimana Gitera, an undisciplined former seminary student who aspired to be a revolutionist but was dismissed from the seminary. Gitera, a Hutu extremist, later published the “Hutu 10 Commandments” in 1959, a document filled with hateful language that fuelled divisions and ultimately contributed to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. “However, we also have our heroes, such as King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Michel Rwagasana, Felicita Niyitegeka, and others. Young and old people need to learn about their good deeds, which promote solidarity, the building of a strong nation, and a harmonious Rwandan society. Every country is built on its culture. A priest serves his community of origin. Therefore, prepare to feed Rwandans positively,” he added. Justin Dusingizimana, a seminarian in his second year of studying Philosophy, said: “There is a history we misunderstand, especially the role of missionaries. Rwandans lived in harmony, as Christians do. Living in harmony is a daily lesson we learn. Ndi Umunyarwanda should serve as a good source of harmony for Christians. We pledge to uphold it.” Jean Damascène Imanishimwe, 23, another seminarian, perceives Ndi Umunyarwanda as a philosophy aimed at making Rwandans rethink how they used to be one and should remain united forever. “I've learned that we come from the same background. However, colonists and parties created groups and divisions. I’ve come to understand why they were formed, their purpose, how they fought for political power while fuelling hatred. All of this I didn’t know. We all have one path, and as Rwandans and Christians, we will serve inclusively without discrimination,” he said.
