BUBANZA, April 8th (ABP) – The Christians of the Diocese of Bubanza (North-West Burundi) are called upon to give priority to “Truth and Love”, as those are major pillars of life and remain complementary. That appeal was made to them on Saturday 5 April by the new Bishop of the Diocese of Bubanza, Mgr Emmanuel Ntakarutimana, at his Episcopal Ordination, according to local sources.
The Diocese of Bubanza comprises the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke, and 19 parishes. In his address, the Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, Mgr Dieudonné Datonou, who led the ceremonies, asked the new bishop to consider the Diocese of Bubanza as his new wife to be cared for, and to whom he will receive a great deal of advice. He invited him to remain an impartial guide and a good pastor.
The Apostolic Nuncio called on the priests to respect the Bishop. To Christians and various institutions, he asked for the support of the new Bishop for the development of the Diocese. Among the priorities of the new Bishop are the consolidation of families and households, reconciliation and good cohabitation, development, the construction of the Cathedral, the creation of new parishes, etc.
The Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic in charge of police matters, Lt-Gen Pol Joseph Ngendabanka, who represented the government, welcomed the good collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church. He also praised the Church’s contribution to the country’s development. Ngendabanka pledged the State’s support for the Catholic Church’s various development projects.
The motto of the new Bishop of the Diocese of Bubanza is “You will know the Truth, and that Truth will set you free”. He is the 3rd Bishop of that Diocese since its creation in 1980.