RUTANA, April 16th (ABP) – The investiture mass of the new Bishop of the Diocese of Rutana, Monsignor Léonidas Nitereka, took place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in an atmosphere of solemnity and spiritual fervor. The ceremony, held at the Rutana football stadium, gathered thousands of Christians along with several high-ranking political and religious authorities who came to show their support and solidarity, as observed on-site.
In his homily, the apostolic nuncio to Burundi, Mgr. Dieudonné Datonou, representing the Holy See on that occasion, reminded everyone of the essential mission of the new bishop: to preach the Word of Christ. While handing Mgr. Nitereka the books of the Holy Scriptures, he emphasized that the primacy of the Gospel in the life of the bishop must be unshakable, surpassing any personal or material attachments.
The nuncio also highlighted the unifying role of the bishop, a guide sent by God to unite the faithful. He read excerpts from the appointment letter sent by the Pope, which praises qualities such as wisdom, intelligence, and kindness in Monsignor Nitereka.
During his gratitude speech, Monsignor Nitereka deeply thanked the participants who came from various backgrounds. He then revealed his episcopal motto: “What glorifies the Father is that you bear much fruit.” That direction sets the tone for his episcopacy, which will be focused on spiritual and social fertility.
The new prelate affirmed his desire to strengthen cohesion within the Christian community of Rutana. He committed to building a Church united around the values of family and the Christian message, while also playing an active role in addressing national challenges. Peace, reconciliation, human dignity, and sustainable development are at the core of his vision, with a particular focus on improving the living conditions of households.
The ceremony was marked by the presence of several notable figures, including the Secretary-General of the ruling party, the second vice-president of the Senate, the Minister of Education, the president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), as well as bishops from Tanzania and Rwanda. Among them were Bishop Grevacius Noyisonga (Mbeya), Bishop Joseph Mlola (Kigoma), Bishop Paul Ruzoka (Tabora), and Bishop Vincent Habonimana (Ruhengeri).
It is worth noting that the Diocese of Rutana was established 17 years ago. It had been without a bishop for three years, since its first bishop, Mgr. Bonaventure Nahimana, was appointed to lead the Archdiocese of Gitega.