BUGENDANA, March 16 (ABP) – The presidential family joined Christians of the Mugera parish in the Archdiocese of Gitega on Thursday, December 25, 2025, for the Eucharistic celebration of Christmas, a Christian solemnity commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, a symbol of love, peace, and salvation for humanity, a check by ABP revealed.
In his message to Christians and the Burundian people just before the Eucharistic celebration, the President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, wished all Burundians a Merry Christmas. He noted that Christmas is a special occasion to reflect on the love God has shown humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ. He urged his fellow citizens to cultivate love for their neighbour, to live in solidarity, and to value the gifts they received from God at birth, for the good of families and the nation.
The President of the Republic stated that the birth of Jesus Christ reminds every citizen that life is a gift entrusted by God. He reiterated his Christmas greetings to all Burundians, particularly the Christian community.
In his homily, Father Venant Mpozako, parish priest of Mugera, emphasized that the salvation of humanity is founded on the birth of Jesus Christ. He underscored that there is no other saviour for humankind, recalling that the baptism received by the faithful makes them full-fledged children of God.
According to him, the Word became flesh to live among humankind, bringing them true joy and peace within families and society. Mpozako expressed his gratitude to the presidential family for their active involvement in the restoration of the parish church, as well as for their efforts to have this place of worship designated a minor basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua by the Pope in Burundi. He invited the faithful to give thanks to God, emphasizing that this first Christmas celebrated in the basilica marked a historic milestone.
After Mass, the presidential couple’s children distributed gifts to the children present. These gifts, consisting of food and drinks for the children, symbolized sharing and solidarity—fundamental Christmas values—for children from both wealthy and disadvantaged families, in accordance with the example of Jesus Christ.