BUJUMBURA December 31st (ABP) – On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the presidential couple in Bujumbura marked the start of a national year-end thanksgiving prayer, as witnessed on site.
The crusade began with a Eucharistic celebration at the Saint Jean Baptiste parish in Gihosha.
In his homily, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Bujumbura, Mgr Gervais Banshimiyubusa, basing himself on the holy scriptures taken from the Gospel according to Saint Matthew, chapter 2, verses 13-18, asked the congregation to exercise every function in accordance with the will of God, which is sometimes contrary to the will of men.
The country’s leaders who were present at that mass were also invited to avoid being slackers, and to do whatever they had to do without leaving anything out, explaining that if someone leaves out certain things that are in their responsibilities, it looks like sin because there are unprotected innocents who can fall victim to that irresponsibility. They must serve the nation by putting the general interest first, rather than worrying only about their own interests.
Bishop Banshimiyubusa also asked leaders to ensure that laws passed do not discriminate or handicap the future of children in particular. “Leaders must avoid a power that advocates discrimination and that could engender the birth of all kinds of refugees as was the case during Herod’s reign. Instead, they must promote good governance and set aside lies and hypocrisy.
During that Christmas season, he advised the Christians present to welcome Jesus as light into their hearts, repent and ask forgiveness for the sins they have committed.
Taking the floor, the Head of State, Evariste Ndayishimiye, thanked God who has remained at the side of Burundians throughout 2024, even though there is no shortage of challenges. He prayed for the smooth running of the 2025 elections, imploring God the Almighty to always remain in control.