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By Annonciata Byukusenge
This was among the key messages delivered to more than 500 young Catholics from different African countries who gathered in Kibeho, on holy ground, for a pilgrimage that concluded the 20th SECAM meeting held in Rwanda.
The young people, united under SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), are part of a continental body that brings together Catholic bishops from Africa and Madagascar.
In the homily, a priest reminded the youth that many are being consumed by drugs, immorality, and other harmful behaviors, instead of drawing closer to God in prayer.
He said: “It is worrying to see that in many places, those most associated with bad habits are the youth. As Christians, you must help us to spread the Good News of salvation to your fellow young people, because they cannot progress as long as they remain trapped in such habits.”
Many Christians who took part in the pilgrimage said it was an opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God and to reconcile with Him.
Uwamahoro, a Christian from the Diocese of Gikongoro, shared:
“I don’t always get the chance to come and pray in Kibeho together with other young people. It is a joy for me because I came with a special intention in my heart, and I believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary has answered my prayer.”
Encouraging the integration of prayer and development, Uwamahoro emphasized that faith does not prevent progress:
“Prayer is the Christian way of life, and work is part of our daily existence. For me, combining the two is not a challenge, because a life without prayer is easily overcome by evil, making a person a slave to sin.”
The pilgrimage followed the SECAM meeting, which had brought together 100 bishops and more than 200 priests, who were also present in Kibeho.
Baraka Antoine, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, testified that it was his first time setting foot on holy ground:
“It is hard to find words to thank God. Since childhood, I heard people say that Rwanda has holy ground where the Virgin Mary appeared to three girls, and that God performs miracles there. I grew up with the dream of coming here to pray, and now at 26 years old, I have finally made it.”
He added that he had never imagined reaching Kibeho through the youth forum, but joining the gathering made his long-awaited journey possible.
The Minister of Local Government, Habimana Dominique, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Catholic Church. He said:
“We thank the Church for its good cooperation and partnership in the country’s development. Over the past 31 years of rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the Church has contributed significantly, especially in promoting unity, reconciliation, and healing.”
The SECAM assembly, held once every three years, also elected a new continental leader.
His Eminence Cardinal Ambongo from the Democratic Republic of Congo was re-elected by fellow bishops to continue serving as President of SECAM.
