From June 11 to June 16, 2025, Bishop Otto Georgens, Auxiliary Bishop of Speyer in Germany, visited the Diocese of Cyangugu in Rwanda. His visit took place in the spirit of the partnership between the two dioceses, which began in 1984. Bishop Otto was warmly welcomed at Kamembe Airport by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu. He was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Peter Schmieg, his wife, Christina and Mr Peter Soter.
On the first day, they visited Saint Francis of Assisi Center for Children with Disabilities, run by the Penitent Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi. This center offers special care, especially physiotherapy, to children with disabilities. Last year, the Sisters also opened a school for these children. Some of them live at the center, where they receive food, care, and education. However, the school still faces many challenges, especially the lack of proper infrastructure such as dormitories and sanitation facilities. Bishop Otto appreciated the important and loving work of the Sisters and encouraged them to remain strong in their mission.
On Thursday, June 12, Bishop Otto, together with Bishop Edouard Sinayobye and Bishop Jean Bondu, Auxiliary Bishop of Rennes (also visiting the diocese), went to Nkanka Parish. Nkanka is in partnership with the Parish of Erfenbach in the Diocese of Speyer. The bishops visited Saint Bonaventure School, Nkanka College School, the Nkanka Center for Children with Disabilities, and later in the afternoon, traveled to Nkombo Island to visit the local parish. These visits allowed Bishop Otto to discover more about the life, joys, and challenges of the Diocese of Cyangugu.
Friday, June 13, was a special and memorable day at Mibirizi Hospital. Bishop Otto, Bishop Edouard, Bishop Jean Bondu, and Archbishop Thaddée Ntihinyurwa—the first Bishop of Cyangugu and the founder of the partnership with Speyer—joined together for the blessing of new maternity buildings. This important project, supported by the Diocese of Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, and the Kigali Bureau de Jumelage, is now in its second construction phase (Phase 2B).
The ceremony included the blessing of completed buildings and the laying of the foundation stone for the next phase. Officials present thanked all those involved and encouraged continued collaboration to help mothers and babies in need of good care.
Saturday, June 14, was the highlight of Bishop Otto’s visit. He took part in the grand celebration of a double Jubilee: 2025 years of Christianity and 125 years of evangelization in Rwanda. The celebrations took place in Shangi Parish, where the first Holy Mass was celebrated on Rwandan soil.
A beautiful commemorative chapel was recently built on this historic site and was blessed by Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali. Bishop Otto participated in this important event, which brought together many Christians, priests, bishops, and guests. It was a wonderful moment of thanksgiving to God for the fruits of evangelization in Rwanda, and also a chance to thank the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) who began this mission long ago.
On Sunday, June 15, Bishop Otto visited Mwezi Parish, dedicated to Our Lady of the Annunciation. This feast, celebrated every March 25, is also the day he was ordained bishop. He presided over the second Mass and, in his homily, encouraged the faithful—especially the youth—to enter “God’s school,” to let themselves be taught by the Lord, who gives light and shows the right way. He invited them not to be stubborn or closed, but to follow Jesus, who is our Master and model. Bishop Otto also visited Gashashi chapel, which had been closed because it no longer meets the standards required by the Rwandan government. Sadly, more than 1000 Christians now have to walk over two hours to attend Mass at the main parish church.
During his stay, we discovered Bishop Otto Georgens as a joyful and kind bishop who brings happiness wherever he goes. With his sharp sense of humor, it’s hard not to smile when you are with him! Both young and old feel comfortable and welcome around him. He often says, “Humor in love,” (Humour dans l’amour) and it is true—he brings joy and warmth to every place he visits. In short, he gives the joy of living!
Bishop Otto will conclude his visit on Monday, June 16, with a pilgrimage to Kibeho, a holy place of Marian apparitions. May God bless and protect him as he returns home!
By Fr. Diogène Dufatanye