This Thursday, 06/25/2026, at the ‘Secret of Peace’ Center, the Diocesan Commission for Family Pastoral Care gathered, in a retreat, 96 girls and women in the pastoral journey toward leaving prostitution. They came from the parishes of CYANGUGU, TYAZO, MASHYUZA, MUREHE, and NYAMASHEKE; and they were accompanied by a few family counselors.
The retreat focused on inner liberation and welcoming Divine Mercy. It began with the Rosary of the 7 Sorrows of the Virgin Mary, which we recited while climbing the ‘Secret of Peace’ Hill, the rosary ending with the prayer of intercession to Divine Mercy, in front of the statue of the Merciful Jesus. They received a brief instruction from Father Thaddée NSENGUMUREMYI, President of the Diocesan Commission for Family Pastoral Care, on the theme: « Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more (John 8,11). » (Jn 8,11). We had a time of prayer for the healing of inner wounds, followed by a time of individual reflection to let Jesus work. And Jesus did, according to the testimonies we received. The retreat concluded with Mass celebrated by His Excellency Monsignor Edouard SINAYOBYE, Bishop of the Diocese of Cyangugu.
In his homily as well as in his closing remarks, the Bishop thanked God, who frees His children lost in the abyss of prostitution and transforms them into witnesses of His love. He spoke to them about how wonderful it is to see someone who grew up in prostitution, someone who has faced all possible contempt from despicable people, … change their life and become a girl or a woman like any other again. “Always be aware of the abyss you came from; it will keep you from falling back no matter the temptations,” he said. The Bishop gave them the blessed medallion of the Virgin Mary, saying, “Always carry this blessed medallion with you; it will remind tempters that your chests bear the Virgin Mary and are no longer mere objects of pleasure.”
One of the women in the support program said in her testimony: “I spent many years living on the streets and in prostitution. All I got from it was AIDS and everyone’s contempt, starting with my own family. During that wandering life, I had a boy whose father I can’t know. People around still call him a bastard and son of a bitch. I’m ashamed of it, and my child suffers terribly.’ We thank the Diocese of Cyangugu for coming down to us with a compassionate look and helping us understand the stench of the hole we had fallen into. Our families are starting to make room, after seeing the transformation that Jesus is bringing into our lives. Many of us have already reconciled with our parents, others have received paternal acknowledgment from their children. Some have even received marriage proposals, and the parishes are helping them prepare with their fiancés. We have already understood that true joy is found in the Lord Jesus. Let’s be true disciples of Saint Mary Magdalene, and stay faithful to Jesus.”.
Since 2022, the Bishop of the Diocese of Cyangugu has engaged the Diocesan Commission for Family Pastoral Care in a renewed support for individuals and families in irregular situations. In this area, we currently have 2 priority programs: the Program for the Liberation of Street Children and the Program for the Liberation of Girls and Women from Prostitution. In the latter program, we have already worked with more than 800 individuals. 182 of them have received individual accompaniment. Our activities aim for the following 4 objectives:
- Prepare women and girls living in prostitution to renew their life in Jesus and to lead a regular sacramental life;
- Free women and girls who are sexually exploited;
- Help prevent prostitution by raising awareness among local conversion actors about the dignity of women and the human body;
- Strengthen Christian values in general, and the dignity of women in particular, in the daily lives of women and girls who have experienced prostitution.
Those who attended the retreat have been receiving guidance since February 2026. They are usually accompanied in their respective parishes, once a week for 6 months. If they continue to embrace God’s transforming grace, we will celebrate the temporary end of their guidance on the day of the Assumption feast in 2026.
Cyangugu, 06/28/2026
Father Thaddée NSENGUMUREMYI,
President of the Diocesan Commission for Family Pastoral Care in Cyangugu.