During the week of commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, the Diocese of Cyangugu organized a spiritual retreat from 8th to 12th April 2026 at the Secret of Peace Center. This initiative brought together thousands of Christians in a spirit of prayer, remembrance, healing, and hope.
The retreat was part of the diocesan pastoral year dedicated to “Fraternity as the source of unity, reconciliation, and peace” (Ubuvandimwe soko y’ubumwe, ubwiyunge n’amahoro). It offered a structured program including prayer, teachings, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Way of the Cross, Holy Mass, adoration, and the Divine Mercy prayer. Each day was guided by a specific theme centered on healing, forgiveness, and hope.
This year, the Diocese chose to organize the retreat in a more structured way, inspired by the experience of previous years when individuals used to come to the Secret of Peace Center during the mourning week to pray and entrust their suffering to God. The organized retreat allowed participants to journey together, support one another, and deepen their faith through shared spiritual activities, testimonies, and reflection.
A strong sign of solidarity and friendship was expressed by the Diocese of Speyer, partner of Cyangugu through the jumelage. Spiritually united with Cyangugu, the faithful in Speyer joined in prayer throughout the week, especially through the Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.”
In a message addressed to Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE, Bishop Karl-Heinz of Speyer expressed his closeness, recalling the meaning of the Cross and the Resurrection as signs of reconciliation with God and among people. He assured that he and the faithful of Speyer were united in prayer with Cyangugu during this important time of remembrance.
This solidarity was also made visible through the physical presence of representatives from Speyer. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Schmieg and his wife Christina attended the closing ceremony on Sunday, 12th April 2026, at the Secret of Peace Center. The event gathered more than 5,000 Christians for the Holy Mass followed by a healing prayer.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE emphasized that the retreat reminded all participants that those who were killed during the genocide were not only connected to us by blood, but also by a deeper bond of shared humanity and faith. “They were our brothers and sisters,” he said, highlighting the call to unity in Jesus Christ.
He also underlined that the retreat was open to all who wished to live a christian mourning, encouraging a spirit of togetherness, mutual support, and openness. Participants were united not only among themselves, but also with those who followed the retreat through social media and with prayer groups and religious communities.
The Bishop expressed his gratitude to all those who were spiritually united with the Diocese of Cyangugu, including various prayer groups and religious communities, as well as the faithful from the Diocese of Speyer.
This retreat has been a powerful moment of communion, healing, and hope, reminding all that even in the face of deep wounds, unity, faith, and prayer can lead us toward reconciliation and lasting peace.
Prepared by Fr Diogene DUFATANYE