On Saturday, August 10, 2024, the Diocese of Cyangugu had the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Diocese of Graz in Austria, led by Bishop Wilhelm KRAUTWASCHL. Accompanied by Monika Ségur-Cabanac of Missio Austria, Fr. Alois Köbl, Paul Biber, and Niclas Müller, the delegation’s visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and partnership between our two dioceses.
These bonds, established long ago, have been expressed through numerous collaborative initiatives, including charity, pastoral experience exchanges, development projects, and the construction of chapels, schools, and more. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to further enhance these connections, demonstrating the shared commitment to serving our communities and deepening our relationship.
During their stay, the delegation had the chance to visit several key projects that have been realized through this partnership. One of the significant stops was the Secret of Peace Center, a place dedicated to assisting individuals burdened by various challenges to discover inner peace through reconciliation, healing prayers, and active listening. Madame Edeltraude Schrottner, a devout christian from the Parish of Karlau, alongside the late Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga, played a crucial role in the foundation of this center. Madame Edeltraude, a pioneer in the partnership between the Parish of Nyamasheke in Cyangugu and the Parish of Karlau in Graz, has been deeply involved in supporting numerous pastoral projects and socio-charitable works within our diocese, making her contributions truly invaluable.
The delegation also visited various chapels constructed with the support of Edeltraude and Missio Austria, including the Chapel of Saints Martha and Mary, the Chapel of Mutusa at Nyamasheke Parish, the Chapel of Nyamasheke Parish, and Tyazo. These sacred spaces stand as symbols of the enduring partnership and shared faith between our dioceses.
In addition to these chapels, the delegation toured the modern school library at Groupe Scolaire Sainte Famille de Nyamasheke (Mataba), work areas for Saint Augustin TVET School, and the tea plantation at Tyazo parish. The latter project, supported by the Parish of Guntersdorf in Lower Austria, was planned and implemented with the facilitation of Missio Austria. These visits highlighted the tangible impact of our collaboration in various sectors, including education and agriculture.
Bishop KRAUTWASCHL and his delegation also took the time to visit several families within the diocese, including individuals with albinism and poor families. A particularly touching moment was when Bishop KRAUTWASCHL handed over a house to a widow, part of a broader initiative that has seen the construction of around 800 houses for poor families in Nyamasheke Parish. This project, funded by Madame Edeltraude and other generous supporters, has also included the provision of domestic animals, payment of school fees and materials, and health insurance (Mutuel de santé) for poor families.
The delegation expressed their delight and gratitude for all these initiatives, thanking God for blessing Madame Edeltraude with a generous heart. On behalf of the Diocese of Cyangugu, Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE extended his heartfelt thanks to Bishop Krautwaschl for taking the time to visit our diocese. He praised the spirit of collaboration and partnership shown by Bishop Krautwaschl, particularly in his willingness to receive priests from Cyangugu Diocese, such as Fr. Jacques Niyibizi and Fr. Innocent Mbarushimana, in his own diocese. Bishop Edouard SINAYOBYE also acknowledged Bishop KRAUTWASCHL’s facilitation of various initiatives that support our diocese across different domains and his commitment to further strengthening the partnership between our dioceses.
The visit was also marked by a special event on Sunday, August 11, 2024, when Bishop KRAUTWASCHL and his delegation attended a priestly ordination ceremony at Mibilizi Parish. The newly ordained priest, Kwizera Japhet, had his studies supported by a christian from Austria, exemplifying the unlimited support that continues to uplift our local clergy.
The visit concluded on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, as the delegation embarked on their journey to Kibeho, leaving behind a renewed sense of unity and shared purpose. The Diocese of Cyangugu remains deeply grateful for this visit, which has further solidified the bonds of faith and partnership with the Diocese of Graz. Together, we look forward to continuing this fruitful collaboration for the benefit of our communities and the glory of God.
Prepared by Fr Diogene DUFATANYE