On January 4, 2026, more than 400 free women(sex-workers) and single mothers were invited by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye of Cyangugu to share with him the joy of Christmas at the Cathedral Parish.
“They will no longer call you ‘Forsaken’” (Isaiah 62:4)
The Bishop relied on this prophecy to proclaim the merciful love of our Heavenly Father to those women under conditions of social, economical and spiritual vulnerabilities. In this radiant celebration of the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, we behold a miracle: before our very eyes, Jesus has brought thirty-four (34) women out of darkness and has invited them into sacramental communion. Six of them had not yet received the grace of baptism; now they share with us the same faith and the same hope as beloved children of our God. You shall no longer be called ‘forsaken,’ but rather ‘stars,’ for you are a living sign that there is no misery from which God cannot deliver us. Within our pastoral ministry to families, we entrust to Saint Mary Magdalene all those who desire to leave behind the life of prostitution that they may discover in Christ the dignity and joy of a new life.”
New Life, New Name!
One of those who received Baptism bore witness, saying: The attentive ear of the Church has transformed my life. While my own family had rejected me, the Missionary Sisters of Charity listened to me and understood me; they extended their hand, and today I feel alive again. After more than fifteen years (15 ans) living on the streets, in wandering and prostitution, I had grown accustomed to my misery. I was no longer ashamed to steal or fight with those who upset me. I had to drink heavily to forget my problems and to find a little sleep. In that life, I bore three children from different fathers. All of them were street children until the Diocese brought them back to me and helped them to enter school.
Another woman said: “People used to call me the home-wrecker but since I began the journey of accompaniment, I am looked upon differently. Jesus has cast upon me the same look He once cast upon Saint Mary Magdalene. I will strive to follow her example; I will never leave Jesus again, I will serve Him in the basic church community, and I will work diligently to care for my children.”
The misfortunes and sins of man never erase his dignity; they can only obscure it. It is this conviction that drives the Diocese of Cyangugu in its pastoral work with sex-worker /escort and street children. The event on 4 January, organized under the theme “You shall no longer be called forsaken”;’ allowed us to celebrate the fruits of this pastoral mission and to administer the sacraments to those who had prepared for them. It was also an opportunity to listen to those who still struggle to change their lives, to pray for them, and to encourage them to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit calling them to a renewed life.
From Unintended Pregnancies to Prostitution and Life on the Streets
Young mothers and women engaged in prostitution are becoming increasingly numerous. Statistics from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEFPRO) show that every year since 2020, minors have given birth to more than 20,000 children. Most children born to minors are unfortunate to lack parental affection and education, end up on the streets, and girls growing up on the streets rarely escape rape and prostitution. This creates a vicious circle that goes from unwanted pregnancies to street children, juvenile prostitution, and general family instability as a whole .
A long-term commitment from the Catholic Diocese of Cyangugu to these women
“He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. (Jn 8:7)”
The situation of free women and young mothers touched the heart of the Bishop of Cyangugu. He encourages us to adopt the attitude of Jesus when a sinful woman was brought to Him for judgment. Far from judging her, He listened to her with kindness and acted: “He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her. (Jn 8:7)
The Catholic Diocese of Cyangugu has been committed since 2021 to helping these women convert. This pastoral work is carried out through the diocesan commission for family ministry and certain religious congregations (the Missionary Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of the Resurrection, and the Penitent Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi, …).
More than 1,600 girls and women involved in prostitution have been recorded in the Districts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke alone (See Health Centers). They are particularly present in the town of Kamembe, the Bugarama valley, and the Tyazo Center. We have already spoken to more than 600 of them, and among them, 235 are receiving our support. Most come from poor or unstable families, while others end up in prostitution after a pregnancy that their family is unable to support.
“Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin anymore” (Jn 8:11).
Conversion of a life to which one has grown accustomed requires above all the transformative grace of the Holy Spirit, which precedes, accompanies, and continues the pastoral work of the Church. Those who commit to changing their lives follow a program lasting at least 6 months. This program consists of:
– Moments of listening and individual counseling as well as within small groups,
– Instructions,
– Sharing of experiences,
– Human development exercises,
– Catechesis sessions for Catholics or for those who want to receive the Catholic faith,
– Recollections, etc.
We encourage them to undertake small income-generating projects and to work in associations. Our program also includes reconciliation and family reintegration. We help them find legal and social assistance in cases of abuse or assaults of which they are often victims. Our approach aims to be simple. Through our support, we want them to hear the voice of Christ saying to them: ‘Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more’ (John 8:11). After Mass and the celebration of the sacraments, the Diocese offered them a Christmas meal. The day was enhanced by the presence of family supporters, some parents of the former women, and local civil authorities. In his closing remarks The Bishop of Cyangugu urged pastoral agents and public authorities to view free women and mothers who are girls not as an evil to be rejected or punished, but as their sisters or children in need of care, understanding, and protection.