On 12th August 2025, Caritas Rwanda organized a meeting with representatives of religious congregations at the Saint Vincent Pallotti Center in Gikondo, with a threefold objective: to raise awareness of Caritas and its reason for existence, its objective and mission, its values, its structures, and its areas of intervention.
This meeting also aimed to strengthen collaboration and synergy, as well as faithful reporting, in order to effectively serve the most vulnerable. In their remarks, the consecrated persons stated that they themselves raise awareness on the Caritas Spirit to assist the most vulnerable.
In his opening remarks, Father Oscar Kagimbura, Secretary General of Caritas Rwanda, emphasized that promoting activities related to care for vulnerable people is not seen as a publicity stunt but rather as an advocacy effort to help a greater number of these individuals.
Sister Gaudiose Nyiraneza, in charge of animation activities in the Social Welfare Department of Caritas Rwanda, delivered a presentation on the Charity and Mercy Month, the contributions made over the years, and the strengthening of “Caritas Nyarwanda”.
Afterward, Mr. Prosper Sebagenzi, the Caritas Rwanda Program Director, gave a presentation on Caritas Rwanda (Vision, Mission, Values) and its interventions, which extend across its network: 10 diocesan Caritas organizations, 229 parish Caritas organizations, 882 central Caritas organizations, and 29,141 Basic Ecclesial Communities (CEB).
The involvement of religious congregations in supporting vulnerable people is particularly important, as demonstrated by their highly effective interventions. Indeed, these congregations themselves promote the Caritas Spirit to care for the most vulnerable.
Participants also discussed the Charity and Mercy Month (August), established by the Catholic Bishops of Rwanda to strengthen Caritas Nyarwanda’s efforts with the aim of promoting resilience and integral human development for the most vulnerable.
Some suggestions brought up by representatives of religious congregation
Following the presentation of recommendations from the study tour conducted by the diocesan Caritas and Caritas Rwanda in the Ruhengeri Diocese (which ranked first in the collection of contributions for the Charity and Mercy Month in 2023 and 2024), representatives of religious congregations offered various ideas for further improving this activity.
Indeed, they mentioned that many people perceive Caritas as a fund where they can always find help, without considering their role in helping others. They recommended that more awareness needs to be raised to alter this belief.
Regarding the collection of donations for the Charity and Mercy Month, representatives of religious congregations noted that August alone is insufficient and suggested starting the collection as early as January.
Another approach to mobilizing people during the Charity and Mercy Month is to organize events where Caritas beneficiaries share their testimonies with Christians. This would help many better understand the mission and significance of Caritas.
Regarding the reporting of activities carried out by religious congregations, their representatives requested a standardized form to ensure accurate and timely submission of information.
It was also noted during the meeting that Christians of Saint-Pierre Cyahafi Parish had launched Caritas Iwacu, managed by a full-time coordinator, with regular donations contributed by the community. Representatives of religious congregations recommended that this practice be extended to other parishes.
The delegates also requested Caritas Rwanda and the religious congregations to agree on joint charitable activities to be carried out each year.
To conclude, Father Oscar Kagimbura thanked the representatives of the religious congregations for their participation, their interventions, and especially their excellent support to the most vulnerable. “Giving comes from a heart devoted to others, not from what one possesses”, added Father Oscar.