On December 24, 2025, the Caritas Rwanda’s staff members gathered at Saint Vincent Pallotti Gikondo Centre for a one-day retreat to mark the conclusion of the year 2025. The retreat provided a moment of spiritual renewal, during which participants shared the Word of God and celebrated the Holy Eucharist together.
In his predication entitled “Together with the Virgin Mary and Joseph in front of the Christmas manger, let us contemplate the Savior,” Father Emmanuel Mugiraneza emphasized that while many people celebrate Christmas through festivities and celebrations, they often fail to reflect on the true significance of the birth of Jesus and its impact on their lives. He reminded the participants that through the Incarnation of God, every human being was given dignity and became worthy of honour.
Referring to the Gospel according to Saint Luke (2:1–17), Father Emmanuel explained that Jesus was born during the reign of Emperor Augustus, whose name in Greek implied someone worthy of worship, and who had ordered a census throughout the empire. Jesus’ birth during this time was a powerful sign that there is another King who deserves true praise and recognition.
When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, they found no place to stay, even though the time for Mary to give birth had come. As a result, Jesus was born in an animal shed. This humble beginning illustrates profound humility. Father Emmanuel explained that this humility lies at the heart of Caritas, as Jesus chose to identify with the poorest of the poor, going even lower than those who are usually born in their own homes.
Bethlehem, which means “house of bread,” symbolizes Jesus as the bread of life. He became bread so that he could be shared, so that the poor might have something to eat. Jesus was laid in a manger, a place where animals fed, further symbolizing that he is the bread meant to be consumed for the life of others.
Father Emmanuel noted that in the Christmas scene, the true meaning of Caritas becomes visible: God’s love descending from heaven and becoming human. He posed a challenging question: “How many people today have no place to sleep? Christmas reminds us of all those people who are vulnerable and in need of compassion and care”.
Through the Incarnation celebrated at Christmas, every person is affirmed as valuable and worthy of respect. This message calls for honouring human dignity and refusing to degrade or devalue anyone. Christmas carries a powerful message: every human being has exceptional value.
Father Emmanuel encouraged Caritas staff to reflect on how much value they place on people, whether in their work, in their communities, or within their families. He reminded them that Christmas should reaffirm every person’s dignity, even in moments when people behave poorly or lose self-control. “Even then,” he said, “remember that you are valuable.”
He concluded by emphasizing that true Caritas is not merely a service, but caring for the person whose dignity Jesus Christ has restored. The mission of Caritas is to continue Christ’s mission in the world. Caritas is the voice of Christ, reminding the world that every human life has profound value, and that even among those living in poverty and hardship are people for whom Christ gave His life.