On Sunday, 30 August 2026, Caritas of the Archdiocese of Kigali celebrated the 50th anniversary of Caritas and the Justice and Peace Commission. The celebrations began with a Thanksgiving Mass celebrated at the Sainte Famille Church in Kigali.
In his homily, His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda emphasized that Caritas does not rely solely on the support of wealthy people. He noted that people who themselves experience the challenges of poverty are also capable of pooling their modest resources to support others going through difficult times.
“No one is so poor that they have nothing to give to their neighbour. Even a vulnerable person can offer you words of encouragement or pray to God for you, so that what they are unable to do for you, God may accomplish,” said His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda.
Addressing the healthcare issue, Cardinal Kambanda said that more than three million people have received care through the three hospitals and 16 health centres of the Archdiocese of Kigali, which are supervised by the Health Department of Caritas Kigali.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for strengthening the Community-Based Health Insurance scheme (Mutuelle de Santé), thereby facilitating access to healthcare for the population. He recalled that Caritas Kigali had previously piloted a similar approach, particularly by facilitating access to affordable ambulance services for members of the Community-Based Health Insurance scheme. The Government later expanded this approach to the entire population and to a wider range of health services.
The jubilee celebrations also provided an opportunity to honour all those who have contributed to the work of Caritas Kigali over the past five decades. They include bishops, priests, consecrated persons, the faithful, volunteers, partners, public institutions, and all those who have contributed to ensuring that the message of love, justice and peace reaches communities.
The offering collected during the Thanksgiving Mass marking the 50th anniversary of Caritas Kigali will be dedicated to constructing a home for a family who doesn’t have decent house. Over the years, Caritas Kigali has placed particular emphasis on supporting people without adequate shelter, including through the construction of houses that enable them to live in more dignified conditions.