Renovation and extension of a chapel in the Diocese of Byumba
The minor seminary in the Diocese of Byumba was founded in 1956 by the Salesian Fathers, who continued to run it until 1962, at which point it was transferred to the diocese. When the seminary was built, the chapel was intended only as a temporary structure, but was never able to be extended or replaced.
Over the years it has become far too small. While there were initially only 150 boys being taught there, after the genocide in 1994, their number increased to 400. There were other issues too, which had been there from the start, but which were becoming more pressing due to the growing number of pupils. In the daytime above all, given the very low tin roof, the atmosphere in the chapel would get extremely hot and oppressive. It was very difficult to focus on prayer, as the rector explained to us. Besides, after almost 70 years, the old, corrugated roofing was starting to leak and let the rain in. And aesthetically, the chapel also left much to be desired, making it a decidedly uninviting place for prayer and meditation.
Thanks to the generous support of our benefactors and a grant of $30,360, this important work was able to be completed. The young seminarians are delighted, because the chapel is now larger and more airy and not so suffocatingly hot. And it is also much more beautiful and more conducive to prayer and contemplation than before.
Christian, as spokesman for these young seminarians, has written to us on behalf of them all. “Permit me to thank you for all the sacrifices you have made in order to enlarge and improve our chapel! We feel deeply honoured, and we are praying for you!”
