THE MARTYROLOGY OF THE CHURCH IN RWANDA IN 1994

Vatican City (Fides) - The number of Church personnel killed in that tragedy in Rwanda in 1994, is so high that we can speak of a holocaust. According to information collected by Fides, at least 248 members of local church personnel perished, most were murdered and some, about 15, died of maltreatment or lack of medical care.
Here is the list, certainly incomplete, of church personnel killed in Rwanda in 1994:
3 bishops and 103 priests (100 diocesan from all 9 dioceses of Rwanda and 3 local Jesuit priests), 47 Brothers of 7 institutes (29 Giuseppini, 2 Franciscans, 6 Marists, 4 Holy Cross Brothers, 3 Brothers of Mercy, 2 Benedictines e 1 Brother of Charity); 65 women religious members of 11 institutes: 18 Benebikira Sisters, 13 Good Shepherd Sisters , 11 Bizeramariya Sisters, 8 Benedictine Sisters, 6 Sisters of the Assumption, 2 Sisters of Charity of Namur, 2 Dominican Missionaries of Africa, 2 Daughters of Charity, 1 respectively Auxiliatrix Sisters, Notre Dame du Bon Conseil and the Little Sisters of Jesus; 30 lay consecrated women of 3 institutes (20 Auxiliaries of the Apostolate, 8 Vita et Pax Institute and 2 members of the St Boniface Institute).





BISHOPS
Archbishop Vincent Nsengiyumva, Archbishop of Kigali Gakurazo 5 June
Bishop Joseph Ruzindana, Bishop of Byumba Gakurazo 5 June
Bishop Thaddee Nsengiyumva, Bishop of Kabgayi Gakurazo 5 June

DIOCESAN PRIESTS (BY DIOCESE)
Butare diocese
Rev. Firmin Butera, parish priest at Higiro Butare 31 May
Rev. Justin Furaha, parish priest at Save Butare 31 May
Rev. Alexis Kayumba, coadjutor of Cyahinda Kiruhura early July
Rev. Charles Ncogoza, parish priest at Cyahinda Cyahinda ?
Rev. Matthieu Ngirumpatse, assistant priest Nyanza Nyanza end of April
Rev. Francois Ngomirakiza, parish priest at Karama Ndago 5 July
Rev. Callixte Nkeshumpatse, assistant priest Gakoma Bugesera ?
Rev. Segond Ntibaziga, head of nursing school Gakoma 7 May
Rev. Innocent Nyangezi, assistant priest Nyanza Nyanza end of April
Rev. Tharcise Rubingiza, Nyakibanda seminary professor Gisagara 26 April
Rev. Jean Bosco Yilirwahandi, parish priest at Nyanza Nyanza end of April
Rev. Felicien Muvara ?
Four sick priests died without treatment on 7 April
Boniface Musoni, Jean Ntiyamira, Vital Rutayire and Narcisse Semuliro.

Byumba Diocese
Rev. Alexis Havugimana April
Rev. Joseph Hitimana end of April
Rev. Augustin Mashyendeli Nyinawimana April
Rev. Gaspard Mudashimwa, seminary Rwesero professor Rwesero 21 April
Rev. Ladislas Muhayemungu April
Rev. Celestin Muhayimana Nyinawimana April
Rev. Fidele Mulinda April
Rev. Faustin Mulindwa April
Rev. Christian Nkiliyehe April
Rev. Athanase Nkundabanyanga, diocesan bursar April
Rev. Thaddee Ciza (feared dead) April

Cyangugu Diocese
Rev. Joseph Boneza, parish priest Mibirizi Cyangugu 19May
Rev. Innocent Gashugi died of sickness without care

Gikongoro Diocese
Rev. Straton Gakwaya, diocesan bursar Kigali 7 April
Rev. Boniface Kanyoni, assistant priest Kibeho Kigali 7 April
Rev. Pierre Canisius Mulinzi, assistant priest Mbuga Gikongoro 13 May
Rev. Aloys Musoni, coadiutore di Cyahinda Gikongoro 13 May
Rev. Pierre Ngoga, parish priest Kibeho Butare 31 May
Rev. J.M.Vianney Niyirema, parish priest Kaduha Kigali 7 April
Rev. Joseph Niyomugabo, parish priest Cyanika Cyanika 24 April
Rev. Irenee Nyamwasa, parish priest Mbuga Gikongoro 13 May
Rev. Alfred Nzabakurana, Catholic education delegate Kigali 7 April
Rev. J.M.Vianney Rwanyabuto, parish priest Muganza Gisagara 26 April
Rev. J.M.Vianney Sebera, parish priest Simbi Ndago 5 July
Rev. Callixte Uwitonze, assistant priest at Gikongoro cathedral Nyanza end of April

Diocesi di Kabgayi
Rev. Fidele Gahonzire, chaplain Kabgayi hospital Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Tharcisse Gakuba, assistant priest Muyunzwe Kabgayi 24 May
Mons. Innocent Gasabwoya, former Vicar general Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Alfred Kayibanda, assistant priest Kabgayi cathedral Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Alphonse Mbuguje, parish priest Kinazi Cyangugu May
Rev. Francois-Xavier Muligo, parish pries Kabgayi cathedral Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Callixte Musonera, parish priest Kayendi Kabgayi 24May
Rev. Sylvestre Ndaberetse, diocesan bursar Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Celestin Niwenshuti, assistant priest Byimana Kabgayi 24 May
Rev. Bernard Ntamugabumwe, Catholic education delegate Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Jean Baptiste Ruzigana, assistant priest Gitarama Kibangu mid July
Mgr. J.M.Vianney Rwabilinda, vicar general Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Emmanuel Uwimana, Rector minor seminary Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Francois Twagilimana, assistant priest Kinazi Masango July
Rev. J.M.Vianney Rusinghizandekwe (missing, feared dead)

Kibungo Diocese
Rev. Joseph Gatare, headmaster Mukarange School Mukarange 12April
Rev. Elisée Mpongano, parish priest Bare Kibungo 15 April
Rev. Jean Bosco Munyaneza, parish priest Mukarange Mukarange 12 April
Rev. Evode Mwanangu, assistant priest Rukoma Rukoma 8 April
Rev. Michel Nsengiyumva, parish priest Rukoma Kibungo 18 April
Rev. Justin Ruterandongozi, assistant priest Rukoma Rukoma 7 April
Eugene Ntagungira, Major seminarian Kabarondo ?

Kigali Archdiocese
Rev. Ananie Rugasira, Ndera seminary minor bursar Ndera 9 April
Rev. Felix Kabayiza between Rutongo and Byumba April
Rev. Alexandre Ngeze died of malaria and maltreatment at Rilima
Rev. Joseph Harerimana and Rev. Canisius Ndekezi, missing, feared dead.

Nyundo Diocese
Rev. Mathias Gahinda, parish priest Mubuga Kibuye April
Rev. Edouard Gakwandi, assistant priest Nyundo Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Silas Gasake, parish priestKibingo Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Albert Gashema, parish priest Mubuga in the forest April
Mgr. Louis Gasore, parish priest Muhororo Muhororo April
Rev. Thaddée Gatore, parish priest Kivumu Kivumu 13 April
Rev. Antoine Habiyambere, assistant priest Rambura Rambura 7 April
Rev. Spiridion Kageyo, parish priest Rambura Rambura 7 April
Rev. Callixte Kalisa, Catholic education delegate Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Clement Kanyabusozo, parish priest Mushubati Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Ferdinand Karekezi, assistant priest Nyundo Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Robert Matajyabo, assistant priest Mushubati Nyundo 9 April
Rev. Denis Mutabazi, assistant priest Kibingo Gakurazo 5 June
Rev. Sylvere Mutiganda, assistant priest Murunda Murunda 8April
Rev. Herman Mwambali, retired at Nyundo Nyundo 9April
Rev. Antoine Niyitegeka, assistant priest Rambura Rambura 7April
Rev. Augustin Nkezabera, parish priestMuramba Muramba 7April
Rev. Venuste Nsengiyumva, assistant priest Kivumu Kivumu 7April
Rev. Augustin Ntagara, parish priest Gisenyi Gisenyi 7April
Rev. Vedaste Nyilibakwe, major seminary professor Kabgayi 24May
Rev. Adrien Nzanana, parish priest Kibingo Nyundo 7April
Rev. Aloys Nzaramba, chancellor Nyundodiocese Nyundo 9April
Rev. Innocent Ruberizesa, parish priest Birambo Birambo April
Rev. Theophile Rutagengwa, assistant priest Muramba Kibuye April
Rev. Francois Rwigenza, parish priest Muhororo Muhororo April
Rev. Deogratias Rwivanga, assistant priest Kibuye nella foresta April
Rev. Alfred Niyitegeka between Rutongo and Byumba April
Rev. Narcisse Sebasare, assistant priest Birambo Birambo April
Rev. Joseph Sekabaraga, parish priest Biruyi Biruyi 13 April
Rev. Boniface Senyenzi, assistant priest Kibuye Kibuye April
Rev. Deogratias Twagirayezu, minor seminary professor Nyundo 7 April

Diocesi di Ruhengeri
Rev. Jerome Sembagare, hadmaster of Janja School Goma 16 July




RELIGIOUS AND CONSECRATED PERSONS

PRIESTS

Missionaries of Africa (White Faahers)
Fr.A.Caloone, French, and Fr. J. Vallmajo, Spanish. On the list on missionaries killed in 1994.

Padri Gesuiti
Fr. Patrick Gahizi, regional Superior for Rwanda Kigali 7April
Fr. Chrysologue Mahame Kigali 7April
Fr. Innocent Rutagambwa Kigali 7April

BROTHERS

St Joseph Brothers
Br. Anicet Butera, novice at Gisenyi April
Br. Pierre Gacamumakuba, retired Nyamirambo 10 June
Br. Viateur Gakwerere, student Nyundo 7 June
Br. Stanislas Gofi, retired Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Emmanuel Itegekwanande, retired Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Aloys Cadali, professor at Kabgayi April
Br. Louis Kaneza, headmaster of a professional school Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Alexandre Kayitera, student at Kabgayi Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Aimable Mazimpaka, professor at Nyundo Nyundo 9 April
Br. Emmanuel Mugabo, general Secretary at Kabgayi Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Martin Munyanshongore, former superior general Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Fidele Murekezi, director at Kabgayi Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Guillaume Murangwa, professor at Nyamasheke Nyamasheke 14 April
Br. Michel Murenzi, student at Nyamasheke Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Anaclet Musonera, bursar at Nyamasheke school Nyamasheke 14 April
Br. Jonathan Mwitirehe, novice at Nyundo Nyundo 9 April
Br. Mathias Mwumvaneza, former general bursar Kicukiro 9 May
Br. Boniface Ndayisenga, head of CERAI at Birambo Birambo 25 April
Br. Louis Nsengiyumva, student at Kabgayi Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Jean Baptiste Nsinga, superior general Gakurazo 5 June
Br. Frederic Nyakaytru, headmaster of Gisenyi school Gisenyi 8 April
Br. Theophile Rusezerangabo, student at Kabgayi Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Jean Baptiste Rutagengwa, student at Nyamasheke Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Louis Rwahigi, retired at Nyamirambo Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Gerard Rwaka, in charge of documentation at Nyamirambo Nyamirambo 7 June
Br. Joseph Sahabu, prefetto degli studi a Birambo Birambo 25April
Br. Ladislas Sinigenga, direttore a Nyamasheke Nyamasheke April

Br. Vivens Mugwiza, prefetto della disciplina a Rwamagana, e Br. Balthazar Ntibagendeza, maestro dei novizi a Gakurazo, sono scomparsi il 23July/1994 e si ritiene che siano stati uccisi.

Friars minor (Franciscans)
Friar Georges, of Mbazi community (Butare) ? April
Friar Jacques Gashugi, sick without assistance, died Cyangugu on 17 May 1994.

Marist Brothers
Br. Fabien Bisengimana, di 45 anni Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Gaspard Gatari, di 41 anni Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Christophe Mannion, assistente generale Save 1 July
Br. Pierre Canisius Nyilinkindi, di 35 anni Kabgayi 24 May
Br. Joseph Rushigajiki Save 1 July
Br. Etienne Rwesa, ex superiore provinciale on Burundi border 26 April

Brothers of Mercy
Br. Francois Bizimana Butare 8 May
Br. Jean-Baptiste Gahamanyi Butare 8 May
Br. Faustin Rukelibuga Butare 8 May

Benedictine Brothers
Br. Gaetan Gatera Gihindamuyaga 22 April
Br. Antoine Rutagengwa Gihindamuyaga 22 April

Brothers of Charity
Br. Dominique Munyurangabo ? ?

Holy Cross Brothers
Four brothers of Rango monastery (Butare), missing, believed dead.

WOMEN RELIGIOUS

Ausiliatrix Sisters
Sr. Liberata Marie Grace Mukagatare Kigoma May

Benebikira Sisters
Sr. Alphonse Muhororo April
Sr. Benigna Nakana, head of the Nkunganire project Kabgayi 24May
Sr. Candida Nyundo 9/ April
Sr. Edmonde M. Nyirabudeyi, superior Nyumba Nyumba April
Sr. Emilienne, offices minor seminary Nyundo Nyundo 9/ April
Sr. Francoise Xavier, superior Muhororo Muhororo April
Sr. Gerarda Mariya, bursar Muhororo April
Sr. Giovanna, working at the Bishop’s residence Nyundo 9/ April
Sr. Jullien, working at the Bishop’s residence Nyundo 9/ April
Sr. Letizia, primary school teacher Nyundo 9/ April
Sr. Marie Augustin, head of the APSB project Nyanza April
Sr. M.Claire Mukabisangwa, social school teacher Kicukiro 6 or 7/ April
Sr. M.Francoise Mukampalirwa, superior at Nyanza Nyanza April
Sr. Marie Paula Simbi 18/ April
Sr. Pelagie, economa Simbi 18/ April
Sr. Pierre Claver Yankulije, head of the health centre Simbi 18/ April
Sr. Regis, teacher Muhororo April
Sr. Carola, ammin. seminario minore di Rwesero Rwesero April

Benedictines Sisters of Sovu, near Butare
Sr. Stephanie Kamanzi Ndago 5/July
Sr. Theonilla Kayitesi Ndago 5/July
Sr. Fortunata Mukagasana Ndago 5/July
Sr. Therese Mukarumbibi Ndago 5/July
Sr. Julienne Mukankusi Ndago 5/July
Sr. Hermelinda Musabyemungu Ndago 5/July
Sr. Agnes Nyirahabimana Ndago 5/July
Sr. Bernadette Nyirandamutsa Ndago 5/July

Suore Bizeramariya
Sr. Candida Mukabaziga Gisenyi
Sr. Marie Mukamusana Gisenyi
Sr. Alphonsine Mukandamage on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Marie Grace Mukanyangezi on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Yolanda Mukarugina on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Maria Mukashema on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Seraphine Nyirandamutsa on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Antonia Nyiragirinka on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Dominiko on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Tatiyana on the road to Byumba 10/May
Sr. Marie Salomé Nyirakanani died of wounds caused by torture April

Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel
Sr. Annunciata Mukarugina, directres of the health centre Rwesero 5/May

Sisters of the Assumption
Sr. Gratia Maria Kangofero, di 58 anni Birambo 26/ April
Sr. Boniface Eugenie Mukambera, di 48 anni Birmabo 26/ April
Sr. Hilda Maria Mukandinda, novizia di 28 anni Birmabo 26/ April
Sr. Anne Marie Mukashema, novizia di 30 anni Birmabo 26/ April
Sr. Alphonse Marie Nyirangilimana, di 50 anni Birmabo 26/ April
Sr. Kristofa Nyirabatware, di 55 anni presso Tumba April

Sisters of Charity of Namur
Sr. Cassilda Mukankwaya, superiora di Ndera (Kigali) Kigali 15/April
Sr. Marie Bernard sulla strada verso Byumba 10/May

Good Shepherd Sisters
Sr. Demetrie Kangabe Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Anatholie Kayiranga Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Marguerite Kayitesi Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Vestine Mujawayezu Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Epiphanie Mujuganye Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Francine Mukamusoni, professa dal 20/9/1992 Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Jacqueline Mukangarambe Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Marie Esperance Mukashema Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Beata Muteteli Kamonji 22/May
Sr. Enatha Mwanayire Kamonji 22 May
Sr. Demetrie Niyirora Kamonji 22 May
Sr. Pascasie Umugiraneza Kamonji 22 May
Sr. Marie Goretti Uwayezu Kamonji 22 May
Dominican Sisters Missionaries of Africa
Sr. Esperance, candidate Byumba prefecture
Sr. Christina, candidate Byumba prefecture

Daughters of Charity
Two postulants killed at Birambo in April

Little Sisters of Jesus
One Sister killed at Masaka in April

CONSECRATED PERSONS

Vita et Pax Secular Institute
Marie Rose Mukabadege killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Francine Mukakayange killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Winifrida Mukamana killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Immaculée Mukamuligo killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Bellancila Mukayitesi killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Therese Murekeyisoni killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Beatrice Nyirangirababyeyi killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April
Florence Umutesi killed at Christus Centre Remera 7 April

ApostolateAuxiliary Sisters
More than 20 were killed

St Boniface Institute
Patricia Ntawuyigenga killed while escaping to Burundi 22 April
Alexis Nyirbajyambere killed while escaping to Burundi 22 April
(Fides Service 6/4/2004)