The Catholic Church in Rwanda marked a historic day with the official launch of the Reconciliation Shrine at Ibanga ry’Amahoro, a spiritual center founded by the late Father Ubald Rugirangoga.
The site, which already attracts over 17,000 visitors monthly seeking prayer and inner peace, will now host a dedicated shrine to promote healing, unity, and reconciliation.
The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Bishop Edouard Sinayobye and attended by several bishops from Rwanda and abroad, highlighting the enduring impact of Father Ubald’s mission beyond national borders.
The event coincided with the fifth anniversary of Father Ubald’s passing on January 7, 2021, in Salt Lake City, USA, where he succumbed to health complications following recovery from COVID-19.
Father Ubald devoted his life to reconciliation and trauma healing in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, helping Rwandans rebuild trust and coexist peacefully.
The Reconciliation Shrine aims to preserve this legacy, serving not only as a memorial but also as a center for learning and spiritual formation, empowering visitors to become ambassadors of unity.
The idea for the shrine emerged from the faithful themselves, particularly pilgrims to Ibanga ry’Amahoro, who expressed a strong desire for ongoing support in healing Rwanda’s historical wounds.
The architectural plans, finalized in 2025 with input from both experts and the faithful, envision a large, symbolic structure anchored by the cross of Jesus Christ.
Pilgrims attending the launch expressed excitement about the shrine’s completion, with many committing to contribute toward its construction. The Reconciliation Shrine is expected to become a landmark for peace and spiritual reconciliation in Rwanda.
