Sinayobye(laying in mattress) during consecration rituals today
Edouard Sinayobye who was appointed as the new Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese by Pope Francis has been consecrated.
Bishop Sinayobye replaces late bishop Jean Damascene Bimenyimana who died in March 2018.
The consecration event at the Cyangugu Diocese was graced by cardinal Antoine Kambanda, other local clergies, and Jozefowicz, the Pope envoy to Rwanda who handed a turban allowing the new bishop to officially assume office effective March 25, 2021.
It coincided with the Annunciation of Holy Mary by Angel Gabriel, the annual event celebrated by the Catholic church on March 25.
Jozefowicz requested the new bishop to always remember that he was appointed as a God’s servant which goes with being a sacrifice to his ‘flock’ and working hard to educate the community.
He further reminded the clergy that a good shepherd is that who knows his ‘flock’. But his ‘flock’ knows him too, to the extent of sacrificing his life for them.
In February this year, after he was appointed the new Bishop of Cyangungu Diocese, Sinayobye said that he has a responsibility of preaching the word of God.
“I will preach the Word of God that relates to brotherhood as it has been a practice in Cyangugu Diocese,” Bishop Sinayobye said.
Consecration of Bishop Sinayobye-KT Press March 25
The 54-year-old, Bishop Sinayobye was born in Gisagara District, Southern Province. His journey to priesthood started at Saint Léon minor seminary – Kabgayi in 1988 where he spent six years.
He also spent one year in the Preparatory Seminary of Rutongo from 1993-1994 and then completed his studies in Philosophy and theology in the Major Seminary of Nyakibanda, from 1994-2000.
On 12 August 2000, Sinayobye was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Butare.
He (Sinayobye) holds a PhD. in theology in the Pontifical Theological Faculty which he got from the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality Teresianum in Rome in 2013.
He also worked in different positions including being a Rector of the Preparatory Seminary of Nyumba, Professor of Spiritual Theology in the Major Seminary of Nyakibanda, and at the Catholic University of Butare.
He also served as Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for Vocations, and member of the National Committee for Eucharistic Congresses.
Bishop Sinayobye, speaks five languages including Kinyarwanda, English, French, Kiswahili, and Italian.
