THE CELEBRATION OF THE JUBILEE AND THE FIRST COVENANT OF THE PRESBYTERIAN SISTERS

In a joyful and celebratory ceremony, one of the presbyterian sisters made her first vows of consecration to God, while another marked the 25th anniversary of her commitment to religious life.

The Community of Deaconesses_ABAJA BA KRISTO (CD-ABK) a Presbyterian congregation of more than 40 sisters of varying stages of formation, admits to first vows any member who has completed approximately four years of preparation and who expresses the willingness to continue pursuing this vocation.

The ceremony took place at the congregation’s headquarters in Rubengera on 6 December 2025, and was attended by diverse guests, including leaders from the Rubengera and Kirinda presbyteries, pastors from the EPR Church, Catholic priests and nuns, school administrators, leaders of various governmental and non-governmental projects, staff members of the congregation, as well as relatives and friends of the two sisters.

The event began with a thanksgiving service led by the congregation’s chaplain, Pastor Jean Paul NDAGIJIMANA. In his sermon, Pastor Zabulon Musabyimana reminded the participants that the journey of serving God is founded on obedience, faith, commitment, and perseverance. Following the service, the first vows of Sr. Claudine MUNDERERE, who has undergone four years of training and preparation, were received. She publicly professed her lifelong commitment to God before the gathered congregation.

Meanwhile, Sr. Josephine NYIRANSABIMANA celebrated her silver jubilee, marking 25 years of consecrated life. In their respective messages, both sisters expressed gratitude to God for sustaining them throughout their journeys, to their religious community, and to their families for the support that enabled them to remain steadfast in their vocation.

A representative of Sr. Claudine MUNDERERE’s family thanked the congregation’s leadership and the attendees, acknowledging that although it was initially difficult to accept that their daughter was choosing a religious vocation instead of marrying and bringing traditional honor to the family, they are now grateful to God because “their daughter has adorned them with a crown of parenthood.”

In his message, the representative of Sr. Josephine’s family gave thanks to God, emphasizing that 25 years constitutes a long and meaningful journey. He praised their daughter’s strong sense of commitment and encouraged her to remain faithful, reminding her that even in moments of weakness, she must renew her strength and remain focused on her path toward heaven.

The celebration was enriched with songs, poetry, and other performances that delighted the participants.

Speaking on behalf of the Community of Deaconesses, Sr. Marie Louise NIYONSENGA expressed gratitude to God, to all who came to support them, and to the families of the sisters for their unwavering encouragement. She emphasized that consecrating one’s life to God is a blessing, commended the sisters for continuing in their vocation, and wished them many more years of faithful service. She concluded by extending blessings to all present.

The Guest of Honour, Rev. Vincent MUSABYIMANA, Moderator of the EPR/Rubengera Presbytery, commended the Community of deaconesses for their meaningful work and described them as an exemplary congregation. He encouraged them to remain firm in their calling, reminding them that they are in God’s safe hands. Referring to the biblical teaching that “the only debt we should owe one another is the debt of love,” he urged the sisters to continue their acts of compassion and service, as they have always done. He concluded by assuring them of continued partnership and collaboration.

source: https://cbn.rw/article/313/kwizihiza-yubile-n-amasezerano-ya-mbere-mu-babikira-b-abaporotesitanti-