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Burundi: Love and Faith Shine in Buyengero After Ndadaye Assassination

Discover how faith and love triumphed in Burundi's Buyengero after the 1993 presidential assassination. The legacy of martyred missionaries continues to inspire hope and peace.

In this image I can see memorials carved on the wall. Also there are flower bouquets.
In this image I can see memorials carved on the wall. Also there are flower bouquets.

Burundi: Love and Faith Shine in Buyengero After Ndadaye Assassination

Burundi's history is marked by tragedy, none more so than the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye in 1993, which claimed many lives. Yet, amidst the suffering, stories of faith and resilience emerge from the small town of Buyengero.

The roots of Burundi's strife lie in human selfishness, as noted by Bishop Salvator Niciteretse. However, the presence of Italian missionaries Fathers Ottorino Maule, Aldo Macchiore, and layperson Catina Gubert in Buyengero stands as a testament to the power of love and faith.

These missionaries, who suffered martyrdom during the violence, dedicated their lives to helping the poor and widows. Their legacy lives on, with their graves now placed beside the church bells, a symbol of hope and peace promoted by Father Turco Faustin. Bishop Niciteretse exhorts the faithful to believe in Jesus Christ for true reconciliation, echoing the teachings of catechist Léonidas Niyonzima. The local church community took the initiative to honour the missionaries, highlighting their impact on the community.

The assassination of President Ndadaye was a tragic moment, but the story of Buyengero reminds us that even in darkness, love and faith can shine brightly. The blood of the three missionaries serves as a constant reminder to combat violence and protect human life, a precious gift from God.

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