The Bishop arrived at approximately 8:30 a.m., accompanied by Fr. Jean Bosco Nambaje, the Chief Priest of Busogo Parish, and several fellow clergy members. Before being shown around the grounds, he was invited to a formal presentation about Rwanda Coding Academy, covering the institution's vision, the technical courses offered, and the broader picture of what the academy represents in Rwanda's development landscape. He was then taken on a guided tour of the campus, including key facilities and newly constructed buildings that reflect the academy's continued growth.
Bishop Vincent Hakorimana celebrates Mass at Rwanda Coding Academy
The celebration of Holy Mass began at 9:30 a.m., opened by the voices of La Lumière du Christ, RCA's Catholic choir, whose singing drew the congregation into a spirit of reverence from the very first hymn. In his homily, Bishop Harolimana drew on the Gospel to speak directly to the students before him, urging them to welcome the Holy Spirit into their daily lives and to live out their identity as Christians with courage and without compromise. The Mass included a moment of particular spiritual weight, the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to two RCA students, each accompanied by their baptismal sponsors.
After the Mass, a post-event gathering was coordinated by Benilde Mukashema, a member of RCA's discipline department, whose organisation ensured the proceedings unfolded with order and dignity. The gathering opened with a cultural performance by RCA's traditional troupe, celebrating Rwanda's rich heritage before an appreciative audience. Instructor Nsabyimana Egide then delivered a welcome address on behalf of the school administration, expressing gratitude for the Bishop's presence and reflecting on the steady growth of the Catholic community within RCA. He noted with appreciation how, during the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the partnership with Busogo parish ensured that students could continue attending weekly Mass, an act of continuity that strengthened the spiritual fabric of the school.
La Lumière du Christ took to the stage once more, delivering a performance of "Funiculi, Funicula" with remarkable discipline and energy, drawing warm applause from the audience. A representative of the RCA Catholic community then addressed the gathering, offering thanks to the clergy, the school administration, and all who contribute to the spiritual formation of students at the academy. Special recognition was extended to Busogo parish for their continued support, and to the staff members whose efforts made the event possible. As a sincere expression of gratitude, special gifts were presented to both Bishop Harolimana and Fr. Jean Bosco Nambaje on behalf of the RCA community.
Bishop Harolimana closed with remarks that were both personal and purposeful. He shared that celebrating Mass at Rwanda Coding Academy had long been one of his aspirations, and expressed genuine joy at having finally done so. He commended the students for their discipline, unity, and dedication to academic excellence, reminding them that faith and knowledge are not separate pursuits, that God is the source of every opportunity they have been given, and that their skills entail a responsibility to serve the greater good. He also praised the school administration for cultivating an environment where students of diverse religious backgrounds coexist with respect, integrity, and shared purpose.
The visit concluded at approximately 2:20 p.m. with a final prayer and blessing from the Bishop. What took place at Rwanda Coding Academy that Wednesday was more than a religious ceremony. It was a reaffirmation of the values that sit at the heart of the institution, faith, unity, and the conviction that excellence, to mean anything at all, must be grounded in something deeper than achievement alone.