ABAMBARI B'URUKUNDO
Who Are We?
Abambari b’urukundo, in short, is a Roman Catholic Nunnery. We are a devoted community of missionaries based in Rwanda, specifically in Mugombwa Parish, Diocese of Butare (province).
Our community was inspired and supported by Father Tiziano Pegoraro of the Orogationist Congregation in 1992-4. Our mission began with young girls and boys working as missionaries to address the deteriorating behavior among the youth. Marie Goretti Nsabayezu, now the Mother Superior, played a significant role in founding the community.
The name "Ambari b'urundo" reflects our commitment to fostering love and brotherhood, without discrimination. Our central mission is to welcome Jesus into our lives and pray for the healing of others. We follow the example of St. Teresa of Jesus in our way to sanctification, striving for justice and emphasizing the importance of prayer, fervent love, and dedicated work in their lives.
What Do We Do?
Abambari b’Urukundo is responsible for the administration of the Diocese of Butare since being formally accepted by Bishop Filipo Rukamba in 2017. We are actively engaged in mission work across three Parishes in the province of Butare (Mugombwa, Magi, and Kirarambogo). Our activities include, but are not limited to: work within the Church; teaching religion; assisting youth in development projects; caring for disabled children; organizing spiritual retreats and recollections.
We also support charitable organizations, such as the construction of the Holy Trinity Chapel. We oversee the practice of Eucharistic Adoration for 24hrs everyday at a chapel dedicated to adoration, near the Holy Trinity Chapel. We organize and prepare prayers in Manga during big events such as on August 22, the celebration for the Mother Queen of Heaven and Earth. We focus on spreading love, healing, and spiritual growth among individuals and communities, relying on the transformative power of prayer and devotion to God.
Requirements for those aspiring to join the community include being a devout Christian, exemplifying good behavior in their Parish, maintaining good health, and being between 18 and 30 years old. Inquiries about joining or seeking more information can be made at Mugombwa Parish, Butare Diocese, through the provided contact details on the Contact us Page.
Our Beginning
The starting point of our congregation "ABAMBARI B’URUKUNDO" was this word of Jesus: "I urge you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship." (Rm 12:1). On June 21, 1992, our dear Father Tiziano Pegorraro was the parish priest of our parish in Mugombwa. Starting from this word, he formed a group of young people. We were 22 girls, and Father Tiziano helped us understand and love the meaning of this message of Jesus. Thus, on June 21, 1992, Father Tiziano planted the seed in the good soil. He continued to accompany this group for two years until 1994 when the genocide erupted in our country, Rwanda. Father Tiziano returned to Italy, his home country, and the Rogationists congregation left the parish in the care of diocesan priests. Thanks to God, the Lord protected us during the genocide. After the genocide, the members of the group formed by Father Tiziano wanted to stay together and live out the message of Jesus from (Rm 12:1). This lead to the formation of the Abambari B'Urukundo Nunnery.
The foundation of Abambari b'Urukundo
1992-1994
The Inspiration
Father Tiziano Pegoraro
Abambari b'Urukundo exists today thanks to Tiziano Pegoraro of the Rogationist Congregation, who led the Parish back in 92. Concerned about the behaviour of the youth, Father Pegoraro quoted from the letters of Paul the Apostle to the Romans:
" I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom 12:1-2 ESV).
Father Pegoraro said to them, “so, if you lay down your bodies to the Lord and pray for others, many will be received." Until Father Pegoraro left, in 94, the group was not dedicated to God. ”
1994-2017
The Initiation and Foundation
Marie Goretti
One of the memebers of the Parish, Marie Goretti Nsabayezu (who is now the Mother Superior of the nuns), was touched by the words of Father Pegoraro, "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice." That phrase stuck with her as she continued to meditate on it and listen to the Holy Spirit.
Marie Goretti felt that she and her fellow residents needed to dedicated their bodies to God in the Church: which would help them to get closer to God, to love him more, and be willing to do his will. Goretti started to realized that the people around her were beginning to change in a bad way. She realized that they too needed intercessory prayer so the Lord could bless. She brought that idea to the group in 1994, and it was well received, confirming that it was the plan of life they took, and began the journey of devotion to God.
2007-2010
Confirmation
Filipo Rukamba
On the 15th of January 2017, the Bishop of Butare Diocese, Bishop Filipo Rukamba, accepted the Abambari b'Urukundoas a Religious Community that performs mission work in charge of the administration of the Diocese. They are now doing missions in three Parishes of the Butare Diocese: Mugomba, Magi and Kirarambogo.
Lead Nuns of Abambari b'Urunkundo
Lead Nuns and Members of the Abambari b'Urukundo Organization
MARIE GORETTI NSABAYEZU
Mother Superior - Founder and Principal
Marie Goretti, the founder of the Abambari b'Urukundo Nunnery, plays a pivotal role as a visionary and compassionate leader. With unwavering dedication, she established the congregation to serve and uplift mentally disabled children in Rwanda. Her guiding principles of love, empathy, and social responsibility drive the nunnery's mission to provide specialized care, education, and support to these vulnerable individuals.
SERAPHINE MUKURANYISONI
Sister - Lead Finance and Economist
Manages the assets and property of the Congregation of Abambari b'Urukundo. Responsible for the accounting of the parish of Mugombwa; managing the financial records and transactions related to the church's activities and expenses; keeping track of donations, expenditures, and financial reporting for the parish.
Adoration
The Sisters of Abambari b'Urukundo provide the service of Adoration.
Adoration is a vital service for both the Sisters and Rwandan community alike. Adoration is the practice of veneration before the Holy Eucharist. It helps to enrichen the already profound love and obedience to Christ Jesus.