Msgr. John Bosco Ntagungira,
Msgr. John Bosco Ntagungira shared that he was born on April 3, 1964, in Kigali, Rwanda. His journey into the priesthood began at a young age, inspired by the faith and dedication of his family and community. He attended the Kigali Minor Seminary and later the Rutongo Preparatory Seminary, where he laid the foundation for his spiritual and academic growth.
He mentioned that his calling to serve the Church led him to the Nyakibanda Major Seminary, where he pursued studies in philosophy and theology. These years were formative, deepening his understanding of the Church’s teachings and preparing him for a life of service. On August 1, 1993, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kigali, marking the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Church.
Following his ordination, he served as the Prefect of Studies at the Ndera Minor Seminary from 1993 to 1994. This role allowed him to mentor young seminarians, guiding them in their spiritual and academic pursuits. His passion for education and formation continued to grow during this period.
In 1994, he embarked on a journey to Rome, where he pursued a doctorate in Canon Law at the Pontifical Lateran University. His studies in Rome were a time of intense learning and spiritual enrichment. Upon his return to Rwanda in 2001, he was appointed Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kigali and President of the Diocesan Commission for Missions and Ecumenism. These roles allowed him to contribute to the administrative and pastoral life of the Archdiocese.
From 2002 onwards, he served as the Rector of the Saint Vincent Minor Seminary in Ndera. This position was both challenging and rewarding, as he was responsible for the formation of future priests. Concurrently, he worked at the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Kigali, where he applied his expertise in Canon Law to assist in the resolution of ecclesiastical matters.
In 2019, he was appointed Parish Priest of Regina Pacis in Kigali. This role brought him closer to the faithful, allowing him to minister to their spiritual needs and guide them in their faith journeys. His time at Regina Pacis was marked by a deep connection with the community and a commitment to pastoral care.
On August 12, 2024, Pope Francis appointed him as the Bishop of Butare, succeeding Bishop Philippe Rukamba. He expressed that this appointment is a profound honor and a testament to the trust placed in him by the Holy Father and the Church. As he prepares to take on this new role, he is filled with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
Looking to the future, he envisions the Diocese of Butare as one of growth, unity, and deepened faith. He is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, where every member feels valued and supported. His focus will be on pastoral care, education, and social justice, ensuring that the Church continues to be a beacon of hope and love in society.
Throughout his journey, he has been guided by a deep faith in God and a commitment to serving His people. Each step, from his early education to his advanced studies and various roles within the Church, has prepared him for this moment. He is humbled by the opportunity to lead the Diocese of Butare and looks forward to walking this path with the faithful, guided by the Holy Spirit.