Two Catholic priests who served in the Catholic Church in Rwanda have passed away following illness.
Jean Baptiste Mendiondo, a priest who served in the Diocese of Nyundo, died on May 9, 2026, according to Bishop Anacret Mwumvaneza. He passed away at a retirement home in France, where he had been living while receiving treatment.
In a statement, the Diocese of Nyundo expressed sorrow over his passing.
“Bishop Anacret Mwumvaneza of the Diocese of Nyundo regrets to inform bishops, priests, religious members, Christians, friends, and relatives that Father Jean Baptiste Mendiondo, also known as Habineza, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in France, where he had been living in a retirement home after illness,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Father Bagirubwami Donat of the Diocese of Byumba also passed away during the night of May 11, 2026, after battling illness.
Father Bagirubwami was widely known for his humility, kindness, and openness toward all people without discrimination.
He was recognized for his ability to listen to people facing different challenges and for offering thoughtful and wise guidance.
Throughout his ministry, he served in the parishes of Bungwe Parish, Muhura Parish, and Byumba Parish, where he made a significant contribution to preaching the Gospel and supporting the spiritual lives of Christians.
Father Jean Baptiste Mendiondo, a French priest, was especially well known in the Diocese of Nyundo, where he carried out missionary work for many years back to the 1930s.
Gabriel UZABAKIRIHO / KIGALI TIMES