Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi)
11 September 2007
Bujumbura — A joyful crowd welcomed the new Bishop of Bururi, Venant Bacinoni, who was ordained on Saturday in Kabuye sports stadium.
Civic authorities present for the occasion included Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza, Vice President Martin Nduwimana, former heads of state Jean-Baptiste Bagaza, Pierre Buyoya, Sylvestre Ntibantunganya and Domitien Ndayizeye.
Archbishop Simon Ntamwana of Gitega greeted the Burundian authorities and delegations from Tanzania, Rwanda and DR Congo, according to a report by FIDES.
Archbishop Evariste Ngoyagoye of Bujumbura who presided over the ordination mass recalled that the principal duty of a bishop is to teach the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, adding that he was sure the faithful of Bururi Diocese would welcome their new bishop with love and joy.
President Nkurunziza thanked God for giving the people of Bururi a new shepherd and asked Bishop Bacinoni to work at promoting peace in Burundi.
Bishop Venant Bacinoni was born on February 20, 1940, at Kirisi, Diocese of Bururi. He was ordained a priest on April 20, 1965. Pope Benedict XVI appointed him bishop on June 25.
The diocese of Bururi has a population of 966,390, including 413,960 Catholics in 20 parishes served by 76 priests.
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