Rwanda – 2025
Theme: “A Safe Earth Cultivates a Peaceful World!”
From the 26th-29th December, 2025, the Autonomous Custody of Our Lady of Kibeho, Burundi-Rwanda, through its Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC), organised the Franciscan Youth Forum for Peace, Fraternity, and Ecology, which brought together 320 young people from four parishes entrusted to the friars in Rwanda.
The forum took place at the Padri Vjeko School in the parish of Kivumu, Diocese of Kabgayi, and brought together young people eager to learn, reflect, and actively commit to building a more just and peaceful world in harmony with creation.
For four days of intense and enriching experience, participants engaged in formation, reflection, prayer, and fellowship in an atmosphere steeped in Franciscan spirituality. According to Fr. Jean Eric Mutabazi, OFM, Custodian Animator of JPIC, the forum’s main objective was “to awaken in young people a deep sense of responsibility for building peace, caring for creation, and personal growth, inspired by Franciscan values.”
The programme included presentations by various speakers who addressed key issues for young people’s personal lives and the future of the planet.
Fr. Emmanuel, OFM, emphasized that there can be no safe world without peace, insisting that peace must first be built in hearts, communities, and societies, and reminding everyone that peace and ecology are inseparable.
A second speaker delved into the importance of positive and critical thinking, encouraging young people to train their minds to discern what is good, true, and life-giving, and to consciously filter the messages they receive in their daily lives.
The third speaker offered practical and motivational guidance, reminding young people that their future is in their own hands. They were encouraged to be focused, productive, and realistic, to recognize their potential and their limitations, and to courageously and hopefully take responsibility for their own lives.
Faithful to the Franciscan spirit, the forum included a concrete action of ecological commitment. The young people participated in a tree-planting activity, during which more than 800 trees were planted. Wearing T-shirts with the slogan “Called to Heal the Earth, Called to Build Peace,” the participants visibly expressed their commitment to caring for creation and promoting peace.
In addition, there were moments of play, recreation, and fellowship, which helped create a family atmosphere where the young people felt welcomed, valued, and at home.
The organization and realization of this Franciscan Youth Forum in Rwanda was made possible thanks to the generous support of benefactors, whose contributions covered training, accommodation, food, materials, transportation, and a dignified environment for the young people, many of whom face significant economic hardship.
On behalf of all the beneficiaries, we express our deep and sincere gratitude. Your support has generated a lasting impact by investing in youth, peace building, and the care of our Common Home.
Fr. Victor Nkundayezu, OFM
JPIC Coordinator for Rwanda
