The Pontifical Mission Societies in Los Angeles

Vincentian Congregation #2568

I am pleased to introduce you to the Divine Retreat Centre, Rwanda, a Catholic mission run by the Vincentian Congregation, and supported by religious sisters and lay volunteers in East Africa. The Retreat Centre has served 2,000 – 2,500 individuals monthly, assisting with the spiritual, physical and educational needs of children and families alike, including live-in retreats, outreach programs, one-day prayer services, children’s programs, a monthly food and clothing distribution program, and the administration of a local Catholic School serving 1,400+ of the poorest children in the region.

Despite our desire to spread the good news, we face extraordinary challenges as we serve our flocks’ spiritual needs. Rwanda is #24 on a list of the 100 poorest countries in the world, and in the region where our efforts are located, 60% of the population lives in poverty, 70,000 are food insecure, and nearly 33% of children under the age of 5 live with chronic malnutrition. They are in dire need of support. The Rwandan mission was therefore founded three years ago to spread the good news of the gospel. The mission brings much needed spiritual renewal to the community, particularly as many are still facing the effects of the Rwandan genocide 30 years ago.

The Vincentians serve the local population by providing biblical counseling, preaching of the Word of God, local evangelization and outreach services, and an emphasis on the sacramental life, including daily eucharistic adoration, Holy Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation. We have held eucharistic adoration and Holy Mass for the community, where we have seen upwards 200-300+ people in attendance. We have offered monthly retreats in Kinyarwanda (local language) at no cost to participants, and offer a monthly 5-day retreat in English, with a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho. As a young mission, we have struggled to accommodate the hundreds of people that walk over 8-12 kilometers to reach our humble centre to pray. Many stand outside in the hot sun or in the rain to receive their spiritual nourishment.

We are now constructing a retreat centre that will accommodate 3,000 people. In just 3 years, we have seen immense spiritual growth and transformation in this community, but we are in desperate need of funding to grow.

Support the Vincentian Congregation #2568

You can support the Vincentian Congregation #2568 through your prayers and monetary donation by making a check payable to THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH, 3424 Wilshire Blvd 3rd Fl., Los Angeles CA 90010, memo #2568. You may also donate online by clicking the donate button. When making an online donation, reference #2568 in the Memo box. Your donation is tax-deductible as allowed by law.