On October 4, 2024, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, Jean de Dieu Twagirimana from Rwanda began his Introductory Year with the Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB). One year later, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after an intense and fruitful novitiate under the guidance of Fr. Joseph Meili, he reached an important milestone by making his temporary promise.
At the end of his Introductory Year, Jean de Dieu officially submitted his request for admission to the temporary promise. Upon the recommendation of the Novice Master, Fr. Joseph Meili, he was admitted as a temporary member of the Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB) for a period of two years.
The celebration of admission took place on October 4, 2025, during the Eucharist in the SMB house in Torry, Fribourg, in the presence of many friends of the SMB as well as companions whom Jean de Dieu had met during his years of formation in Switzerland. Through this promise, Jean de Dieu reaffirmed his desire to serve the universal Church as a missionary and to live according to the spirituality of Bethlehem.
During this time, he shared community life both in Torry and in Immensee, where he regularly participated in formation activities, while also pursuing his Master’s degree at the University of Fribourg.
From this date onward, according to the Constitutions of the SMB, Jean de Dieu is recognized as a temporary member of the SMB and is assigned to the Torry community.
Born into a humble family, Jean de Dieu felt called to the priesthood from an early age. He entered the Minor Seminary of the Diocese of Nyundo and later continued his studies at the Major Seminary of Kabgayi. During these years, he discovered the missionary dimension of the Church. His encounter with the SMB proved decisive: he was deeply moved by their simplicity, their fraternal life, and their commitment to serving the poor. After arriving in Switzerland, Jean de Dieu pursued a Master’s degree in Philosophy at the University of Fribourg while residing in the SMB house in Torry.
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