RUHENGERI — Bishop Vincent Harolimana, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri, turned 64 on September 2, 2026, marking 14 years since he began leading the diocese.
Bishop Harolimana was born on September 2, 1962, in Mpembe, Mubuga Parish, in the Diocese of Nyundo.
According to records from the Catholic Church, he completed his primary and secondary education at Petit Séminaire Saint-Pie X de Nyundo before pursuing further studies at Rutongo Major Seminary and Grand Séminaire Saint-Charles de Nyakibanda.
Ordained a Priest at 28
On September 8, 1990, Vincent Harolimana was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Nyundo. His ordination took place during the visit of Pope John Paul II to Rwanda.
After his ordination, he began his pastoral ministry as a Vicar at Gisenyi Parish, where he served from 1990 to 1993.
Between 1993 and 1999, he continued his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, where he earned a doctorate in Dogmatic Theology.
Upon returning to Rwanda, he continued serving the Catholic Church in both educational and administrative roles.
He served as Rector of Petit Séminaire Saint-Pie X in the Diocese of Nyundo and also taught theology at Grand Séminaire Saint-Charles de Nyakibanda and INES Ruhengeri.
Appointed Bishop of Ruhengeri
On January 31, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Vincent Harolimana as Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ruhengeri.
He was ordained a bishop and officially installed as Bishop of Ruhengeri on March 24, 2012.
He took over the leadership of the diocese after a period during which it had been administered by interim leaders, following the departure of Bishop Kizito Bahujimihigo from the leadership of the Diocese of Ruhengeri.
Records from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda identify Bishop Harolimana as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Ruhengeri.
14 Years at the Helm of Ruhengeri Diocese
From 2012 to 2026, Bishop Vincent Harolimana has served for 14 years as the head of the Diocese of Ruhengeri.
His episcopal motto is “Vidimus Stellam eius,” a phrase from the Gospel of Matthew 2:2, which translates into English as “We have seen his star.” The phrase also appears on his episcopal coat of arms.
The Diocese of Ruhengeri was established in 1960 and is part of the ecclesiastical province of the Archdiocese of Kigali.
As Bishop Vincent Harolimana celebrates his 64th birthday, Rwandatribune.rw wishes him a happy birthday, good health and continued strength in his pastoral ministry and leadership of the Diocese of Ruhengeri.
From becoming a priest at the age of 28 to spending 14 years as a bishop, Bishop Vincent Harolimana has devoted more than 35 years to pastoral service in the Catholic Church.
By Mwizerwa Ally
Rwandatribune.rw
