HOW TROCAIRE IS MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE IN RWANDA

Bishop Niall Coll of Raphoe has described his recent visit to Rwanda as both humbling and inspiring, after witnessing first-hand the transformative impact of Trócaire’s work in communities across the country.

One of four Irish bishops invited to visit Rwanda, Bishop Coll travelled alongside Bishop Paul Dempsey of Dublin, Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe and Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore. During the visit, they met local communities, Church organisations and public authorities working in partnership with Trócaire to address poverty, promote human dignity and build sustainable futures.

Founded by the Irish Catholic Bishops in 1973, Trócaire was established to put faith into action by standing alongside people who are poor, vulnerable and marginalised throughout the developing world. For generations of Irish Catholics, the familiar Trócaire Box has served as a tangible reminder during Lent of the call to solidarity and care for our global family.

Throughout their time in Rwanda, the bishops visited a range of projects supported by Trócaire, hearing directly from people whose lives have been changed through the organisation’s work.

Among the most moving experiences was meeting men and women rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, during which an estimated 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsi, were killed by extremist Hutu forces. The bishops visited programmes supporting former combatants as they reintegrate into society and witnessed communities working together to foster reconciliation, healing and hope after immense suffering.

They also saw initiatives focused on climate justice, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment and projects helping parishes, schools and dioceses become active partners in creating a more just and sustainable future.

Reflecting on the visit, Bishop Coll said that no report or presentation could have fully prepared him for the experience of meeting people face-to-face and listening to their stories.  “I was deeply moved by the warmth, faith and dignity of the people we encountered. Despite the hardships many have faced, there was a remarkable spirit of hope, reconciliation and faith everywhere we went. Seeing communities come together to rebuild lives and create opportunities for future generations was both humbling and inspiring.”

The visit also reinforced for Bishop Coll the importance of the support that Irish people continue to give to Trócaire through fundraising and prayer.

“As Irish people, we can sometimes wonder what difference our support for Trócaire really makes. Having visited these projects and met the people involved, I can say with confidence that it is making a real and lasting difference.  The generosity of people at home, often expressed through the humble Trócaire Box, is helping families, communities and entire regions to build a brighter future.   I returned home with a renewed appreciation of the importance of Trócaire’s mission and with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who support it year after year.”

Bishop Coll also expressed his sincere gratitude to Sean Farrell, CEO of Trócaire, and to Marleen Masclee and her team in Rwanda for their dedication, commitment and hospitality.  Their work, he said, stands as a powerful witness to the Gospel in action and to the enduring bonds of solidarity between the people of Ireland and the people of Rwanda.