Notes from Rome By Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC Can you tell us a little about your background? When were you ordained? My name is Fr. Emmanuel Habumuremyi, MIC. I was born in 1986 in Rwanda. I studied in the minor seminary because I felt a desire to be a priest because of the good example of a priest whom I had seen when I was 6 years old. In 2008, I began my formation in our Congregation. The charisms connected with the desires of my heart, in particular, the devotion to Mary and praying for the souls in Purgatory. After philosophical studies in Rwanda and theological studies in Cameroon, I was ordained a priest in 2016. What kind of work have you done as a priest so far? After my ordination, I was appointed vicar of the parish of Nyakinama and chaplain of the youth. I was responsible for vocations in our vicariate in Rwanda. I traveled to parishes in various dioceses speaking to Christian youth about the call of God and our Congregation. My joy was full during an unforgettable vocational gathering in which 650 young people and 120 religious from 38 congregations participated. I was then appointed pastor of the parish of Ruyenzi, in the diocese of Kabgayi. Caring for the souls of the parish was not an easy task for me, but God’s graces in each moment were always with me. You came to Rome one year ago. Can you tell us about your experiences? After arriving in Rome, I studied Italian for three months. Last October, I started studying spiritual theology at the Salesian Pontifical University, specializing in the formation of formators and vocational animators. Before training others, you must first be trained. The future of the Church on the missionary level requires a strong preparation of the workers in the vineyard of the Lord. Human and Christian values are visibly threatened. These studies will allow me to give my contribution in the formation of future Marian Fathers capable of accomplishing the mission of the Church in all places and in all circumstances. I never thought I would arrive in this city, which I consider to be the Little Heavenly Jerusalem. Setting foot on the ground which witnessed the martyrdom of the great Apostles Peter and Paul gives a special feeling. Seeing the Holy Father in person and visiting the Roman basilicas and the shrines in Italy dedicated to saints like Francis, Clare, and Benedict have left a deep impression on me. What will you write your final thesis on? An analysis of the experience of the Marian Fathers in Rwanda doing religious formation at the service of the local Church. Formation prepares disciples and apostles of Christ to become like Him in every age and place. Please pray for Fr. Emmanuel and all of our student priests here in Rome! A PILGRIM’S PROGRESS Located in our Roman House is the International Marian College to which our Marian priests come for further studies after ordination. This year, there will be six young Marian priests studying here. Let’s hear from one: Father Emmanuel Habumuremyi, MIC Father Joe Roesch, MIC, is the vicar general of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. He lives in Rome. Listen to his new podcast, reading and reflecting on “The Imitation of Christ,” on TheDivineMercy.org. Marian Helper • Fall 2022 • Marian.org 7 Meet Fr. Emmanuel and get an update.
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