MISNA
Rwanda
09.18.00
A widely-attended mass in the Cathedral of Gikongoro (Rwanda) yesterday marked the return of the Bishop, Monsignor Augustin Misago, who was tried and recently absolved from charges of responsibility in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The mass was participated by all the Bishops of Rwanda, a representative of the Holy See, Monsignor Thomas Habib and a large crowd of worshippers. There were also numerous civil authorities present, including Rwanda's Security Minister and the Mayor of Gikongoro. As referred by our MISNA sources, during the ceremony Monsignor Misago declared that he returned to Gikongoro, which he left one and a half years ago, "to bring the Gospel and the Cross". The 57-year-old Bishop of Gikongoro, originally from Ruvune (diocese of Byumba), was arrested on the 14th of April 1999 by Kigali authorities on charges of serious responsibility in the 1994 genocide. Following an around 10 month trial, on the 15th of June the Rwandan judges absolved the prelate and ordered his immediate liberation. Monsignor Misago went abroad for medical care after his lengthy and difficult detention time and returned to Gikongoro last Saturday. (BO)