Historic Missions & Churches from the Colonial Era

The colonial era in Rwanda saw the significant establishment of Christian missions, primarily Catholic, which played a crucial role not only in proselytization but also in education, healthcare, and inadvertently, in the dynamics of colonial rule. Many of these historic churches and mission stations still stand today, offering a glimpse into this complex period.

Here are some notable historic missions and churches from Rwanda’s colonial era:

Our Lady of Kibeho (Kibeho, Southern Province):
- Significance: While primarily famous for the Marian apparitions that occurred between 1981 and 1989 (making it a major pilgrimage site), the Catholic mission and church at Kibeho date back to the colonial era, established by early missionaries.
- Historical Context: Even before the apparitions, it was an important center for Catholic evangelization and education. The site encapsulates layers of Rwandan history, from colonial Catholicism to the devastating events of the genocide.
- Visit: It’s a significant pilgrimage site, but the main church building itself carries historical weight.
White Fathers (Pères Blancs) Missions:
- The Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) were instrumental in establishing the earliest Catholic missions in Rwanda during the German colonial period. Their stations often served as centers for education and administration.
- Save Mission (Southern Province):
  - Significance: Established in 1900, Save is recognized as the first Catholic mission in Rwanda. It marked the formal beginning of Catholic evangelism in the country.
  - Historical Context: Missionaries at Save played a role in the early interactions with the Rwandan monarchy and the spread of Christianity, often in concert with colonial authorities.
  - Visit: The original church and mission buildings offer a tangible connection to early colonial-era evangelism.
Cathedrals and Churches in Major Towns:
- Kigali Cathedral (Saint-Michel Cathedral, Kigali): While much of Kigali’s architecture is modern, the central Catholic cathedral dates back to the colonial period and has seen significant historical events. Its architecture reflects the European influence.
- Butare Cathedral (Southern Province): Butare (Huye) was considered the intellectual and cultural capital during the Belgian colonial period. The main Catholic cathedral here is a large and historically significant structure, often reflecting the strong influence of the Catholic church in the region.
- Churches in Nyamata and Ntarama (Bugesera District, near Kigali):
  - Significance: While originally built as parish churches during the colonial era, these sites gained tragic significance during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, becoming memorial sites.
  - Historical Context: They represent the widespread presence of churches in communities and the role they played, both as places of worship and, tragically, as sites where many sought refuge during the genocide. Visiting them is a poignant reminder of both colonial-era spread of Christianity and the subsequent atrocities.
Protestant Missions:
- While Catholics were the dominant missionary force, Protestant missions (e.g., Seventh-day Adventists, Anglicans) also established a presence during the colonial period, particularly after the Belgian takeover. Their early churches and schools also contribute to the colonial religious landscape.

Visiting these sites:

Many of these sites are still active places of worship today.
For sites that are also genocide memorials (like Nyamata), visitors are expected to show respect and follow guidelines.
They offer an important historical layer to understanding Rwanda’s social and political development during and after the colonial period.