The cerebration of the Feast of Saint Dominic Savio, Patron of Pueri Cantores

Dear Pueri Cantores Rwanda and others from the world,

Rwandan Federation of Pueri Cantores wishes you many feelings and so many good thoughts that accompany us today when we are commemorating the Feast of Saint Dominic Savio, our Patron. There are thus many memories of meetings that perpetually instructed and reached our hearts, as the large family. So, many of the Pueri Cantores in Rwanda are celebrating the Feast of our Patron by doing various activities. Today, we remember that San Dominic Savio is unforgettable in our daily life since we have often learned from him for doing the right things at the right time. We were given him, as the whole family of the world, so as to proclaim the Message of the Divine Mercy and try to imitate him since our childhood.  Today we also remember that he had four main resolutions that helped him to become Saint. Those resolutions made by Dominic Savio, in the year 1849, on the day of my First Communion, at the age of seven includes; (1) I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion, as my confessor allows; (2) I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner; (3) My friends shall be Jesus and Mary and (4) Death rather than sin.

Basing on the life of Saint Dominic Savio, we learn that we have to differentiate ourselves from others in the current world by working to become exemplary and helping the vulnerable people. We are encouraged the young singers to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, dress the nudes, shelter the homeless, visit the sick; and visit prisoners or ransom the captive. This will help the young singers to become saint and have the humanity in which our catholic church teaches us to fight for. This opportunity of feast for saint Dominic Savio is the right time to have the contribution to the health challenges among our families and particularly among the young people. As we know there are many Public Health problems such as domestic violence, sexual reproductive health issues, and serious diseases. It is our time to ask Saint Dominic Savio for praying for us so that we should contribute to these problems which are highly prevalent among the young generations. Today, we are experiencing the school drop-out in our low- and middle-income countries, including Rwanda. As Dominic liked studying from his childhood, we are called to sensitize the young singers and other children to actively love studying. Other health issues in which we should focus on within our communities include the culture of hygiene and sanitation, rights to children and loving praying in their daily life.

I address you with these words: May our singing cross the national and global boundaries! We know that the word “angel” means “a messenger”. We are somehow messengers of divine joy and are sent to show, through your singing, that faith is stronger than doubt, hope stronger than hopelessness, and charity more powerful than death. Refereeing to these crucial words sent by former President of the International Federation of Pueri Cantores to us, I do trust that these words still resound in us and that they still touch the hearts of Pueri Cantores all over the world. Through the loving acts and singing, I find that it is the way we should deliver God’s message to His people from the worldwide: through joy, faith, love and hope which cross the boundaries!  Our message in all people from the world is needed and preaching God’s message using sacred music, loving acts are the major methods to be used.

We trust you the whole community of Pueri Cantores because of your contribution in our daily life. Let’s pray: Our Lord, “Bend down to us sinners, heal our weakness, conquer all evil, and grant that all the peoples of the earth may experience your mercy. In You, our Omnipotent God, may they ever find the foundation of hope, love and pleasure. Eternal Father, by the Passion and Resurrection of your Son, have mercy on us and upon the whole world”! Amen.

Mr. Emmanuel Biracyaza

President of diocesan Federation of Pueri Cantores Ruhengeri (FDPCR)

Rwandan Federation of Pueri Cantores (FRPC)