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Martyrs |
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Seminarians of Buta |
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“Father, let them be one, just as I am in you and you in me.” On April 30, 1997 another shocking news report about the massacres brought on by African tribal conflicts goes around the globe. The following report is based on the testimony of Jolique Risimbarniger, one of the few seminarians who survived this terror. “Oasis of peace” – this name was given to the Small Seminary of Buta because of the good atmosphere there which was one of respect among teachers and students and of friendship among the seminarians despite their different ethnic heritage. All of this ended on April 30 when about 100 Hutu partisan soldiers stormed the seminary carrying pistols, guns, knives and granades and ordered the boys to separate into two groups: Tutsi and Hutu. This would be the last chance to save the lives of the latter. The seminarians remained unchanged in their attitude and did not obey the order so the partisans started with the execution: 44 of the seminarians died, 25 were badly injured. Risimbarniger was hit by a bullet and dropped on a bed. The partisans saw his arms and legs hanging loose from the bed and were convinced he was dead. The bullet had hit his pelvis, his back had been smashed, his spine damaged, his intestines and genitals had been torn to pieces. Today the witness of the massacre at Buta walks on crutches and sees a psychotherapist. He says that the death of his brothers in faith was a miracle – each one was ready. A few days before the massacre all of them had been to a retreat, where they had gone to confession and received Holy Communion. To the question how he feels about the murderers, Jolique replies, “I pray that the sacrifice of the murdered students and our suffering will lead the soldiers who caused this suffering to their own conversion.”
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