50 years Caraes Ndera

Fifty years ago, the Caraes Ndera psychiatric centre in Rwanda was founded by the Congregation of the Brothers of Charity, which they celebrated on 15 June 2018.

The event started with a Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Mgr. Philippe Rukamba, bishop of Butare and president of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda, and assisted by Mgr. Andrzej Józwowicz, papal nuncio of Rwanda. Minister of Health, Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi and several senators and members of parliament attended the event as representatives of the Rwandan government. Superior General, Bro. René Stockman represented the Congregation.

The papal nuncio gave a wonderful speech at the start of the celebration, during which he emphasized the importance of the Christian identity of health care in a rapidly changing world. In their speeches following the Eucharistic celebration, the visit to the psychiatric centre, and the unveiling of the memorial, all speakers stressed the importance Caraes Ndera played in the development of mental health care in Rwanda. The event ended with a reception and a meal for the guests.

Read the Superior General’s speech on the history of Caraes Ndera here.