Benebikira Sisters greet each other under the shade of an avocado tree at their motherhouse in Save, Rwanda. The Benebikira Sisters, the oldest indigenous congregation in Rwanda, have sisters who are teachers, nurses, pharmacists, formators, administrators — and listeners. (CNS photo/Melanie Lidman, Global Sisters)
By Melanie Lidman Catholic News Service
KIGALI, Rwanda — The Benebikira Sisters, the oldest indigenous congregation in Rwanda, have sisters who are teachers, nurses, pharmacists, formators and administrators. But they also have religious with a unique title: Sister Listeners.
“The genocide created many problems; some people don’t want to live because of what happened,” said Sister Marie Venantie Nyirabaganwa, superior of the southern province of the Benebikira Sisters and the women’s head of the Association des Superieurs Majeurs du Rwanda, the national umbrella group for women and men religious.
The 1994 Rwandan genocide, when up to a million people were killed during 100 days of fighting and in the chaos before and afterward, lurks under the surface of every interaction, even though 23 years have passed since the killers laid down their machetes.
The country has successfully emerged from some of the physical devastation after the genocide, and the economy is growing at impressive rates. But the country is perched in a delicate balance, as the people try to honor the memory of those killed while firmly looking toward the future.
This balancing act comes into focus each year April 7, the anniversary of the day the genocide started. It marks the beginning of a three-month period when the country turns inward to remember.
“There are many problems in Rwanda, and many people have mental problems because of the genocide,” Sister Nyirabaganwa said. “Those who killed have their own problems, and those who lost people due to the genocide have their own problems.”
“Especially mothers who lost all of their children and husbands, or the young ones who lost all the members of their family,” Sister Nyirabaganwa added. “Many people just need someone to listen. Some have HIV,” because rape by HIV-positive men was one of the tools used to brutalize during the genocide.
Six Benebikira Sisters are dedicated to listening full time. Some of the sisters run group therapy sessions, others do individual counseling as needed. They have different backgrounds, including pastoral work or counseling, and go for continuing education on a regular basis, Sister Nyirabaganwa said.
The role of listener is less formal than therapist but fits better with Rwandan culture, she said. “The sisters in charge of listening are helping them spiritually. We help them to resolve and get answers to their problems.”
