The recent visit of Fr. Jean Bosco Niyokwizera, of the Camboni Missionaries, to Walsh Jesuit High School was no ordinary guest lecture. It was an embodiment of hope, resilience, and inspiration that resonated with students and staff alike. A symbol of perseverance, his ties to the school and the broader Hudson community have roots spanning over a decade.

The tragic Rwandan genocide of 1994 saw Fr. Jean lose his family. Turning tragedy into hope, he transformed his once family home into an orphanage. Several of these orphans, finding solace with Hudson families, walked the halls of Walsh Jesuit in subsequent years. Two of them were Pacifique Niyozima and Fandira Murinz.

During his visit on September 28, Fr. Jean mesmerized students with tales of his experiences during the genocide. “I didn’t realize that hope was my only option because I had nothing else to turn to,” he shared. Through the lens of the word “hope,” he illustrated its powerful implications. “With the letter H, you can build a hospital, with the letter O, you can build an oar, with a P you can build pavement, with E, you can lend your ear for listening.”

Tommy Mercer, a junior, was drawn in by Fr. Jean’s presentation during his theology class. “Fr. Bosco was such an engaging speaker,” Mercer began. “He told us all about his mission to build a school for young people in Rwanda. He showed us photos and detailed how the school would not only educate them but also help to provide for some of their basic needs. He just seems like such a holy guy, totally out to help these young people who have so little.”

Senior Ella Zulandt, reflecting on her interaction with Fr. Jean during an intimate lunch, was deeply moved by his attentiveness to each student. “He seemed to care a lot about us,” she remarked, alluding to the genuine interest Fr. Jean took in their lives and aspirations. The gesture of writing down names for his prayers resonated deeply with Ella, exemplifying a level of personal connection and care that she hadn’t often seen.

Samantha Ceccardi’s interaction with Fr. Jean sparked a desire to make a tangible difference. Listening to his tales of children in Rwanda, she felt a profound sense of empathy and responsibility.

“My heart goes out to the children because they do not have basic supplies like books and pencils,” Samantha shared, highlighting the disparity between her privileged life and the challenges faced by many in Rwanda. The call to action in her mind and heart is a testament to the power of Fr. Jean’s stories.

Sydney Borges and Zora Brown, also seniors, reflected on a more introspective note. Sydney’s conversation with Fr. Jean instilled a deep sense of gratitude for the simple luxuries she enjoys daily. On the other hand, Zora was profoundly inspired by the priest’s indomitable spirit.

“The fact that he has accomplished so much despite the strife he experienced…gave me hope for the world becoming a better place,” Zora commented. For her, Fr. Jean’s story was not just about the tragedies of the past but also about the potential for a brighter future.

With the support of the WJ community, Fr. Jean established St. Antoine’s School in the Diocese of Byumba, a beacon of hope for Rwanda’s future. As the school community reflects on his visit, there is an eagerness for more updates on his projects in Rwanda and a hope for another memorable visit.