Fribourg, October 1, 2025 – On the feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, patroness of the missions and of the Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB), the Torry Community joyfully celebrated the beginning of the Introductory Year – Novitiate of Fr. Pierre-Damien Nizeyimana, a priest from Rwanda. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Ludovic Nobel, Superior General of the SMB, gathered about thirty participants: members of the Society, collaborators and residents of the Torry House, religious sisters from Fribourg, and close friends of the community and of Fr. Pierre-Damien.
Personal Journey and Vocation
Born on January 6, 1992, in Giheke (Rwanda), Pierre-Damien is the second of nine children. After completing his primary education in Cyibumba, he continued his secondary studies at Saint Aloys Minor Seminary in Cyangugu.
In 2010, he obtained his high school diploma and entered formation for the priesthood. His training took place successively at the Propedeutic Seminary of Rutongo, the Grand Seminary of Philosophy in Kabgayi, and the Grand Seminary of Theology in Nyakibanda.
Ordained deacon on July 7, 2019, and priest on November 22, 2020, he began his pastoral ministry at Nkombo Parish, where he served as vicar and parish bursar.
Since September 2022, he has been pursuing a Licentiate in Patristic Theology at the University of Fribourg. While residing at the SMB House in Torry as a student, he gradually discovered the community life of the missionaries and the spirituality of the Child of Bethlehem. After two years of discernment, he officially submitted his request for admission to the community.
A New Journey within the SMB
With his entrance into the Introductory Year – Novitiate, Pierre-Damien begins a period of spiritual discernment and missionary formation.
This stage includes the study of the history and foundational documents of the SMB, an introduction to missiology and synodality, and a wholehearted commitment to community life and prayer.
In his homily, Fr. Ludovic Nobel recalled that the spirituality of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, deeply linked to the SMB, remains a guiding light for those who choose the missionary vocation:
“The way Thérèse teaches us is the way of simplicity and humility. Humility is the path to the Lord. Thérèse said: ‘It is not necessary to perform great works, but to hide oneself and practice virtue.’ True greatness is expressed through humility. The ‘Little Way’ is not childishness, but evangelical littleness. Great things can be achieved through small acts, carried out with humility and offered in love to the One who gives the grace to become, day by day, more like Him.”
He concluded: “The example of Little Thérèse gives us the confidence and courage to walk toward the Lord, accepting both the joys and sufferings of daily life.”
May God Almighty bless Fr. Pierre-Damien Nizeyimana on this journey of discernment within the Bethlehem Mission Society (SMB). May his efforts bear fruit for the mission of the Church and for the glory of the Child of Bethlehem.
