Servants of God, Cyprien and Daphrose Rugamba

Martyrs of Love

  • RWANDAN
  • BORN: 1935 & 1944
  • Died: 7th April 1994

On the eve of their tragic deaths, as the Rwandan Genocide brought about a harrowing 100-day onslaught, the Rugamba family had gathered in their home for a night of adoration. With special permission, the Blessed Sacrament was present in the tabernacle of their home chapel. Yet, when morning broke, only one of their sons survived the brutal attack, playing dead amidst the chaos. Their bodies were discovered with Eucharistic Hosts strewn around them, a poignant testament to their devout faith.

Their journey toward this steadfast faith wasn't without struggle. Cyprien, once a staunch atheist despite his marriage to the devout Catholic Daphrose, underwent a transformative journey. Illness humbled him, blinding him and impairing his senses, thereby leading him to reevaluate his life. Witnessing Daphrose's enduring devotion, even amidst betrayal, stirred a change within him. His miraculous recovery, alongside Daphrose's steadfast prayers, solidified his conversion, restoring their marriage.

Photo: Emmanuel Community

From this renewal, a life dedicated to prayer and charity blossomed. Daphrose's compassion extended to street children, while Cyprien's talents flourished in composing songs of praise, his compositions still echo through Rwandan Catholic Churches. Even in the face of political turmoil, Cyprien advocated for peace, a stance that ultimately put a target on the backs of himself and his family. Despite the danger, they chose to remain in Rwanda, trusting in divine providence.

Photograph taken in 1992 in the garden of their home in Kigali (Rwanda). Wikipedia

The Rugamba family was blessed with ten children, six of whom were tragically taken from them in the genocide alongside Cyprien and Daphrose. Their children, raised in the nurturing environment of faith and love cultivated by their parents, bore witness to their unceasing commitment to God and each other.

In establishing the Emmanuel Community, a Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, the Rugambas left an enduring legacy; their martyrdom fueled the faith of many. Pope St John Paul II's words in 1990, some four years before the genocide, expressing a desire to canonize a Rwandan couple, seem prophetic in light of their martyrdom:

“I believe that holiness exists among the people that are here among you, in the people of Rwanda, in your marriages, in your families. I am convinced of this.

One of my fondest desires is to be able to beatify or canonize a couple as soon as possible. There is a great need.

So all that I should wish for you is that this canonized couple come from Rwanda. That would be a sign of your church’s spiritual maturity.”

In 2015, Cyprien and Daphrose Rugamba were declared “heroic in virtue,” marking the beginning of their path toward canonization. Their lives, now documented and sent to the Vatican, stand as a testament to the enduring power of faith and love amidst the darkest of times. This declaration elevated them to the status of Servants of God, a recognition of their exemplary lives.

As their story continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide, their journey toward sainthood serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the power of faith and commitment to love and therefore God, in the face of adversity.

A Prayer for the beatification of the Servants of God Cyprien and Daphrose Rugamba

Holy Father,

We pray for the beatification of the Servants of God Cyprien and Daphrose. Give us to always have, like them, an incessant zeal for adoration, a heart burning of love for you and an active compassion for all who suffer.Help us to give ourselves freely for the evangelization of the families and the poor.

In communion with Cyprien and Daphrose, we entrust to you especially couples who experience marital difficulties and people who are struggling to forgive their enemies, and we ask you to make us instruments of peace. Through the intercession of these Servants of God, we ask you Lord, according to Your will, the grace of (express your intention).

Lord, grant us peace and the grace that we ask in faith. Amen

(Those who have received favors through their intercession may write to: causescyprienetdaphrose @emmanuelco.org.
Donate online: cyprienetdaphrose.com.)

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