Dear Friends,
In 1994, the most blatant example of genocide since World War II was committed over a hundred-day period before the eyes of the world. Members of the Hutu tribe slaughtered between 800,000 and one million of their Tutsi neighbors, people with whom they had lived for decades, sharing culture, language, religion, and poverty. Many of you probably saw the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda. Much work was done with those communities following the genocide to move them towards healing and reconciliation.
Immaculee Ilibagiza is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Men, women and children, including her entire family except for one of her brothers, were massacred at the hands of Hutu marauders. In 1998, she immigrated to the United States and has since written multiple books in which she shares her experiences and tells of the rediscovery of her faith and her refusal to succumb to anger and resentment. Immaculee will be coming to our parish to help us begin our Lenten journey.
She is regarded as one of the world’s leading speakers on peace, faith and forgiveness and she shares her universal message with world dignitaries, schoolchildren, multinational corporations, churches and conferences. Immaculee has received honorary doctoral degrees from The University of Notre Dame, Saint John’s University, Seton Hall University, Siena College and Walsh University. She has been recognized and honored with numerous humanitarian awards including the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace 2007. Her first book, “Left to Tell; Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust,” has been translated into 15 languages worldwide.
“I want people to know that peace is possible,” Immaculee has said. “I hope that by sharing my story, those that hear it can shed their own anger and unforgiveness and find peace and healing through faith.”
In preparation for our retreat with her, Cabrini will be offering three Zoom “Fireside Chats” during which we will discuss her book, Left to Tell. While these have already started, we’d still love to have you join us the following the next two Wednesdays. Simply contact the Parish Office to obtain a Zoom link. The number is (402) 934-7706.
The retreat with Immaculee will take place at Cabrini on February 24th and 25th. However, you must register and obtain tickets for this retreat in advance at Immaculee Retreat registration. You will not be able to obtain tickets at the door the weekend of the retreat. Please plan ahead. The parish is hosting the event but not coordinating the ticket sales.
Join your fellow parishioners in hearing an incredible story of the Holy Spirit at work in the midst of great human evil.
Peace,
Fr. Damian