Bishop of Ruyigi
Blaise Nzeyimana was born in Butare on June 2, 1954. After attending primary school, he entered the Minor Seminary of Rusengo (1967–1968), subsequently continuing his formation first at the Minor Seminary of Mugera (1968–1972) and then at the one in Bujumbura (1972–1974). He completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology at the Major Seminary of Bujumbura (1974–1981) before being ordained a priest on July 25, 1981, and incardinated into the Archdiocese of Gitega. Following his priestly ordination, he held the following positions: 1981–1985: Parochial Vicar in Mugera; 1985–1987: Parish Priest of Gitega; 1987–1991: Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for the Gitega pastoral region; 1991–1992: Assistant Bursar General; 1992–1994: Studies for a Master’s degree in Theology and a Higher Certificate in Religious Pedagogy at the University of Strasbourg (France); 1994–1997: Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Gitega, Secretary of the Pastoral Office, and Secretary of the Development Office; 1997–2007: Secretary General of CED-Caritas National; 2007–2008: Secretary of the Pastoral Office; since 2008: Vicar General of Gitega (for the second time). He also served as President of the Union of Incardinated Clergy. Currently, he is also Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Clergy and a member of the Joint Commission of the Churches of Tanzania and Burundi for the reception of disaster victims and refugees.