Bishop Desire Mukanirwa from the Diocese of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa recently visited the parishes of Tynan, Aghavilly and Middletown and also Milltown parish in the Diocese of Armagh.
The Bishop of Goma preached at the Sunday services in Tynan, Aghavilly and Middletown as well as in Milltown parish.
Bishop Desire Mukanirwa became Bishop of Goma in November 2016. Prior to this he was the Rector of Goma in the Diocese of Bukavu. The Tynan, Aghavilly and Middletown Group of parishes are linked with the Diocese of Bukavu and in April 2016 Rev. Matthew Hagan (Rector), Mrs Ann Haffey (Aghavilly parish) and Mrs Linda Abwa (CMSI) visited the Diocese of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo on their Mission trip and stayed with Bishop Bahati who is the Bishop of The Diocese of Bukavu. It was on their Mission trip that they met Rev. Desire Mukanirwa as he was then known and he was responsible for ensuring that they were able to see the various Churches in the area they were supporting and other local areas of interest as well.
Tynan, Aghavilly and Middletown Group of parishes have been linked with the Diocese of Bukavu for over two years and have raised funds for the roofing materials needed for three Churches and also provided funding to purchase a number of bicycles for clergy in the Diocese of Bukavu.
During Bishop Desire Mukanirwa's visit a Mission Focus evening was held in Tynan Parish Hall which was well attended and enjoyed by everyone present.
Bishop Desire Mukanirwa accompanied Rev. Matthew Hagan to a meeting of Tynan Rural Deanery where Bishop Desire Mukanirwa met and talked with clergy.
Bishop Desire Mukanirwa enjoyed his first ever trip to Northern Ireland and in particular to the parishes he visited and stayed in.
