Bishop's visit builds links with Burundi

he Mayor and Mayoress of Rotherham, Cllr Alan and Mrs Sandra Buckley, are seen presenting a Rotherham crest shield to Bishop Eraste Bigirimana, from the Bujumbura Diocese of Burundi, during a recent visit. Seen also at the visit are (left to right) Carol Bracken, Linda Barnes and Canon Donald Werner. A school and University in Burundi have ties to Aston Academy, where the Bishop also visited. 184337

The Revd Eraste Bigirimana, Bishop of Bujumbura, spent two days in the borough — meeting the mayor, schoolchildren and Shiloh volunteers.

The trip was part of strengthening links between Rotherham and Burundi in east Africa.

Organiser Linda Barnes, of St Cuthbert’s Church in Herringthorpe, said: “Since my return from Burundi in 2016, Rotherham has formed strong links which has led to many positive and encouraging exchanges and results.

“A visit to St Cuthbert’s last Monday (24) evening was the start of a memorable visit.

The Bishop thanked St Cuthbert’s for their support and sponsorship for students and for the official link with the Burundi Christian University, of which he is chairman.”

Next was a visit to the St Paul’s and Herringthorpe community choirs, who have performed for widows and orphans in Burundi.

The bishop met children at Aston Hall Junior and Infant School, which has pen pal links to the Gatanga school back in Africa.

He also attended homelessness charity Shiloh — pledging to take some of what he learned back to help people in similar situations in Burundi.

Linda said: “The bishop’s final visit was to Rotherham Town Hall to meet the mayor and mayoress.

“He was very warmly received and given gifts to take back to the children at Gatanga school, including a special plaque.

“Bishop Eraste was given an invitation to return to Rotherham when he is next in England.

“This has proved to be a visit which has strengthened the links and friendship between the two countries. It’s a bond which can only get stronger.”