The catholic church in collaboration with the family of the Late Mgr. Alexis Kagame organized on December 20, 2023, a solemn Mass held to honor and remember Mgr. Alexis Kagame, a distinguished former priest of the Butare Diocese.
The same day, the 2nd of September of every year was announced as the annual commemoration day paying tribute to his life and accomplishments and highlighting his profound impact on the nation and the Catholic Church in Rwanda.
Forty-two years after the death, Mgr. Alexis Kagame left behind a legacy that honors his accomplishments, especially in the areas of literature said father Vedaste Kayisabe.
Mgr. Kagame played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Rwanda, and his intellectual prowess extended beyond national borders, earning him recognition as one of Africa’s intellectual giants. His 192 published works, including 62 historical texts, showcased not only his literary brilliance but also his dedication to preserving and promoting Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Notably, Mgr. Kagame’s impact goes beyond academia, as he actively contributed to societal progress. His writings reflected his belief in the importance of education and the role it played in fostering a knowledgeable and enlightened society.
Father Alexis Kagame was a Rwandan philosopher, theologian, linguist, historian, poet, translator, and Catholic priest. He belonged to a long lineage of historians affiliated to the pre-colonial Rwandan royal court. After attending a missionary school, he studied at the Nyakibanda Regional Seminary and was ordained a priest on 25 July 1941 at the age of twenty-nine. Father Alexis Kagame passed away on December 2, 1981.