REMEMBRANCE
Speaker to recount surviving Rwandan genocide
Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, will share her inspirational life story at Saint Anthony Church on Maui Jan. 13 and in Honolulu Jan. 14, 15 and 17.
The Waterhouse Lecture Series and the Roman Catholic Church in Hawaii are presenting her appearances to the public for free, but an offering will be taken.
Her story is also told in her book, "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust" (Hay House, 2006). All proceeds go to her Left to Tell Charitable Fund for all orphaned children in Rwanda and the rest of Africa.
Ilibagiza was born in Rwanda and was studying electronic and mechanical engineering at the National University of Rwanda, a release said. Her life was transformed dramatically when she and seven other women huddled silently together in a cramped bathroom of a local pastor's house for 91 days. Ilibagiza lost most of her family during the horrific ordeal but was able to forgive by developing a profound relationship with God, according to a release.
The schedule follows:
Jan. 13
Saint Anthony Church (Maui), from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 14 and 15
Blaisdell Concert Hall; special guests, Na Leo Pilimehana; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) A sign interpreter will be provided.
Jan. 17
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace on the Fort Street Mall, 9 a.m.; Catholic Diocese of Honolulu's Red Mass, celebrated during the week the state Legislature opens, is the public prayer for civic leaders. Bishop Larry Silva will preside.
Seating is limited in Maui, so arrive early. Call 242-6040 or (877) 263-8855, ext. 733 (toll-free Oahu), for more information, or log on to www.catholichawaii.com or www.hawaiifamilyforum.org.