Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

As Evrard Muhoza's ordination to the transitional diaconate approaches, he anticipates the opportunity to preach and connect with parishioners. Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre will conduct the ordination on April 26 at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Louisville. This ordination is a crucial step in Muhoza's journey towards priesthood.

Muhoza expressed his excitement: “I’m looking forward to pretty much everything, but mostly to preaching.” Reflecting on his childhood in Burundi, he recalled, “The priests would tell stories. I love the stories and how they connected them to the Scriptures. Hopefully, I’ll be able to tell stories, too, when I preach.”

An immigrant from Burundi, Muhoza came to Louisville with his parents, Severin Barumunungu and Pascaline M. Sinzinkayo, in 2014. His journey to ordination includes education at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology and previously at Bishop Simon Bruté Seminary College, along with a degree in Catholic studies from Marian University.

Muhoza is eager to participate in sacramental services and serve as needed by the archdiocese. Notably, he has a keen interest in accompanying couples in marriage preparation, stating, “One of the things I love is marriage prep. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to prepare couples for marriage.”

Approaching the ordination, Muhoza admits to feeling at “peace” but also “nervous.” He remains open to his future deacon assignments, stating, “I pray wherever I’m sent, I accept it with obedience and learn about the parish and the people and learn to love them.”

Father Martin Linebach, who oversees vocations, praised Muhoza, saying, “He’s such a fine man. He’s very prayerful. One of the greatest virtues that will assist him is his kindness. He’s an exceedingly kind man.”

Father Linebach also highlighted Muhoza's leadership, mentioning his role as the dean of his house at St. Meinrad. Despite his accomplishments, Father Linebach noted Muhoza's humility: “I’m not sure he knows how good he is. … There’s strong humility there.”