Book Came To Life

This initiative was spearheaded by Social Justice teacher, Ms. Carolina Ramirez, who read the book 15 years ago and said it “changed her life.”

“It really challenged me to look at forgiveness in a different way,” Ms. Ramirez said. “I feel like her story changed me and my faith journey.”

Ms. Ramirez worked closely with the administration to make this event happen. When the day of Ilibagiza’s visit finally came, students filed into the gym ready to put a face to the inspiring story. 

“Seeing Immaculee and reading her book was an ‘ah-ha’ moment for me. She LIVED through the Rwandan genocide and that experience only strengthened her faith in a loving God. It is her deep faith that inspires and strengthens my own,” said social studies teacher Mrs. Miriann Meyeringh, who studied the Rwandan genocide in college. 

“Meeting Immaculee was like meeting your favorite character in a book,” senior Alina Rodriguez said. “I was incredibly inspired by her faith in the rosary and in her empathy for our community, especially when she told us that she understands the pain of grief and loss. Immaculee reminded me that everything gets better with God by our side.”

Like Rodriguez, many students were moved by Ilibagiza’s talk and book, but they were especially honored to have received signed copies of the memoir and other items, such as rosaries, an emblem of Ilibagiza’s faith message.