Fr. Innocent Bizimana was born on March 25, 1969, in Musha-Rwamagana, Rwanda. His Salesian journey began with his novitiate in Kansebula, Democratic Republic of the Congo, from 1993 to 1994, where he made his first profession on August 24, 1994. He continued his formation in Kansebula and then in Madagascar, where he renewed his profession annually in Tulear, Antsirabe, and Ivato. He made his perpetual profession in Fianarantsoa in 2001 and was ordained a priest two years later, on August 9, 2003.
Fr. Bizimana pursued further studies from 2003 to 2005 at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome, where he earned a degree in Theology. Upon returning to Madagascar in 2005, he became a member of the Fianarantsoa community, serving as pastor and head of the oratory from 2007 to 2009. He was subsequently appointed Director of Ivato Notre-Dame de Clairvaux, a role he held for two consecutive three-year terms. After a year as Economer in Betafo, he returned to Ivato-Don Bosco, where he resumed his role as Director and was confirmed for a second term on May 3, 2019.
Fr. Bizimana has held numerous leadership roles within the Salesian Congregation. He was appointed Vice Provincial on July 2, 2014, and since September 2016, he has served as Provincial Delegate for Formation and Responsible for the Salesian Family. Additionally, he was the Coordinator of Provincial Delegates for Formation for the Africa-Madagascar Region. His multilingual abilities—he speaks French, Italian, Malagasy, Swahili, and Kinyarwanda—have been instrumental in connecting with the diverse communities he has served.
In June 2020, the then Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, with the consent of his Council, appointed Fr. Bizimana as the Provincial of the "Immaculate Mary" Vice Province of Madagascar (MDG) for the term 2020–2026. His extensive pastoral and administrative experience, combined with his deep roots in the Salesian mission, positions him as a visionary leader for the newly established East & South Africa Region.
Fr. Bizimana’s election as Regional Councillor is a recognition of his dedication, leadership, and commitment to the Salesian mission. As he takes on this new role, he is entrusted with the responsibility of fostering growth, unity, and innovation across the region, ensuring the Salesian charism continues to flourish and impact countless lives.
