The Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese, Monsignor Célestin Hakizimana, has called on Christians to embrace supporting one another through working towards common goals.

Hakizimana said this Saturday during prayers to mark Assumption Day at Centrale Kibeho in Nyaruguru District. The event was attended by an estimated 30,000 people from across Rwanda and other countries.

"Mother Mary was characterised by love and good behaviour and caring for others. Christians should emulate her so that they live in harmony. This is what made her eligible for heaven,” he said.

Citing Mother Mary’s famous first appearance at Kibeho on August 15, 1982, Monsignor Hakizimana said the message advised people to change for the better, pray without any hypocrisy and repent, adding that Christians should follow Mother Mary’s advice for them to live in harmony.

Felicita Kankindi, who had travelled from Raro Sector in Nyamagabe District for prayers, said that the Hail Mary had shown compassion and this should be emulated by all believers.

Apparition of Mother Mary

In the 1980s, Mary is said to have revealed herself to three children at Mère du Verbe School in Kibeho Sector. Monsignor Hakizimana said she cried after realising that the message she delivered was not taken into consideration by people. 

The area of her apparition was then renamed Kibeho Holy Land.

The land has a well believed to have holy water. The area has since become a ubiquitous religious destination with regular influxes of religious pilgrims.

At the celebration of Assumption of Mary on Saturday, throngs of the faithful fetched water from the well that is believed to have been blessed by Mary.

"This water I have fetched from that well has power to heal; the most important thing is having faith. It was blessed by Mother Mary. I have to share it with my children as it cures diseases,” Mukanyangezi said as she held a one-litre jerry can of the ‘holy’ water.

On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the Assumption of Mary as a dogma. 

The Day has since been celebrated on August 15 every year.

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