The Catholic Church has urged young people to abandon harmful behaviors such as drug abuse to lay the foundation for strong families. This message was delivered by Father Eugene Niyonzima, a Pallottine Priest, as over 60,000 Catholic believers from around the world gathered at Kibeho Holy Land in Nyaruguru District to celebrate Assumption Day. Assumption Day, observed on August 15, commemorates the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, was taken into Heaven, body and soul, bypassing the natural process of physical decay. Father Niyonzima emphasized the importance of the youth heeding the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who in 1981 appeared to three young women in Kibeho with warnings against sin. ALSO READ: Catholic Church celebrates 40-years of Kibeho apparitions There are thousands of young people gathered here today. This is your opportunity to listen. While you may love and marry to build families, never forget to love the Almighty God. Unfortunately, some did not know this truth, and their behaviors still bring sorrow to Mary. We have young people struggling with addiction and delinquency—these are the future parents expected to build strong families, he preached. According to the Ministry of Justice, 6,460 youth are currently in rehabilitation centers due to drug abuse, and 4,000 are facing legal proceedings for drug-related offenses. Bishop Célestin Hakizimana of Gikongoro Diocese urged the congregation to reflect on whether, if the Virgin Mary were to return, she would weep again over the sins of today. Let us spread the message from Kibeho and repent, he said. ALSO READ: Why Assumption Day carries special meaning for Rwandan believers During the celebration, Bishop Hakizimana also called for support in constructing a new basilica in Kibeho, a site declared holy by Pope John Paul II in 2001 following the apparitions. The proposed basilica will have a seating capacity of 10,000 and a compound that can accommodate up to 100,000 pilgrims. The facility, estimated to cost $70 million, will include a parking lot for 700 buses and 2,000 smaller vehicles, as well as other service facilities. In his Angelus address on the Solemnity of the Assumption, Pope Francis reminded the faithful that the Blessed Mother should not be seen as a mere motionless statue but as an active and joyful companion on the journey toward Heaven. He also reflected on the Gospel passage in which Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, urging believers to feel Mary's constant presence and support throughout their lives. Assumption Day carries deep significance for Rwandan Catholics, particularly given the history of the Marian apparitions in Kibeho. The Church continues to draw from this spiritual heritage to guide the faithful, especially the youth, toward a life of virtue and devotion.
