Thousands of believers gathered at various Roman Catholic churches in the City of Kigali yesterday for prayers to celebrate Assumption Day, a day on which the Catholic faithful mark the ascension to heaven of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. 

Celebrated every August 15, the day has regularly seen the grounds of Kibeho Mary Mother of the Word in Nyaruguru District full to capacity.

Kibeho is a holy place, particularly for the Catholic faithful who have authenticated the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in the rural village of Nyaruguru District, south of Rwanda, some three decades ago.

It is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 pilgrims from around the world attended this year’s event.

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