Muthomi Ireri
On Thursday, thousands of Christians gathered at the Mugera Marian Shrine in central Burundi, more than 150 kilometers from Bujumbura, to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, a significant holiday in the Catholic Church. The shrine, beyond its religious importance, also holds deep cultural significance. Father Venant Mpozako, the rector of the shrine, highlighted this by explaining that the mountain where the shrine is located was considered sacred even before the arrival of Christianity. “This mountain has always been considered sacred, even before evangelization. It was regarded as sacred because it was a royal domain, with its own gods, who were seen as sorcerers. When I warn the faithful to beware of sorcery, they sometimes mock me because it’s ingrained in the culture. The king always consulted the gods of Mugera,” he said.
As Burundi approaches the 2025 elections, many pilgrims took this opportunity to pray for a peaceful election process. Ferdinand Manirakiza, a dedicated visitor who walked over 70 kilometers to reach the shrine, shared his hopes: “I came to pray for my family, other families, and for my country, Burundi, especially as the elections approach, so they may proceed smoothly and without conflict.”
In addition to Burundian pilgrims, Congolese Christians from Kisangani also made the journey. They brought with them a special plea to the Virgin Mary for peace in their homeland. Father Trésor, one of the Congolese pilgrims, expressed their prayers: “The Pilgrims of Hope in the Archdiocese of Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ask for God’s mercy for their country through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother and the Mother of the Church, our Lady of the Assumption, to spare their country from war, especially in the East.”
The event also saw the participation of high-ranking officials from Burundi, including President Evariste Ndayishimiye and his wife.
The Mugera Marian Shrine has a rich history, having been consecrated on August 15, 1961, in the presence of Prince Louis Rwagasore, a hero of Burundi’s independence, and four Catholic bishops from Burundi. Every year on August 15th, the shrine attracts around 200,000 pilgrims.
Dj Vnyash
