By Paschal Norbert
GITEGA, AUGUST 20, 2024 (CISA) – A multitude of faithful, people of goodwill, including high-ranking Burundian officials, gathered at the Mugera Marian Shrine in the Bugendana commune of Gitega province to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption on August 15, 2024.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye and the first lady, accompanied by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, Ombudsman Aimée Laurentine Kanyana, and other dignitaries, joined the pilgrims on this momentous occasion.
Most Rev Bonaventure Nahimana, the archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Gitega, who is also the president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Burundi, called for unity and peace, urging citizens to fight against division to foster sustainable development.
Fr Venant Mpozako, the rector of the shrine, highlighted its historical and cultural importance, noting its sacred status even before the evangelization of Burundi.
“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,” said Fr Mpozako.
The Mugera Marian Shrine, the only Marian shrine in Burundi, was consecrated on August 15, 1961. At the time, Burundi was nearing independence, and the political climate instilled fear among its people. In response to the growing tension and to prevent potential violence, the bishops of Burundi issued a pastoral letter on June 3, 1961. This letter invited the faithful to gather on Mount Mugera on August 15 to consecrate the country to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace.
The consecration was intended as a spiritual refuge and a plea for divine protection during this uncertain period. Since then, the Mugera Marian Shrine has become a cornerstone of faith in Burundi, annually drawing around 200,000 pilgrims from across the country and neighbouring regions. It stands as a significant pilgrimage destination where the faithful seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
