Rwandan Christians across the country began their day praying at their churches to observe The Assumption of Mary – the mother of Jesus Christ.
Members of the christian faith believe that after the mother of Jesus died, she was resurrected, glorified, and taken bodily to heaven.
Assumption Day traced from the 6th century gradually grew into a commemoration of Mary’s death called the Feast of Dormition (‘falling asleep’). This practice spread to the West, an emphasis was placed on Mary’s resurrection and the glorification of Mary’s body as well as her soul, and the name of the feast was thereby changed to the Assumption.
It is still observed on August 15, as it was in the Middle Ages. The Assumption of Mary was made an official dogma of the Roman Catholic Church in 1950 by Pope Pius XII.
Dozens of Priests and alter boys are seen heading to the alter to set off mass as congregation follows in unison
Because of large turn out, mass was conducted outside enabling congregation to follow closely
On Assumption Day just like many other religious calendar days, Rwandan Christians dedicate their time to prayer
(centre in neck tie) Former Prime Minister Dr.Pierre Damien Habumuremyi also attending mass outside the church
