Kimihurura, May 25, 2025 — The Mary Help of Christians Parish in Kimihurura celebrated its annual feast day with great joy and spiritual fervor in a colorful and prayerful ceremony. The celebration was marked by a solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Casimir Uwumukiza, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kigali.
In his homily, Bishop Uwumukiza reflected on the profound meaning of the parish’s dedication to Mary Help of Christians. He emphasized that this title embodies the heartfelt desire of the faithful to be under the maternal care and protection of the Virgin Mary. Drawing from the symbolism in Marian iconography, he explained:
“In images of Mary Help of Christians, we often see her holding the Child Jesus. This illustrates her role in shielding Him from harm and offering loving care a care that makes him feel deeply loved. The outstretched arms of the Child Jesus invite all people to come to Him.”
He encouraged the faithful to view their parish’s patronage as a reminder that the Virgin Mary is their advocate and mother, saying,
“Being under the name of Mary Help of Christians should first remind us that she intercedes for us she is our Mother, and we lack nothing when we are with her.”
Fr. Philippe Bimenyimana, the current Parish Priest, reminded the faithful that a parish is not merely a building, but a community of hearts devoted to prayer, compassion, and unity.
“We are called to continue building our parish as a pillar of love, faith, and collaboration, and to be witnesses to others through our faith and love.”
Fr. Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, Provincial Superior of the Salesian Congregation in the Africa of Great Lakes Province (AGL), emphasized the world’s need for the maternal presence of the Virgin Mary:
“We must continue to share and teach the love we have for Mary to others. The world needs a Mother like Mary to grow in unity, peace, and faith.”
A significant highlight of the celebration was the profession of first vows by 25 members of the ADMA (Association of Mary Help of Christians). Among them, 22 were from the Kimihurura Parish, while three members from the Diocese of Kabgayi renewed their vows. The ceremony was led by Fr. Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, the Superior of the Salesian Congregation in Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
The Mary Help of Christians Parish was officially established on October 2, 2021, by Archbishop Antoine Kambanda. Its founding Parish Priest was Fr. César Augustin Habanabakize, SDB. The parish is entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco and operates in close collaboration with the Archdiocese of Kigali, under agreements made between the Salesian Congregation and the archdiocese.
Located in the Kimihurura sector, which has a population of 16,425 people, including 3,085 Catholics, the parish is composed of 18 Small Christian Communities and currently serves nearly 3,000 faithful.
As the Kimihurura Parish continues to grow in faith and community spirit, its celebration of Mary Help of Christians serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Church and the lives of her children.
