Ouagadougou: Catholics celebrated the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the Notre-Dame de Yagma shrine, marking a solemn occasion on Friday, August 15, 2025. Pilgrims were invited to embody hope and peace, reflecting the virtues of the Virgin Mary, who is revered as the mother of humanity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Monsignor Prosper Kontiebo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ouagadougou, emphasized the significance of the Assumption as a testament to a life devoted to faith, love, and fidelity to the Virgin Mary. He described her as a beacon of Christian hope, bestowed with a unique grace by God.
Bishop Kontiebo highlighted that the Virgin Mary's ascension into Heaven, body and soul, represents the destiny of those who remain united with Christ. He portrayed her as a refuge for a world plagued by wars, conflicts, and terrorism, offering a reminder that evil is not the final victor.
He reassured the congregation that "God does not abandon our world," and proclaimed that the triumph of the Risen Christ will inaugurate an era of peace and joy. He urged attendees to be "artisans of peace," drawing inspiration from the Virgin Mary, and to foster peace within their homes, communities, and the nation.
The event also paid homage to 69 young pilgrims who journeyed from Koup©la to Ouagadougou in honor of the solemnity. Faithful attendees, like Yvonne Bado, expressed their devotion to the Virgin Mary, seeing her as a symbol of victory and a steadfast intercessor. Ars¨ne Marie Bay©, another attendee, shared the emotional impact of the Eucharistic celebration, underscoring the importance of honoring Our Lady of Yagma.