In a radiant atmosphere filled with joy and song, over 180 members of the Franciscan Family from across Rwanda, dressed in their distinctive habits, gathered at Kamonyi for a pilgrimage to the Poor Clare Monastery, joining the local community of about 20 Poor Clares.
On August 2, 2025, the Feast of the Pardon of Assisi opened with a colorful procession led by the novices of the Minor Friars, joyful hymns, and a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Br. Théoneste Twahirwa, OFM, Custos of Rwanda and Burundi, alongside Br. Daicolas and Br. Augustin.
At the start of Mass, Br. Daicolas explained the meaning of the Pardon of Assisi, describing Kamonyi as “our Porziuncola” and recalling St. Francis’s heartfelt petition: “I wish that everyone who enters this chapel may be forgiven his/her sins and receive your indulgence, Lord.” This extraordinary grace, first granted in 1216, offers complete pardon to all who devoutly visit the Porziuncola (St. Mary of the Angels) on August 2. He also reminded the faithful of the double Jubilees: 2025 years of humanity’s redemption, 125 years of the Gospel in Rwanda, and the ongoing Franciscan Centenaries (2023–2026).
During his homily, Br. Théoneste, inspired by St. Francis's teachings about Porziuncola as a sacred sanctuary of divine mercy, exhorted all Franciscans: “We come, as pilgrims, to seek the Lord’s mercy, for God never refuses those who ask with faith.”
The celebration continued with inspiring songs featuring the angelic voices of the Poor Clares and harmonious choirs of the novices and the wider Franciscan Family. After Mass, the festivities continued in the Poor Clare hall with vibrant performances by the Franciscan Youth (JUFRA) from the Kamonyi fraternity and a group from Kivumu Parish, as well as a presentation by the Novices of the Minor Friars. The program included a welcoming speech by Sr. Laetitia (Vicar of the Poor Clares) and remarks from the Franciscan Family President, who highlighted the remarkable unity of over 200 Franciscans representing the various orders and branches of the Franciscan family in Rwanda.
Br. Custos Théoneste concluded with an exhortation to live as peacemakers in the spirit of St. Francis, reminding the faithful that Assisi is the City of Peace, where all who enter are warmly welcomed into its atmosphere of peace, and recalling the historic event of October 27, 1986, when Assisi hosted a global gathering of prayer for peace organized by Pope John Paul II.
The day concluded in joy with announcements of the next pilgrimage on September 14 to Mount Jali (Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross), along with the presentation of two Franciscan books newly translated into Kinyarwanda—The Rule of the Minor Friars and The Life of St. Francis by Celano. The celebration ended with the final blessing to all participants, accompanied by the hymn ‘Tota Pulchra Maria’ (You Are All Beautiful, Mary).”
By Dr. Valens, the President of the Franciscan Family in Rwanda
