Hudson-founded nonprofit hosts New York Times bestseller to speak on Kibeho apparitions

Around 2010, seven Rwandan teenagers orphaned by the 1994 genocide arrived in the U.S. and were welcomed by five local families. From those initial bonds, new homes and educational opportunities, Friends of Rwandan Education took root. Today, the nonprofit, guided largely by Hudson residents, remains committed to empowering Rwandan youth through school support, business training and academic scholarships.

That community connection comes full circle on Thursday, Oct. 1, when FRE presents a special presentation featuring New York Times best-selling author and genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza. Ilibagiza will speak on the apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho, the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in Africa, where she frequently leads pilgrimage groups.

The event will take place at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, located at 6850 Mayfield Rd. in Gates Mills. Host pastor Fr. Steve Flynn grew up in Hudson and is one of 14 priests raised out of St. Mary Parish. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6:45 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public, followed by a free-will offering and a book signing.