On November 28, 1981, sixteen-year-old Alphonsine Mumureke was in the school dormitory at Kibeho College when she heard a voice calling her name. Suddenly, a woman of incomparable beauty appeared—introducing herself as "Nyina wa Jambo" (Mother of the Word) and later as the Mother of God. This began a series of apparitions that would continue until 1989, making Kibeho the only site in Africa where the Catholic Church has officially approved Marian apparitions. The Virgin's messages at Kibeho spoke of conversion, prayer, and peace—but also warned of terrible suffering to come. Tragically, just four years after the apparitions ended, Rwanda was torn apart by genocide.
Today, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho draws pilgrims from across Africa and beyond. The site where Mary appeared to warn and comfort her children has become a place of reconciliation and healing in post-genocide Rwanda. For Catholics seeking understanding of Mary's role in African spirituality and her urgent calls for peace, Kibeho offers a profound encounter with the Mother of God in the heart of Africa.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The apparitions at Kibeho began on November 28, 1981, when sixteen-year-old Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho College, first encountered the Virgin Mary. The apparitions continued to Alphonsine until December 3, 1983. Two other young visionaries also received apparitions: Anathalie Mukamazimpaka (from January 12, 1982 to December 3, 1983) and Marie-Claire Mukangango (from March 2, 1982 to September 15, 1982).
The Virgin Mary appeared as a young African woman of great beauty, identifying herself as "Nyina wa Jambo" (Mother of the Word in Kinyarwanda). Her messages emphasized conversion of heart, prayer (especially the rosary), penance, and unity. She taught the visionaries special prayers and requested the construction of a chapel at the apparition site.
Most remarkably, the Virgin showed the visionaries terrifying visions of Rwanda's future—rivers of blood, bodies scattered across the landscape, and massive suffering. She warned that if people did not convert and reconcile, terrible things would happen. These prophecies were fulfilled in the 1994 genocide that killed over 800,000 Rwandans.
After extensive investigation, Bishop Jean-Baptiste Gahamanyi of Butare (now Huye Diocese) approved the apparitions on June 29, 2001. Pope Francis elevated the shrine to the status of diocesan sanctuary in 2019, recognizing its importance for African Catholicism.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Kibeho
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho
Africa's only approved Marian apparition site
The modern sanctuary, consecrated in 2003, stands on the site of the former Kibeho College where the apparitions occurred. The church houses the original statue of Our Lady of Kibeho and preserves the exact spot where Mary appeared to the young visionaries. The sanctuary complex includes a museum documenting the apparitions and their investigation.
Apparition Site Chapel
A small chapel marks the precise location within the former school dormitory where the Virgin Mary first appeared to Alphonsine Mumureke on November 28, 1981.
Stations of the Cross
The outdoor Stations of the Cross wind through the hills around Kibeho, providing pilgrims with a meditative path for prayer and reflection on Christ's passion.
Visionaries' Sites
Markers indicate significant locations connected to the three approved visionaries and their experiences during the apparition period.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Our Lady of Kibeho — November 28
The principal celebration marking the anniversary of the first apparition draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across Africa for Mass, prayer, and special devotions.
Assumption of Mary — August 15
Major Marian celebration with special significance given Mary's role in the Kibeho apparitions.
Memorial of the Visionaries — Various dates
Special commemorations honoring Alphonsine, Anathalie, and Marie-Claire and their role in bringing Mary's messages to Africa.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Centre d'Accueil de Kibeho (pilgrim accommodation) — Pilgrim accommodation at the sanctuary. Basic rooms and meals. Contact via sanctuary office.
Hotels in Huye (45 km) — Former Butare, the nearest city with various accommodation options.
Hotels in Kigali (150 km) — Rwanda's capital offers full range of hotels and guesthouses.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Kigali International Airport (KGL) is 150 km north.
By Bus: Regular bus service from Kigali to Nyamagabe, then local transport to Kibeho (approximately 3-4 hours total).
By Car: From Kigali, take the Huye road south, then turn west toward Kibeho (approximately 2.5 hours). Roads are generally good but can be challenging during rainy season.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Gabriel Maindron, Our Lady of Kibeho — Comprehensive account of the apparitions and their investigation.
Immaculée Ilibagiza, Our Lady of Kibeho — Personal testimony by a genocide survivor devoted to Our Lady of Kibeho.
🔗 Useful Links
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho — Official shrine information.
Diocese of Gikongoro — Local church resources.
Rwanda Tourism Board — Travel information and practical guidance.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Nyanza (60 km northeast) — Traditional royal capital with historic significance.
Huye (45 km northeast) — Former Butare, seat of the investigating diocese.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Repent, repent, repent! When I tell you this, I am not addressing myself merely to you, child, but I am making this appeal to the world." — Our Lady of Kibeho to Alphonsine Mumureke, 1981 (Diocese of Gikongoro, approved 2001)