Our Lady of Kibeho

Our Lady of Kibeho is a title given to the Virgin Mary following apparitions reported in the small town of Kibeho, Rwanda, beginning in 1981. The apparitions were witnessed by several schoolgirls, the most prominent being Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, and Marie-Claire Mukangango. The Virgin Mary reportedly appeared as a "woman clothed in white" and spoke to the visionaries, calling for prayer, repentance, and a return to God. These messages carried a sense of urgency, warning of the consequences of sin and the need for reconciliation, both with God and among people.

A unique aspect of the Kibeho apparitions was the emphasis on the importance of the Rosary. The visionaries were instructed to pray it daily, particularly as a source of protection and guidance. Additionally, the apparitions contained stark prophetic elements. Some of the messages alluded to the suffering and violence that would later erupt in Rwanda, including the tragic genocide of 1994. The Church later recognized the spiritual value of these apparitions, noting that they encouraged conversion and prayer while fostering a deeper devotion to the Virgin Mary.

The apparitions also included visions that were deeply symbolic and sometimes distressing. The visionaries described seeing human hearts, serpents, and other images representing sin, hatred, and the consequences of ignoring God’s commands. Through these visions, Our Lady of Kibeho conveyed a clear message: humanity must choose love, peace, and reconciliation. She urged the faithful to cultivate a life of prayer, fasting, and compassion, highlighting the transformative power of faith when lived sincerely.

In 2001, the Catholic Church officially recognized the apparitions at Kibeho as "worthy of belief," making it the first Marian apparition in Africa to receive such approval. Since then, Kibeho has become an important pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from around the world. Pilgrims come seeking spiritual renewal, healing, and a deeper understanding of Mary’s call to repentance and love. The messages of Kibeho continue to resonate today, reminding the faithful of the enduring importance of prayer, humility, and reconciliation in a world often marked by conflict and division.