Apparition
Apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho
Church-approved Marian apparition · Kibeho, Diocese of Gikongoro, Rwanda, 1981
From 28 November 1981 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared at the college of Kibeho in southern Rwanda to three schoolgirls, presenting herself as Nyina wa Jambo, Mother of the Word. After twenty years of study by medical and theological commissions, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro declared on 29 June 2001 that the apparitions to these three visionaries are worthy of belief — the first Marian apparitions recognised in Africa.
Background
The bishop's declaration approved the apparitions received by Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie-Claire Mukangango only, and expressly left aside the many other claims that arose at Kibeho in the same years. Some of what was reported — visions of rivers of blood and of a people destroying itself — has been read by many Rwandans in the light of the 1994 genocide, though the Church has made no pronouncement identifying the two. Kibeho is now a Marian shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows and a national centre of pilgrimage, penance and reconciliation.
Location
Kibeho, Diocese of Gikongoro
Country
Rwanda
Approved status
Approved
Year of apparition
1981
Visionaries
- Alphonsine Mumureke
- Nathalie Mukamazimpaka
- Marie-Claire Mukangango
Message highlights
An urgent call to repentance and conversion of heart.
A call to unceasing prayer, especially the Rosary and the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady.
A call to sincere sorrow for sin and to fasting and penance offered for others.
Subject
marian
Decision year
2001
Content subtype
approved_apparition
Decision authority
Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro