Travel Guide Kibeho

In 1981, a young girl named Alphonsine Mumureke, who was attending a school run by nuns, had a vision of the Virgin Mary at a time when there was still peace. She warned of the dangers that Rwanda and the world were facing by living away from God. In the months that followed, several other girls had similar visions. In 1983, Our Lady reportedly said, "Pray without ceasing for the Church, for great tribulations await her in the times to come. For years, Kibeho has attracted pilgrims hoping to meet the girls and hear about their experiences. The apparitions lasted until November 28, 1989. They were recognized by the Catholic Church in 2001. In 1994, Kibeho was swept up in the tragedy of the genocide. There is talk of 25,000 deaths. In 1995, a refugee camp, suspected of harboring genocidaires, was decimated by the army. Of the three seers, only Nathalie Mukamazimpaka (45) still lives in Kibeho. Marie-Claire Mukangango was killed in 1994, and Alphonsine Mumureke became a nun in Abidjan. When Nathalie is present, she readily answers questions while joining in the prayer of the pilgrims. Currently, the Kibeho Shrine consists of a chapel, built in 2003. The place of the apparitions can also be visited, with respect for the people who pray there. The complex is co-managed by the diocese of Gikongoro and the Pallottine Fathers. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, patron saint of Kibeho, is celebrated on September 15.