Over 85,000 gather in Kibeho for feast of the Assumption amidst historic apparitions

Catholic Christians from around the world converged in Kibeho to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, drawing a remarkable crowd of over 85,000 worshippers to the Church of Our Lady of Kibeho. The turnout significantly exceeded initial projections, with the expected 25,000 attendees for the concert swelling to 50,000 and eventually surpassing 85,000.

Celestin HAKIZIMANA, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Gikongoro, led the Holy Mass, guiding the assembly in prayer and reflection. Emmanuel Murwanashyaka, Mayor of Nyaruguru District, remarked on the extraordinary turnout, stating, “Today we were expecting 50,000 people, but there were more than 85,000 people.”

A participant expressed their awe, saying, “This is the first time I have seen such a large number of people in Kibeho. There were many foreigners from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, as well as numerous Rwandans and people from other faiths.” They added, “I observed worshippers from various religions who had come to pray in seclusion, knowing that Kibeho is a place of open spiritual gathering.”

Bishop  HAKIZIMANA encouraged Christians to follow the example of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her virtues and the importance of living by her example. He stated,

Mary, our mother and guide, in this pilgrimage, I pray to her, asking that we celebrate with joy, sing, dance, and pray to God. Let us seek her guidance to raise us as she raised the child of God, so we too can be faithful and virtuous children under her maternal care.”

The event underscored Kibeho’s role as a sacred site for worship and pilgrimage, attracting deep religious fervor and highlighting its historical significance.

A Brief History of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho

Kibeho, located in the southern part of Rwanda within the Nyaruguru district, is renowned for its apparitions and pilgrimages. The first apparition occurred on November 28, 1981, when Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho High School, reported seeing a lady of extraordinary beauty who identified herself as “Nyina Wa Jambo” or “Mother of the Word.” Recognizing her as the Blessed Virgin Mary, Alphonsine’s vision sparked a series of apparitions that called for conversion, faith, and prayer.

Alphonsine Mumureke, born on March 21, 1965, in Cyizihira, Diocese of Kibungo, was initially met with skepticism. Her visions were scrutinized by both students and teachers at Kibeho High School, where she was soon joined by two other seers, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango. Nathalie, born in 1964, was known for her message of redemptive suffering, while Marie Claire, born in 1961, advocated for repentance and the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows.

Despite initial doubts and opposition, the apparitions gained widespread attention, leading to a large following. However, by 1983, the number of alleged seers had increased dramatically, causing confusion and skepticism. The apparitions themselves ended officially on November 28, 1989, with Alphonsine’s final public vision.

The phenomenon of Kibeho’s apparitions left a lasting impact on the local and international community. Despite the controversies and challenges, the messages and experiences reported during these events continue to resonate with many, affirming Kibeho’s place as a significant site of faith and pilgrimage.

ND