Kibeho is a small village located in southern Rwanda. It is primarily known for its significance in relation to the Roman Catholic faith and its connection to reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Here are some key points about Kibeho:
Marian Apparitions: Kibeho gained international attention due to a series of reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary that occurred between 1981 and 1989. The apparitions were experienced by several young girls, who claimed to receive messages and visions from the Virgin Mary.
Messages and Prophecies: During the apparitions, the girls reported receiving messages and prophecies, including warnings about the Rwandan genocide, which tragically unfolded in 1994. The apparitions and the messages they conveyed have had a significant impact on the spiritual and cultural landscape of Rwanda.
Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho: The site where the apparitions took place is now recognized as the Shrine of Our Lady of Kibeho. It attracts numerous pilgrims, both from Rwanda and abroad, who come to pray, seek spiritual solace, and pay homage to the reported visions and messages.
Pilgrimage Destination: Kibeho has become an important pilgrimage destination for Catholics and believers from around the world. Pilgrims visit the shrine to participate in religious ceremonies, attend Mass, seek spiritual healing, and deepen their faith.
Marian Feast Day: On the 28th of November each year, Kibeho celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Kibeho. It is a significant event for both locals and pilgrims, marked by processions, Masses, and other religious activities.
Rwandan Genocide Memorial: In addition to its religious significance, Kibeho is also linked to the tragic history of the Rwandan genocide. During the genocide, Kibeho served as a site of refuge for thousands of people, and it later became a location where mass killings occurred. Today, there is a memorial at Kibeho to commemorate the victims of the genocide.
Catholic Pilgrimage Routes: Kibeho is part of a network of Catholic pilgrimage sites in Rwanda. Pilgrimage routes connect Kibeho with other significant religious sites, such as the Cathedral of Nyundo and the Shrine of the Holy Martyrs of Uganda in Namugongo.
Healing and Reconciliation: Kibeho has also become a place of healing and reconciliation for many Rwandans. In the aftermath of the genocide, the shrine has played a role in promoting forgiveness, unity, and healing among individuals and communities affected by the violence.
