Tomorrow, hundreds of visitors from around the world will arrive in Rwanda for pilgrimage to Kibeho in what is known as the Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day. Each November 28th , pilgrims and travellers move through the popular site with an awareness of the stories preserved here, making Kibeho one of Africa’s most recognised destinations for religious tourism.

Fun Fact: Locals and pilgrims believe the water from Kibeho has miraculous properties. Many people fetch it to take home, and it’s common to stock up on it for blessings and healing.

The Story of the Apparition: Our Lady of Kibeho

You can trace the story behind the Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day to November 28, 1981, when a student named Alphonsine Mumureke reported seeing a woman who called herself the Mother of the Word. The apparition appeared in the dining hall of Kibeho College. At first, classmates mocked her and teachers doubted her, but the visions continued with the same message of prayer, humility, and conversion. In 1982, the events deepened when a second student, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, began to experience similar apparitions focused on repentance and accepting suffering with courage. Soon after, Marie-Claire Mukangango, once Alphonsine’s biggest skeptic, also reported visions encouraging the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. Her sudden shift from disbelief to witness strengthened the credibility of the events.

As the three girls continued to speak to the apparition, crowds gathered. Priests, medical workers, and school officials observed them during hour long ecstasies marked by unresponsive states, tears, and warnings of violence. One vision described rivers of blood and unimaginable suffering, a message that later echoed Rwanda’s 1994 history. The growing attention led the local bishop to form an official investigation. The Diocese of Gikongoro collected testimonies, medical observations, and theological reviews, sending reports to Rome. After years of study, the Church verified these incidents as legitimate. In 2001, the local bishop, with Vatican support, declared the apparitions authentic.

This recognition is what anchors the Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day, turning November 28 into a day that honours the beginning of Rwanda’s only Vatican-approved Marian apparition and one of the most significant in Africa.

Vatican Approval and Significance

You can understand the importance of Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day because the Vatican officially approved the apparitions in 2001 through the local bishop’s decree. This made Kibeho one of the very few Marian apparitions recognised in Africa, joining only a handful worldwide.

The Feast Day: When and How It’s Celebrated

You can witness the heart of the Feast Day by travelling to Kibeho on November 28. Pilgrims gather at dawn for Mass, rosary processions, and long lines for confession. The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows opens its doors to visitors from across Africa, and the basilica stands as a place where grief and renewal meet. Global celebrations unfold in parishes and Marian communities that mark the day with prayer services, devotional gatherings, and reflection on Rwanda’s gift to the world.

Where is Kibeho located? ( and how to visit the Kibeho shrine)

Kibeho is located in southern Rwanda, in the Nyaruguru District, about three and a half to four hours’ drive from Kigali. Visitors can reach the shrine by car, and we offer car hire as well as organise group trips to make the journey seamless. Pilgrimages can also be combined with other cultural experiences from Beyond Kigali Tours, such as visits to local cultural villages, the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, and Kigali’s Genocide memorials, allowing our guests to explore Rwanda’s history, community, and heritage in a single itinerary. The shrine itself is open year-round, and nearby accommodations make it easy to stay overnight and fully experience the reflective atmosphere of this important site.

FAQs about Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day

Can anyone visit the shrine in Kibeho?

Yes, pilgrims and visitors of all backgrounds are welcome throughout the year.

What are the entrance fees at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows at Kibeho ?

There is no formal entrance fee to visit the shrine, though donations are welcome to support its maintenance and local programs.

What should I wear to visit the site?

Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly out of respect for the religious and cultural significance of the site. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the hillside and paths.

What are other nearby attractions near the Kibeho Shrine?

The shrine visit can be combined with other cultural experiences, including visits to local villages, the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, and Kigali’s genocide memorials. Tours can be organised through our car hire and group trip services to include the Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day and other key Rwandan cultural sites, making it an immersive travel experience.

Sources and Further Reading on Our Lady of Kibeho Feast Day

You can explore more through documents published on Vatican.va regarding the Kibeho approval, and Rwanda Tourism Board resources that provide practical travel information.

Read more about Rwandan culture and daily life in our blog: