Began Nov 28, 1981Alphonsine Mumureke
The first to report an apparition, in November 1981. Many at the school doubted her at first. Her account of the Mother of the Word is where the story of Kibeho begins.
The Apparitions of Kibeho
In November 1981, a student at a girls' school on a hill in southern Rwanda said the Virgin Mary had appeared to her. Two more students soon reported the same. Twenty years later the Church approved their apparitions, the first of their kind in Africa. This is their story, told by guides who live in Kibeho.
01 / Sanctuary History
What Happened in Kibeho
Kibeho is a small farming town in Nyaruguru District, in the far south of Rwanda. On 28 November 1981, Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho College, said a woman appeared to her in the school dining hall and called herself Nyina wa Jambo, the Mother of the Word.
At first many people, including her classmates, did not believe her. Then Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango reported visions too, and crowds started to gather at the school to pray. The messages they shared were simple and serious: pray, turn back to God sincerely, and love one another.
The Church took its time. Medical and theological commissions studied the events for years, and on 29 June 2001 Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro approved the apparitions to the three students.
Today the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho stands on the same hill. Pilgrims come for Mass, for quiet prayer, and to see for themselves where it all began. If you are planning to come, our pilgrimage page explains what a visit is like.
"Ndi Nyina wa Jambo." (I am the Mother of the Word.)
How Alphonsine said the woman introduced herself, 28 November 198102 / Historical Timeline
The Timeline of Events
1981
The First Visit
On 28 November, Alphonsine Mumureke reports that a woman appears to her and calls herself the Mother of the Word.
1982
Other Visionaries
Anathalie Mukamazimpaka (January) and Marie Claire Mukangango (March) report visions of their own.
1980s
Pilgrims Gather
Thousands come to the school on announced apparition days, while the diocese sets up commissions to study what is happening.
2001
Church Recognition
On 29 June, Bishop Augustin Misago approves the apparitions to the three visionaries.
03 / The Witnesses
The Three Visionaries of Kibeho
Began Nov 28, 1981
Began January 1982Anathalie Mukamazimpaka
Her visions began in January 1982 and centred on prayer, penance and humility. She still lives in Kibeho, and pilgrims sometimes ask to meet her; it is possible only when she is able.
Began March 1982Marie Claire Mukangango
Her visions began in March 1982. She is remembered above all for asking people to pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. She was killed in 1995.
04 / Spiritual Teachings
The Messages and the Seven Sorrows Rosary
Key Themes of the Message
- Sincere Conversion: faith that changes how you live, not only what you say.
- Love of Neighbour: forgiving others and making peace.
- Regular Prayer: especially the Rosary, prayed often and with the heart.
- Humility and Penance: accepting daily difficulties with patience.
The Seven Sorrows Rosary
Marie Claire asked people to pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, which walks through seven moments of Mary's suffering, from Simeon's prophecy to the burial of Jesus. At Kibeho you can pray it along the devotional path, with a guide if you have never prayed it before.
Learn about prayer activities during your visit →05 / Pilgrimage Sites
The Sanctuary Grounds
The Apparition Chapel
Built next to the old school grounds, where the apparitions were reported. It is small and quiet; people pray here in turns.
The Sanctuary Grounds
The church and open grounds where pilgrims gather for Mass, and where the crowds come on 15 August and 28 November.
06 / Practical Orientation
Planning a Visit
One way to spend a day here. Mass times change, so we confirm them with the parish before you arrive.
Morning
Arrival & Orientation
We meet you, walk you round the grounds, and tell the story of 1981 where it happened.
Midday
Holy Mass & Liturgy
Mass at the sanctuary, then time for quiet prayer in the Chapel of Apparitions.
Afternoon
Prayer Walks & Springs
The Way of the Cross on Sinai Hill, or the path down to the spring. Bring shoes with grip.
07 / Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Kibeho
Between 1981 and 1989, students at Kibeho College, a girls' secondary school in southern Rwanda, reported that the Virgin Mary appeared to them. The Church later approved the apparitions to three of them: Alphonsine Mumureke, Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango. Their messages called for prayer, sincere conversion and reconciliation.
On 28 November 1981, when Alphonsine Mumureke said a woman who called herself the Mother of the Word appeared to her at the school.
Alphonsine Mumureke, Anathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango. Other people also reported visions at the time, but the Church's approval covers these three.
Yes. The Chapel of Apparitions stands where the visions were reported, next to the old school grounds, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Kibeho is a short walk away. Our guides can walk you through them and explain what happened at each spot.
Yes. After years of study by commissions, Bishop Augustin Misago of Gikongoro approved the apparitions to the three visionaries on 29 June 2001.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to Visit Kibeho?
We are local guides based in Kibeho. Tell us your dates and group size, and we will help with transport, timing and a guide who knows this story well.