On May 31, 2023, during the celebration of the Virgin Mary’s visit to St. Elizabeth, H.E Bishop Célestin HAKIZIMANA of the Gikongoro Diocese launched a fundraising project to raise Rwf 3.5 billion for expanding the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in Kibeho.
The initial goal was to reach this milestone by November 28, 2023. However, by that date, only 115 million had been collected.
Bishop HAKIZIMANA shared this update during the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Kibeho Apparitions on November 28, 2023. He reported that the funds collected included over 100 million Rwandan Francs, 12 thousand euros, and 145 dollars.
To learn more about this project, ICK News spoke with Monsignor Eugène DUSHIMURUKUNDO, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Gikongoro. He explained the project’s purpose and progress.
“The expansion is necessary because the current space is too small to accommodate the growing number of activities and visitors,” he declared.
Monsignor Eugène noted that since the initial goal was not met, the Diocese extended the fundraising deadline from February to August 2024. The Diocese of Gikongoro has also been reaching out to other dioceses to inform Catholic Christians in Rwanda about the project and encourage their contributions. The fundraising campaign began with visits to the Dioceses of Cyangungu and Butare.
On May 5, 2024, the Diocese partnered with UPlus Mutual Partners, allowing Christians to contribute gradually via a telephone code. The campaign aims to reach every parish, making it easy for anyone to support the project using *528*2*1*1*2591#
Monsignor Eugène emphasized that with over 40% of Rwandans identified as Catholics in the 2022 Rwanda Population and Housing Census (RPHC5), achieving the fundraising goal is feasible if every Christian contributes.
Planned Activities for the Expanded Sanctuary
Monsignor Eugène outlined the activities planned for the expanded land. These include:
- Enlarging the parking lot
- Constructing buildings for public talks and translation services for Kibeho travelers
- Creating prayer spaces in different languages
- Establishing a library with books on Church apparitions
- Building studios to expand Kibeho’s mission
- Providing affordable accommodation for pilgrims and so on.
Kibeho’s Role in the Development of Nyaruguru District
Monsignor Eugène also highlighted the broader impact of expanding the Sanctuary on Nyaruguru District’s development, particularly through religious tourism.
Kibeho attracts over a million visitors annually, boosting local businesses, crafts, and hospitality services. Major events, such as the Assumption Festival on August 15 and the anniversary of the Apparitions on November 28, draw over 50,000 visitors each.
The expansion of the Kibeho Sanctuary aligns with its mission of spreading the message of the Virgin Mary. Monsignor Eugène emphasized that the project is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about fostering sincere prayer, communal worship, and spiritual conversion in line with the Virgin Mary’s guidance.
If you wish to support the expansion of the Kibeho Sanctuary, you can use the UPlus phone code *528*2*1*1*2591# or donate via the following bank accounts:
- BK: 002660698522169
- BPR: 481476563510156
- Cogebanque (Now Equity Bank): 00013-01390270993-31
- MoMo Pay: *182*8*1*061713#
