On Saturday, March 22, 2025, more than 4,500 Christians from Nyundo Catholic Diocese embarked on a pilgrimage to Kibeho.
This was the third time the diocese had organized such a journey, aligning with the directive of the Catholic Church in Rwanda, which encourages each diocese to conduct at least one annual pilgrimage.
During their visit, pilgrims engaged in various spiritual activities, including touring different sites in Kibeho, reciting the rosary, and more.
The highlight of the pilgrimage was the Holy Mass, celebrated at exactly 11:00 AM by the Bishop of Nyundo Diocese, Mgr. Anaclet Mwumvaneza. He was accompanied by his General Vicar, Mgr. Jean Marie Vianney Nsengiyaremye, along with several priests from various parishes within the diocese.
In his homily, Bishop Mwumvaneza reflected on the Lenten season, urging the faithful to examine their relationship with God and their neighbors. He emphasized the need to rid their hearts of jealousy, resentment, and anything that hinders true reconciliation, reminding them that simply reaching Easter without genuine spiritual renewal would be meaningless.
Speaking to Kinyamateka, Bishop Mwumvaneza expressed his gratitude for the increased number of participants compared to the previous year, where only about 2,500 had attended.
He encouraged Christians of Nyundo Diocese to recognize the importance of the Kibeho pilgrimage, stating “No one embarks on a pilgrimage and returns the same. Yes, the journey can be challenging at times due to transport costs and other expenses, but with all that God has given us, we cannot fail to come to Kibeho to listen to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”
He added, “We often hear the message of Our Lady on the radio or read about it, but stepping into this sacred place in person leaves an impact that cannot be compared to anything else.”
Many of the pilgrims echoed this sentiment, affirming that no one visits Kibeho and returns unchanged.
Jean Baptiste Nkundabaramye, from St. Pierre Kibuye Parish, who was making his fifth pilgrimage to Kibeho, said he sees the journey as a means of sanctification and a reminder that life itself is a journey towards God.
He emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to participate so that they, too, can grow in holiness and preserve this spiritual heritage.
He further noted that visiting Kibeho should inspire positive transformation in one’s behavior, especially in family and community life.
Among the young pilgrims was Patrick Nsengimana from Kibuye, making his third visit to Kibeho. He explained that he never misses the pilgrimage because it helps him strengthen his relationship with God, seek holiness, and learn more about the history of Kibeho-one of the 13 officially recognized Marian apparition sites in the world.
As a young person, he encouraged his peers to embark on pilgrimages, as they provide spiritual guidance and help them avoid bad habits while drawing closer to God in their daily lives.
Janviere Uwiragiye, from Kavumu Parish in the Gisenyi Pastoral Zone, said she had long been curious about Kibeho and was excited to finally visit. Seeing the sacred site in person, she vowed to return regularly.
One of the most striking moments for her was meeting Natalie Mukamazimpaka, one of the visionaries who first saw the Blessed Virgin Mary on January 12, 1982.
She remarked that those who truly honor Mary should strive to be compassionate and respectful, particularly toward their mothers, since Mary is the Mother of both Heaven and Earth.
Kibeho has been regarded as a holy site since November 28, 1981, when Alphonsine Mumureke, a student at Kibeho College, experienced the first Marian apparition. She was later followed by Natalie Mukamazimpaka, who had her first vision on January 12, 1982, and Marie Claire Mukangango, who saw the Virgin Mary for the first time on March 2, 1982.
