AFRICA/RWANDA -Local Catholic Church holds Jubilee year to mark the 25th anniversary of the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kibeho

Monday, 6 November 2006

Kibeho (Agenzia Fides)- “The apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Kibeho and the message were without a doubt a source of heavenly blessing for the Church, an opportunity for new evangelisation of society today”. This was affirmed in a statement issued by the diocese of Gikongoro, in Rwanda, to present the celebration of a Jubilee Year to mark the 25th anniversary of the apparitions of at Kibeho (28 November 1981 to 28 November 1989). “These two dates are considered an important historical reference for all who are anxious to know more about the apparitions and message of Kibeho” reads the statement signed by diocesan chancellor Eugène Dushimurukundo.
The apparitions at Kibeho were officially recognised by the local Bishop 29 June 2001 after 20 years of investigation by medical and theological commissions which confirmed apparitions to three persons: Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka and Marie Claire Mukangango to whom the Blessed Virgin Mary presented herself as Nyina wa Jambo, the Mother of the Word.
In a message dated 8 September 2006, Bishop Augustine Misago of Gikongoro announced that 25th anniversary celebrations will start on 28 November the local feast day of Our Lady of Kibeho, in keeping with the programme planned by the pastoral committee of Kibeho Marian Shrine officially inaugurated on 31 May 2004 by the then Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe.
In his message Bishop Misago affirms “to celebrate worthily the Jubilee Year we must make concrete acts in the light of the message of Kibeho”. These include: “praying during the year for the intentions of the Pope; increasing participation as Mass and reception of Communion; receiving the sacrament of reconciliation; striving for reconciliation with enemies, asking forgiveness of people we have offended; respecting others, being tolerant in the family, with neighbours, at work in meetings and other social events; working with courage to promote truth and justice for all, particularly in present day conditions when the Gacaca courts (traditional peoples courts charged with judging persons accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide), which must be well managed to guarantee they do not become forums for injustice and revenge, covering the law; intensifying works of charity and mercy, especially during Lent, supporting some humanitarian association such as Caritas and others with similar goals”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/11/2006 righe 39 parole 462)


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