Although Kibeho, Rwanda, is an unknown place in the world, it has become a shrine where the Church has recognized a series of Marian apparitions that took place on the African continent.

“It can be compared to Guadalupe, Lourdes and Fatima,” said Christine du Coudray, head of the African department of Aid to the Church in Need, after her trip to Rwanda.

According to du Coudray, Aid to the Church in Need is financing a film about the apparitions at Kibeho.  “The film will be a gift for the Church in Rwanda, where even today violence is a part of daily life.  In the midst of all the cruelties, Kibeho is a place of prayer and reconciliation.  This is a message for Africa and the world.”

“What the Church needs most is to support the formation of priests, religious and lay catechists as well as to build new places, especially the Cathedral in Kibeho, for the new pilgrims,” she added.

“Our Lady of Sorrows appeared here between 1981 and 1983.  Those who saw her are still alive and have just reached the age of 40,” du Coudray said.