250 devotees leave Kisoro for Kibeho, Rwanda

By Dickens Twinomujuni

Over 250 believers on Tuesday left Kisoro for the annual pilgrimage to Kibeho in Southern Rwanda.

The annual pilgrimage falls on 15^th August, pooling believers from different faiths within the region, and beyond Africa.

Kibeho is famous for apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, occurring between 1981 and 1989.

It is most known for a place where the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 adolescent girls with the name “Nyina wa Jambo” (meaning Mother of the word).

Speaking to www.vomuhabura.com, Philip Ntacyotugira, the leader of the team, said the pilgrimage is a calling for believers to reckon on their faith and remain steadfast in fighting evil.

“It’s not that Mary is in Kibeho alone. But this is a place where she appeared to believers. Her message was love, penitence, praying and fighting evil. We converge there to manifest our faith as devotees of Jesus Christ and strengthen our armour as we face the challenges of this world.” Said Ntacyotugira, the former Bufumbira North MP.

This year’s number of pilgrims has increased from the previous year.

Ntacyotugira pegs this to the spread of the good news of the Gospel that pilgrims have been spreading among people of different faiths.

He explains that the pilgrimage is not only a reserve for Catholic devotees, but also those from other faiths.

“This pilgrimage is about prayer and devoting oneself to God. Its not aligned to one religion or a group of people. Everyone is always welcome to share on the miracles through our mother the Virgin Mary.”

Pilgrims say the revered place is a source of solace for people with worldly pains and struggles.

According to them, it is an opportunity to carry their burdens to God through Mother Mary. Some speak of successful stories as their petitions get answered before their second trip.

About 20,000 people converged at Kibeho on 15^th August last year.