MOTHER MARY IN AFRICA
Head of the Statue of Mother Mary at Kibeho, Rwanda, carved by Marek Kowalski and based on the models of Jean Pierre Sibomana and Faustin Kayitana. In the statue, Mother Mary holds the Seven Sorrows Chaplet, a Marian devotion reintroduced to the Catholic community by Our Lady of Kibeho.
Kibeho is the only Marian apparition on African soil, officially recognized by the Church. Mother Mary’s requests for prayers preluded the 1994 Genocide.
SPECIAL REPORT • ANEHO-TOGO
THE SHRINE OF NOTRE DAME DU LAC TOGO (OUR LADY OF LAKE TOGO)
When we contemplate Marian apparitions and pilgrimage sites or shrines, our minds are generally drawn to the most famous ones such as Lourdes (France), Fatima (Portugal), and Guadalupe (Mexico). Yet, nestled in the charming hills of the southern part of Rwanda, we find the only approved Marian apparition site in Africa, ‘’Our Lady of Kibeho’’.
BY FR MICHEL ESSEH, MCCJ
THE SHRINE is known for its peaceful atmosphere, conducive to meditation and contemplation. Located near a lake in the diocese of Aneho, the shrine of Our Lady of Lake Togo is surrounded by lush greenery that adds to its spiritual dimension, and lends a soothing atmosphere to the place. This lake’s environment also symbolizes the purity and mercy of Mary, who is venerated by the faithful as a protector and source of comfort.
The statue of Our Lady, visible from several points of the sanctuary, is often decorated with flowers brought by pilgrims as a sign of devotion. The name Mother of Mercy reflects one of the most important aspects of Marian devotion: compassion and forgiveness. Pilgrims often come to ask for Mary’s mercy in times of personal difficulty, suffering, or they seek her assistance. Mary is seen as a caring mother, always ready to listen to the prayers of her children and grant them her mercy.
The shrine is known for its peaceful atmosphere, conducive to meditation and contemplation.
During the year, several religious events and celebrations are held at Notre Dame du Lac Togo. Highlights include annual pilgrimages, mercy masses, and spiritual retreats. Notre Dame du Lac Togo, being a place of unity and faith, plays a central role in the local and even national Christian community. Not only is it a place of prayer, but also a symbol of hope for many of the faithful. Prayer groups, parishes, and families, who come to renew their spiritual bonds and ask for blessings for their loved ones, visit the shrine.
In addition, this shrine encourages solidarity and mutual support between pilgrims and the community. Charitable activities, organized around Notre Dame du Lac, also allow visitors to contribute to works of mercy, in support of the most deprived.
A SPIRITUAL BONFIRE IN THE HEART OF AFRICA
When we contemplate Marian apparitions and pilgrimage sites or shrines, our minds are generally drawn to the most famous ones such as Lourdes (France), Fatima (Portugal), and Guadalupe (Mexico). Yet, nestled in the charming hills of the southern part of Rwanda, we find the only approved Marian apparition site in Africa, ‘’Our Lady of Kibeho’’.
POPENGUINE, THE ‘LOURDES’ OF SENEGAL
On Pentecost Tuesday, 22 May 1888, a crowd of 200 faithful converged on the shrine of Popenguine on foot, on horseback or by pirogue, to venerate, for the first time, Our Lady of Deliverance. Over more than a century, this pilgrimage which now brings together nearly 100 000 people every year, has become a highlight of the Christian faith in Senegal.
THE ADVOCATION OF OUR LADY AS COVENANT OF MERCY OR KIDANE MIHIRET
The cathedral of Hawassa in southern Ethiopia is dedicated to Mary, with the name Covenant of Mercy or Kidane Mihiret. The Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate for the last four years writes about this advocacy of Mother Mary.
THE BASILICA NOTRE DAME D’AFRIQUE A PLACE FOR CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE
The article illustrates the significance of the Basilica of Notre Dame D’ Afrique (Our Lady of Africa) for Christian-Muslim dialogue in Algeria. The author brings to the fore the particularity of the Catholic Church in the Muslim milieu and discusses the significance of the figure of Mary in the Catholic-Muslim dialogue.
MUXIMA OR THE MOTHER OF THE HEART
Every year the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Conception of Muxima welcomes about two million pilgrims from all over Angola and other countries, who come in search of spiritual nourishment, with great faith in God and trust in the power of the intercession of Mama Muxima, patron saint of the sanctuary.