On Saturday, October 25, the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal (CAMM) continued its celebration of Our Lady of Kibeho when it welcomed Immaculée Ilibagiza for an extraordinary one-day spiritual experience. More than 175 attendees lined the pews of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, paying rapt attention to Ilibagiza’s story of faith, hope, and forgiveness, as she spoke with both heart and humor.
Ilibagiza was born and raised in a small village in Rwanda, Africa. In 1994, her life was changed forever when a genocide took place in her country, leaving more than 1 million people dead.
Bestselling author and award-winning humanitarian Ilibagiza captivated the audience by sharing her inspiring personal experiences, intermingled within the beautiful account and powerful messages of Our Lady of Kibeho.
The event included two sessions led by Ilibagiza, and Holy Mass with inspiring music and dance from the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir and praise dancers. Attendees also prayed the Seven Sorrows Rosary. Ilibagiza also held two book signings.
Celebrating the Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine
The Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine joins Our Lady of Knock, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Vailankanni, Our Lady of La Leche, and Our Lady of FIAT in welcoming people of all backgrounds to celebrate Mary under her many titles.
The newest shrine was a a collaboration between CAMM and the Martin de Porres Foundation. President of the Foundation Cathy Reimel Hamilton felt it was important to bring the Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine to the Basilica Shrine because she loves the story in which Our Lady, our loving mother, calls us all “her flowers,” which reminds Hamilton of the richness and representation of the Basilica Shrine community.
“My favorite part of today was the Mass, and also praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary always touches my heart and is very healing,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton brought Ilibagiza to the Basilica Shrine to see the Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine since Ilibagiza was unable to attend the Mass and dedication in August.
The Perfect Pilgrimage
Another attendee discovered the spiritual day celebration during her Holy Year pilgrimage saying, “I found out about this event because I had gone to three of the Philadelphia shrines as part of the Pilgrim’s Passport.”
The Pilgrim’s Passport is a Jubilee Year collaboration among the Basilica Shrine, the National Shrine of St. John Neumann and the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia welcoming individuals and groups to visit each of the designated Catholic sacred spaces.
The Our Lady of Kibeho Shrine commemorates the Marian apparitions to three young women, Alphonsine, Nathalie, and Marie-Claire, which took place in Kibeho, Rwanda, beginning in 1981. These apparitions were the first and only Marian apparitions in Africa recognized by the Catholic Church and approved by the Vatican.
Groundbreaking for the newest shrine addition took place in November 2024. On August 17, 2025, The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal welcomed Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to celebrate Mass and dedicate the shrine.
Stay up-to-date on all of the events taking place at the Basilica Shrine by visiting our Worship & Events Calendar.