Description
Our Lady of Kibeho: Mother of the Word and call to reconciliation
This icon honors the Virgin Mary under the title associated with Kibeho, Rwanda. The reported apparitions began on November 28, 1981, and the local bishop’s 2001 declaration recognized the testimony of three visionaries: Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, and Marie Claire Mukangango. Mary identified herself as Nyina wa Jambo, “Mother of the Word.” The recognized message centers on conversion, sincere prayer, repentance, compassion, and reconciliation.
Iconography and spiritual meaning
Mary is shown frontally with hands joined in prayer, crowned and clothed in a light-blue mantle. Her royal dignity is expressed through humility and intercession rather than worldly power. The image recalls that an approved private revelation does not add to the Gospel or bind every believer; it serves as a pastoral invitation to return more deeply to Christ and the ordinary life of faith.
For prayer and Christian devotion
The icon is meaningful for Rwandan and African Catholic communities, devotees of Our Lady of Kibeho, and anyone praying for conversion, peace after violence, or reconciliation within a family or nation. It belongs naturally in a home prayer corner, parish, retreat center, or ministry devoted to healing and peace.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Art Christiana makes the icon to order in Poland on a double-primed linden-wood board. The image is applied directly to the prepared surface, enhanced with decorative gold-tone schlagmetal, and protected with varnish. A certificate marked with the year of production and a hanging fixture are fitted on the reverse.