Our Lady of Kibeho
The Grotto of Our Lady of Kibeho at Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine
The Grotto of Our Lady of Kibeho at the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine stands as a profound place of prayer, remembrance, and Marian devotion, deeply rooted in both faith and history. Its origin is itself a testimony to divine inspiration,
having begun as a dream that later unfolded into a remarkable spiritual landmark within the shrine gardens.
A Vision Brought to Life
The proposal for the Grotto emerged on in 2020.
From the very beginning,
, the vision was to construct a sheltered grotto, providing a permanent sacred space for prayer and reflection. The first shade was accommodating not more than 20 Christians. From 2022 the Shrine management took a decision
to enlarge seating capacity to over 250 chairs.
Today, this vision has been fully realized, enabling the Shrine management to organize retreats, Marian devotions, and prayer gatherings without the need for temporary tents.
Design, Symbolism, and Sacred Features
The Grotto was carefully designed to combine beauty, symbolism, and functionality. It includes:
-A permanent stone altar, ensuring durability and reverence
– Lighting throughout the structure, allowing prayer and meditation at all times of the day
A small waterfall, integrating nature into the sacred environment and symbolizing life, purity, renewal and conversion.
At the heart of the Grotto stands the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, depicted as she appeared in the Marian apparitions of Kibeho, Rwanda. This powerful image invites pilgrims to meditate on Mary’s suffering,
compassion, and maternal care for humanity. The Statue itself was brought by pilgrims from Kibeho, Rwanda in 2017 and initially placed in the Basilica.
Grotto includes also statue of St. Charles Lwanga baptizing St. Kizito, placed at a location of immense historical and spiritual significance. Munyonyo is the very place where the young Kizito, together with
other future martyrs (Gyaviira, Mbaaga Tuzinde, Muggaga), was baptized before their journey to Namugongo. It was here that Fr. Simeon Lourdel (Mapeera) entrusted the martyrs to the care of Our Lady of Sorrows,
as he sought—though unsuccessfully—to intervene and obtain an audience with Kabaka Mwanga.
Blessing of the Grotto
On Thursday, 25th March 2021, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, while the main liturgical celebrations took place in the Basilica, the same day was marked by the official blessing of the Grotto of Our Lady in the Munyonyo Martyrs’ Shrine Gardens.
A Living Place of Prayer
Today, the Grotto of Our Lady of Kibeho stands beautifully and solemnly as a welcoming sanctuary for all forms of prayer. It hosts regular devotions, including prayers held every last Saturday of the month (Militia of Immaculata -OLSG Family),
and continues to draw pilgrims seeking consolation, healing, and spiritual renewal.
Truly, the story of this Grotto is a testament to faith, providence, and God’s grace at work. As pilgrims often proclaim upon visiting the site: God is great!
The Grotto is open for personal prayers as well for groups, parishes and christian associations to organize a day-time retreats and spiritual talks.
