An urgent appeal comes from the heart of Africa, from Kibeho! On August 15, 1983, during an apparition to Alphonsine Mumureke, the Virgin Mary presents herself as the “Mother of the Word” and entrusts us with an appeal that shakes us to the core: «Pray without ceasing for the Church, because great tribulations await it in the times to come». It is a powerful call, an urgent invitation to pray with all our hearts for the Church, which is called to face complex challenges in a world where faith is increasingly put to the test. But how does this message concern us personally?
But when we think of the Church, what really comes to mind?
All too often, we reduce it to the hierarchy (the Pope and bishops), to its institutional aspect, or perhaps to our own limited negative experience with the parish priest, the youth center where we grew up, or the catechist. And then, let’s be honest, we form an idea of the Church by peeking at social media, browsing the internet, and reading certain newspapers that show us a distorted image, made up only of scandals and filled with the prejudices of today’s world. In this way, we risk losing sight of its true essence, its profound mystery that only faith can reveal.
The word “Church” means “convocation.” It designates the assembly of those whom the Word of God calls together to form the people of God and who, nourished by the Body of Christ, themselves become the body of Christ. Do we understand what this means? The Church is me, you, all of us! The Church is us, the baptized; we are the people of God whom he gathers from throughout the world. The Church is at once visible and spiritual, a hierarchical society and the mystical body of Christ. It is one, formed of a human element and a divine element. This is its mystery, which only faith can embrace. In this world, the Church is the sacrament of salvation, the sign and instrument of communion between God and humanity.
And the apparitions of Kibeho, which began on November 28, 1981, and were officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 2001 thanks to the nihil obstat of the Bishop of Gikongoro, Monsignor Augustin Misago, invite us to pray for the Church so that it may be a beacon of hope, for the future of the entire world, and to face the challenges of our time with the strength of faith.
What are these “great tribulations” that await us?
Let us not think only of external threats, of enemies coming from outside. No, the most insidious danger comes from within us! The visionary Alphonsine Mumureke, now Sister Umutima, reminds us in a passionate interview that although the Church belongs to Christ and no one will ever be able to destroy it, as he himself said, this does not mean that there will not be terrible trials that can shake the faith, especially that of the most vulnerable.
So these tribulations concern us directly, because we are sinners! The condition of sin distances us from God, generating weakness and confusion. But it is precisely in this fragility that God draws closest to us, and trials become an urgent invitation to change our lives, to return to faith, grace, and God with our whole being, in order to live as true Christians.
These “great tribulations” are not an inevitable destiny, something we cannot escape. On the contrary, they are a strong call to commit ourselves concretely to ongoing conversion, using the spiritual weapons at our disposal: prayer, penance, and a life that is a true testimony to the Gospel. Only in this way can we be living and active members of a Church that, even amid the storms of history, remains firmly anchored in faith in Christ, our Savior.
What can we concretely do?
Our Lady's response is simple and disarming in its essence: we must always pray, never growing weary, and pray for the Church. This unceasing prayer is not a magic formula for avoiding problems and the most difficult moments, but a vital bond with Christ that fills us with the strength of the Holy Spirit to face difficulties and remain steadfast in faith.
At Kibeho, Our Lady appeared to us sorrowful, and this appeal of hers is a desperate attempt to rescue humanity from its self-destruction. Therefore, praying for the Church also means imploring the salvation of all humanity, so that it does not turn away from God.
Moreover, the message of Kibeho warns us against a bad habit: criticizing the Church without recognizing our share of the blame for her weaknesses.
Instead of becoming discouraged by her failings, we are called to become one with her, to bear her weaknesses with dignity, and to continue praying and working for her good. In addition to prayer, we are called to be witnesses of love and unity, bringing the light of Christ into our families, our workplaces, and our communities.
That appeal, which rang out in Kibeho forty years ago, echoes today with the same strength and urgency. It is time to respond with courage and determination, to pray and act, so that the Church can face tribulations with the strength that only God can give.
What will you decide to do in response to this call?
If you want to learn more, read: The apparitions of Kibeho. From Alphonsine's own words. A compelling interview in which Father Gianni Sgreva speaks with Alphonsine Mumureke, who opens her heart to share previously unknown details about her family and personal life.
