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Kibeho, Rwanda Pilgrimage

with Fr. Jonathan St. André, TOR and Immaculée Ilibagiza

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EXTENDED STAY + AFRICAN SAFARI

Pilgrimage with Immaculée in Rwanda

Join Immaculee in experiencing the blessings and beauty of Kibeho, Rwanda.  This rural community is the site of the only Vatican-approved Marian apparition site on the African continent. Nestled in the hills of Rwanda, this pristine and serene location is unlike any other place of worship on Earth.

In addition to spending multiple days in Kibeho, Immaculée arranges other spiritual, historical, and cultural experiences only a Rwandan can provide.  This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

NOTES:

  • Each morning begins with coffee and tea service in the dining room at 6:00 am, Mass and Rosary at 7:00 am, and breakfast at 8:00 am. On Day 2 (morning after arrival), this schedule starts one hour later. Safari Day may include a boxed breakfast to accommodate a very early departure for the national park.
  • Some activity times or dates may be adjusted during the pilgrimage due to weather or recommendations from Immaculée.

Pricing:

LAND ONLY Package (Airfare not included)

Double Occupancy – $3950
Private Room – $4450

International Air Package: + LAND:

Double Occupancy – $5250
Private Room – $5750

Enrollment Deadline: August 1st 2026

Informational Flyer

Itinerary for Kibeho, Rwanda Pilgrimage

Subject to change

Monday, August 31

Day 1: Depart from US

  • Depart from JFK, 6:10 pm (United/Brussels Air)

Tuesday, September 1

Day 2: Arrive in Rwanda

  • Transfer and check in to Blue Veil Villa–Kigali
  • Optional dinner and fellowship with Immaculée

Wednesday, September 2

Day 3: Kigali

  • Pilgrimage overview, group discussion, and prayer
  • Tour Kigali and visit the National Genocide Memorial

Thursday, September 3 - Monday, September 7

Days 4–8: Kibeho

  • Travel to and check in at Blue Veil Villa–Kibeho
  • Prayer at the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows
  • Day trip to Nyanza (King’s Palace) and the National Museum in Huye

Tuesday, September 8

Day 9: Safari

  • Safari at Akagera National Park

Wednesday, September 9

Day 10: Kigali

  • Tour of local coffee plantation
  • Visit downtown markets
  • Traditional Rwandan feast honoring Our Lady of Kibeho

Thursday, September 10

Day 11: Depart from Rwanda

  • Final reflections, discussion, and prayer
  • Depart for airport after early dinner

Friday, September 11

Day 12: Arrive in US

  • Arrive back at JFK Airport, 1:00 pm
Franciscan Univeristy has partnered with Immaculee to journey with you on this pilgrimage.

Fr. Jonathan St. André, TOR

Fr. Jonathan St. André is a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular (T.O.R.) and a priest. Fr. Jonathan currently serves as the Vice President of Franciscan Life at Franciscan University of Steubenville. He is a 1996 graduate of Franciscan University where he studied mental health, theology and philosophy. Fr. Jonathan professed his vows in 2000 and received his Mdiv degree in 2005 in preparation for priesthood. He was ordained in 2006. Fr. Jonathan also has a Master of Arts in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure University in New York and a Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Organizations from the University of Dayton. Fr. Jonathan has been blessed to serve in various ministries within his community including vocation formation, University Campus Ministry and Formation of the Men in the Novitiate. His interests include cycling and reading. He grew up in Northern Virginia and is the oldest of four children. Fr. Jonathan is also a frequent contributor for Faith and Reason's weekly Scripture Reflection series. 

Immaculée Ilibagiza

Immaculée Ilibagiza is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide whose ministry focuses on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the work of personal and cultural transformation. Once freed, she was able to secure a job with the United Nations and immigrate to the United States. She began to share her story with world dignitaries, school children, multinational corporations, churches, and numerous conferences. She also wrote four books, most popularly, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, a New York Times bestseller. Ilibagiza has received honorary doctoral degrees from The University of Notre Dame, Saint John's University, Seton Hall University, Siena College and Walsh University. She has been recognized and honored with numerous humanitarian awards including the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace 2007 and the American Legacy's Women of Strength & Courage Award. Immaculée Ilibagiza has been featured in the Franciscan University Presents episode Our Sorrows and the Seven Sorrows Rosary. 

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Our lives can become very busy. That busyness can overwhelm us, and often times, we need to intentionally set aside time to quiet our hearts and turn our attention to God.

On a Catholic pilgrimage, you will not only experience a silence and atmosphere helpful for prayer, but you will travel in community, guided by spiritual leaders and supported by fellow pilgrims.

We invite you to join the Franciscan University community as we embark on a pilgrimage of faith!

740-284-5847

pilgrimages@franciscan.edu