Category: Religion

The bookstore offers a broad selection of titles, including Bibles, devotionals, inspirational wisdom books, children’s literature, and Bible commentaries. Customers can place orders through the TLG Africa website or via social media platforms such as Instagram, with deliveries made to any location across Rwanda.

According to Patience Harerayesu, the Managing Director of TLG Africa, also known as The Legacy of God in Africa, the organisation’s affordability model is supported by its partnership with Alpha Courses in the United Kingdom. Alpha Courses is a global Christian organisation known for running programmes that introduce people to the basics of the Christian faith, and it helps TLG source books at lower costs.

She says the goal is to ensure that Christian knowledge remains within reach for anyone seeking spiritual development.

“We want people to be able to order a book online and have it delivered wherever they are in Rwanda,” she told IGIHE.

TLG Africa’s growing presence was most recently visible during the Niwe Healing Concert held at BK Arena, where the organisation was among the event’s supporters. Its stand attracted concert-goers who visited to browse books, make purchases, and learn more about the platform’s mission of promoting a reading culture rooted in faith.

One of the moments that stood out during the concert involved gospel artist Richard Nick Ngendahayo, who received a book gift from TLG Africa.

The team presented him with The Power of a Praying Husband, describing the gesture as an appreciation for his ministry and the influence he continues to have among young believers and worshippers.

TLG Africa’s team said their participation in the event offered an opportunity to connect directly with readers, interact with various Christian communities, and reinforce the value of spiritual growth through reading.

{{How to order a book on the TLG Africa website
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The platform continues to draw attention for its straightforward online ordering process. Customers looking to purchase a book simply visit the website, search for their preferred title, select it, click “Order via WhatsApp”, and await delivery to their location.

Beyond sales, TLG Africa positions itself as an organisation committed to enriching communities with literature that inspires learning and strengthens spiritual understanding. The bookstore stocks both new and gently used Christian titles, catering to readers seeking faith-based guidance, study materials, or meaningful gifts.

To place an order, visit TLG Africa on their website: https://tlg-africa.org/

While this feast day resonates deeply across the globe, here in Rwanda, it holds a unique and sacred significance. It beats in the hills of Nyaruguru, a place now known as Kibeho — Rwanda’s Holy Land.

Here, in the early 1980s, a story began that would touch countless lives and change the course of history in Rwanda. This is the story of Kibeho.

On November 28, 1981, a 16-year-old student named Alphonsine Mumureke, studying at Kibeho Secondary School, had an extraordinary experience.

Around 12:35 PM, while eating lunch with her classmates, Alphonsine saw a Lady — a woman of unimaginable beauty, dressed in white.

She introduced herself as Nyina wa Jambo, meaning “Mother of the Word.” Alphonsine, confused and overwhelmed, initially couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

When she tried to share her experience, her classmates didn’t believe her. Some laughed, while others accused her of making things up. But Alphonsine knew what she had seen. And soon, others began to have similar experiences.

In the following months, more visions appeared. On January 12, 1982, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, another student at Kibeho, began seeing the same Lady.

Nathalie, known for her deep faith, shared her experience, and soon, on March 2, 1982, Marie-Claire Mukangango joined them. The three girls, seemingly ordinary students, were now seeing and speaking with the Virgin Mary.

By May 31, 1982, the apparitions moved outside. And by August 15, 1982, the visions were witnessed at the “Podium,” where a large crowd had gathered, eager to witness the events unfold.

These visions were not fleeting encounters. The Virgin Mary conveyed urgent and powerful messages.

She called for repentance, a conversion of heart, and a renewed focus on prayer, especially the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. She reminded the visionaries — and by extension, all Christians that suffering is a part of the path to salvation.

The Catholic Church, known for its careful process in evaluating such claims, began an investigation into the apparitions.

In 1982, just one year after the first vision, both medical and theological investigations were launched. Experts monitored the girls’ behaviours and testimonies to ensure the experiences were genuine.

For years, the Church conducted thorough reviews. In 1988, after much study, public devotion was allowed at Kibeho. This was a clear sign that the Church found the apparitions credible. However, full official recognition wouldn’t occur until later.

Finally, on June 29, 2001, after years of investigation, the apparitions were officially recognised. Kibeho became the first Vatican-approved Marian apparition site in Africa.

This recognition marked a turning point. Kibeho was no longer just a remote site in southern Rwanda; it was now a sacred pilgrimage destination.

People began travelling from all over the world to witness the site where the Virgin Mary had appeared. Many believed in the miraculous properties of the water from the shrine’s fountain, which became a symbol of hope and healing for the faithful.

On Assumption Day, August 15, Kibeho transforms into a place of prayer. Thousands of pilgrims gather for Mass. The hills echo with songs of faith and deep devotion.

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The lives of the visionaries unfolded in different ways. Alphonsine Mumureke, the first to see the Virgin Mary, went on to become a nun, dedicating her life to prayer.

Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, who had returned to live in Kibeho, continues to be a spiritual presence at the shrine.

Sadly, Marie-Claire Mukangango’s life was tragically cut short, but her legacy lives on, inspiring all who visit.

Today, Kibeho is a vibrant spiritual destination. The once difficult journey to the shrine has been transformed by modern infrastructure, with paved roads and welcoming buildings.

The local community has embraced this development, ensuring that Kibeho remains a place of peace, healing, and spiritual renewal for generations to come.

Locals sell religious items like rosaries and crosses, while others offer food and refreshments to the pilgrims.

Kibeho’s influence has extended far beyond Rwanda. Pilgrims come from all corners of the globe to experience the divine presence that many believe still resides in this holy land.

The use of black and white smoke during the papal election is one of the most recognizable and symbolic traditions of the Catholic Church. It communicates the outcome of the secretive conclave process to the world using a simple visual code: black smoke (fumata nera) indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke (fumata bianca) announces that a new pope has been chosen.

This tradition dates back to the late 19th century, becoming more consistent in the early 20th century. During the conclave, ballots are burned after each voting round. If no decision is reached, chemicals are added to the paper to produce thick black smoke, signaling the faithful in St. Peter’s Square and around the world that deliberations continue.

When a new pope is elected by the required two-thirds majority of cardinals, the ballots are burned with substances that produce white smoke—a visual message that centuries of ritual and reflection have led to a new spiritual leader.

Over the years, the Vatican has improved the process by using chemical additives to make the smoke colors more distinguishable. This adjustment was introduced after several confusing moments in past conclaves when smoke appeared gray or ambiguous. Today, the appearance of white smoke is often accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica’s bells, adding further clarity and celebration to the moment.

This sacred signal marked the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV. Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Francis Prevost is a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. He holds dual citizenship with Peru, a testament to his long years of missionary service in Latin America. Before his election, he served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, a role to which he was appointed by Pope Francis in 2023.

Following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the conclave of 133 cardinal electors convened in the Sistine Chapel. After two days of deliberation, they selected Cardinal Prevost, whose experience and global perspective made him a compelling choice to lead the Church through its next chapter.

From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV greeted the waiting crowd with the words, “Peace be with all of you,” a message of unity and continuity. His choice of name pays homage to Pope Leo XIII, known for his strong stance on social justice and workers’ rights, suggesting that Pope Leo XIV may likewise emphasize outreach, inclusion, and moral leadership in an increasingly complex world.

In addition to his deep pastoral experience, Pope Leo XIV’s election reflects the growing global nature of the Church. His background—rooted in both North and South America—symbolizes a bridge between cultures and traditions, and offers fresh hope to millions of Catholics around the world.

As white smoke once again rose into the Roman sky, it signaled more than the end of a conclave. It marked the start of a new papacy, shaped by tradition, strengthened by global diversity, and guided by the same faith that has carried the Church for centuries.

The first day of the conclave, held on Wednesday, concluded without a decision. As tradition dictates, the appearance of black smoke from the chapel’s chimney signaled that no candidate had secured the necessary two-thirds majority to be named pope and succeed the late Pope Francis.

While only one round of voting is customary on the first day, Thursday marked the beginning of a more intensive schedule. From now on, the cardinals will hold up to four ballots each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon—until a new pontiff is chosen.

Outside the Vatican, a quiet tension mingled with hope. St. Peter’s Square glowed under the morning sun, the basilica’s iconic dome casting long shadows across the gathering crowds.

Pilgrims, clergy, tourists, and reporters—speaking a blend of languages—waited patiently for the next sign from the chimney.

Some found shade under the colonnades; others sat cross-legged on the cobblestones, gazing toward the roofline for a glimpse of smoke.

The mix of ages and backgrounds spoke to the global significance of the moment. From the devout to the curious, seasoned observers to first-time visitors, all had come to witness history.

As the world watches, the color of the smoke remains the only clue to the proceedings within. Until white smoke rises—signaling the successful election of a new pope—the search for the next leader of the Catholic Church continues.

Yet he is listed among the 15 figures who have been granted the honour of closing the late pontiff’s coffin tomorrow. Cardinal Mahony was disgraced after the LA archdiocese released 12,000 pages of documents on priests accused of child molestation.

He had helped to shield accused priests from investigation back in the 1980s, papers unsealed as part of a civil case showed. At the time, Mahoney’s successor Archbishop Jose Gomez said: “I find these files to be brutal and painful reading.

“The behaviour described in these files is terribly sad and evil. There is no excuse, no explaining away what happened to these children. The priests involved had the duty to be their spiritual fathers and they failed.”

Cardinal Mahony, who retired in 2011 after running the archdiocese for 25 years, is now named in a Vatican bulletin as one of the individuals “requested” to take part in the closing of Pope Francis’ coffin.

This ceremony will happen Friday evening ahead of the pope’s funeral on Saturday. The Catholic Church under successive popes has been accused of failing victims of child sex abuse.

David Clohessy, director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, previously blasted the Church’s handling of the scandal.

“When Cardinal Mahony had real power, and abused it horribly, he should have been demoted or disciplined by the Church hierarchy, in Rome and in the US. But not a single Catholic cleric anywhere had the courage to even denounce him. Shame on them,” he said.

Members of the College of Cardinals are making their way to the Vatican ahead of the forthcoming conclave – the process that elects the new pope. There are currently 252 cardinals, but only the 135 under the age of 80 are eligible to vote.

Another cardinal who was convicted of financial crimes is seeking the right to take part in the conclave. Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu was ordered in 2020 to resign the “rights and privileges” of a cardinal by Pope Francis.

He maintains his innocence, and is still allowed to live in a Vatican apartment pending an appeal.

Cardinal Becciu claims he can still take part in a conclave despite being listed as a “non-elector”, according to CNN reports.

Pope Francis died on Monday just hours after his final public appearance on Easter Sunday. He was elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. His funeral is will be held on Saturday in front of St Peter’s Basilica.

Bishop Samuel Kayinamura, first Vice president of RIC and Head of the Free Methodist Church in Rwanda, noted that one of the major challenges facing religious institutions today is the continued spread of misleading teachings and false prophecies.

He addressed the issue in response to questions from Members of Parliament regarding measures to prevent preachers from exploiting false doctrines and prophecies.

Gloriose Sibobugingo, a Member of Parliament, urged religious leaders to act against those who use prophecy as a commercial tool, misleading the public.

Lydia Mushimiyimana, another MP pointed out that many of those spreading false doctrines often promote views that contradict government policies and national principles, thereby confusing the population.

“Often, these individuals oppose the nation’s direction. For instance, someone might say, ‘Commemorating the Genocide is reviving the dead; God sent me to tell you that commemorating is forbidden.’ Shouldn’t such individuals be held accountable by the church or the law? Because people seem to fear churches more than legal institutions,” she stated.

Bishop Kayinamura confirmed that the spread of false teachings and failed prophecies started within prayer groups.

“Indeed, these deceptive teachings and false prophecies exist. They began in prayer rooms, and religious leaders took a firm stance against them. When sanctions were enforced, some individuals left the churches entirely, claiming to ‘go into the wilderness’ after being disciplined by church authorities,” he said.

He explained that after leaving church oversight, many of these individuals turned to social media, where religious institutions no longer have authority over them.

“Now, they’ve migrated to social media. It’s difficult for us as religious institutions to regulate them. We ask, can’t there be another way to track and prosecute those who misuse these platforms? When someone posts shocking content, shouldn’t they face legal consequences?” he questioned.

He emphasized that religious institutions do not support the spread of such teachings by people falsely claiming to be God’s messengers. “We do not support this at all. We denounce it and will continue to do so publicly.”

Kayinamura added that collaboration with state institutions is essential in combating these actions, as some individuals may also be engaging in criminal activities.

“God does not speak deception. Because we no longer have jurisdiction over these individuals once they leave our congregations, and since the state has power we don’t, cooperation is necessary. Where we identify these individuals, we will report them so we can collectively fight this scourge.”

Rev. Julie Kandema, Deputy Leader of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda, stated that one of RIC’s resolutions was for churches to dissociate from such preachers while also playing an active role in opposing them.

On his part, Rwanda’s Mufti Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya highlighted the need for stronger efforts to educate the youth in order to combat both false teachings and the lingering effects of genocide ideology that persist among young people.

According to Vatican News, these measures, imposed after his resignation as Archbishop, restrict his public activities, mandate his residence outside Peru, and limit his use of ecclesiastical insignia.

The confirmation, issued on January 26 by Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, followed media reports about accusations filed against the Cardinal in 2018.

Cipriani, a prominent member of Opus Dei (a Spanish Roman Catholic lay and clerical organization whose members seek personal Christian perfection through ordinary life), faced allegations that led to sanctions, including a penal injunction, shortly after stepping down from his role in Lima.

The Vatican’s sanctions aim to address accusations of abuses allegedly committed in the early 1980s. These measures include a requirement for the Cardinal to leave his home country of Peru and maintain a stable residence elsewhere.

Cipriani currently resides in Madrid, Spain, and has adhered to the restrictions since their implementation in 2019. While the Holy See has granted him limited permissions on occasion, the restrictions remain firmly in place.

In a statement addressing the accusations, Cipriani denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he never committed abuse in 1983 or at any other time.

He stated that he first learned of the allegations in 2018 and was informed by the Apostolic Nuncio in Peru in 2019 that the then-Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith had imposed sanctions.

These included limitations on his priestly ministry, a mandate to live outside Peru, and restrictions on public statements.

Cipriani expressed concern over the recent publication of information he described as originating from confidential Vatican documentation.

While maintaining his innocence, he reiterated his condemnation of sexual abuse, particularly involving minors and vulnerable individuals.

Despite his denial, the Vatican has emphasized the importance of addressing such allegations with seriousness and accountability.

Cipriani concluded his statement by affirming his prayers for abuse victims, expressing forgiveness for his accusers, and maintaining that the allegations against him are baseless.

Holy Doors, found in significant churches, are traditionally opened during Jubilees, symbolizing a passage to divine mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal.

Walking through a Holy Door is considered a powerful act of faith, representing a fresh start and the embrace of God’s grace.

As part of the Jubilee of Hope, Pope Francis chose to open the Holy Door at the prison after inaugurating the first one at St. Peter’s Basilica.

Speaking to the prisoners, in front of the prison’s chapel, the Church of Our Father, the Pope emphasized the importance of opening hearts to hope, reminding them that hope never disappoints.

As he celebrated a Mass, he encouraged those present to reflect on their own hearts, urging them to avoid hardness and embrace tenderness.

As the Holy See Press Office noted in a statement, at the end of the Mass, Prisoners and guards presented the Pope with symbolic gifts, including a miniature Holy Door made from wood salvaged from migrant boats.

In return, Pope Francis offered a commemorative parchment, leaving a message of hope and renewal that transcends the prison walls.

This initiative is set to coincide with the upcoming Holy Year celebrations. On December 2, Pope Francis is expected to inaugurate the webcam, which will be installed beneath the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Additionally, another webcam is expected to be positioned at the basilica’s Holy Door for the 2025 Jubilee, a significant event during which pilgrims traveling to Rome can receive indulgences for the forgiveness of sins by passing through the Holy Door.

The Vatican described this initiative as providing “symbolic access” for those unable to make the journey to Rome.

The Holy Year, celebrated once every 25 years, is expected to draw an estimated 32 million pilgrims to the Eternal City. Pope Francis will officially open the Holy Door on Christmas Eve to mark the beginning of the Jubilee.

In a further effort to enhance communication during the Holy Year, the Vatican will also launch a new magazine. A notable feature will include a section where Pope Francis responds to questions from readers. Among the first submissions is a heartfelt query from a grandmother concerned about her grandchildren not being baptized.

St. Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first pope, is believed to have been martyred in Rome around 64–68 AD.

According to Christian tradition, he was crucified upside down and buried near his execution site, now part of the Vatican Necropolis. His tomb is regarded as the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church, with St. Peter’s Basilica symbolizing the apostolic foundation of the papacy.

This appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Diocese of Butare, as Father Ntagungira steps into his role with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to his pastoral duties.

Born on April 3, 1964, in Kigali, Bishop-elect Ntagungira began his spiritual journey in the Kigali minor seminary, followed by the Rutongo preparatory seminary. He pursued advanced studies in philosophy and theology at the Nyakibanda major seminary, setting the stage for his lifelong dedication to the Catholic Church.

Ordained as a priest on August 1, 1993, for the Archdiocese of Kigali, he initially served as the prefect of studies at the Ndera minor seminary.

His academic excellence led him to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law.

Following his return to Rwanda, he took on several key roles, including chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kigali and president of the diocesan Commission for Missions and Ecumenism.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Ntagungira served as rector of the Saint Vincent minor seminary in Ndera and held a crucial role at the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Kigali. Most recently, he was the parish priest of Regina Pacis in Kigali.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba, who has led the Butare Diocese for over two decades, leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service.

He held the position since he was appointed Bishop on January 18, 1997.

His episcopal ordination took place on April 12 of the same year.