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The gripping new Broadway rendition of Blake Edwards‘ 1962 film Days of Wine and Roses wastes no time delving into the destructive impact of alcoholism on the marriage of characters Kirsten and Joe Clay.

The Three Visionaries of Kibeho.

Katori Hall's Our Lady of Kibeho is based on the true story of three young girls in the Rwandan village of Kibeho who claimed to have had visions of the Virgin Mary. Learn more about the visionaries and explore the actual recorded messages received by the girls below. 

THE VISIONARIES The Marian apparitions of Kibeho, Rwanda began in November 1981 when six young girls and one boy claimed to see the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus. Only the visions of the first three - 16-year-old Alphonsine, 17-year-old Anathalie, and 21-year-old Marie-Claire - were approved by the local Bishop. As in the apparitions of Lourdes, Fátima, and Akita, the Virgin Mary warned of impending bloodshed, and as in the apparitions of Medjugorje, they took place in the very region where that bloodshed would occur. When he met with Rwandan bishops in 2014, Pope Francis made reference to the apparitions of Kibeho: “I sincerely hope that the Shrine of Kibeho might radiate even more the love of Mary for her children, especially the poorest and most injured, and be for the Church in Rwanda, and beyond, a call to turn with confidence to Our Lady of Sorrows."

Below are the messages on record that were given to the three characters in Our Lady of Kibeho, Aplphonsine, Marie-Claire and Anathalie.

TO ALPHONSINE The first apparition to Alphonsine took place on November 28, 1981, the last exactly eight years later on November 28, 1989. She became a nun in 2004 and was given the name “Alphonsine of the Glorious Cross.” She lives in Italy. 

Alphonsine: “Who are you?” Mary: “I am the Mother of the Word. Of the religions, what do you like?” Alphonsine: “I love God and His Mother who have given us Their Son who has saved us.” Mary: “It is true. I have come to assure you of this. I have heard your prayers. I would like it if your companions had more faith because some of them do not believe enough.” – November 28, 1981

Mary: “My Child, I love you. Never be afraid of me; in fact, play with me! I love children who will play with me because it shows me their love and trust. Be as a little child with me, for I love to pet my children. No child should fear his or her mother, and I am your mother. You should never be afraid of me; you should always love me as I love you.”

TO MARIE-CLAIRE The first apparition to Marie-Claire took place on March 2, 1982, the last on September 15, 1982. Witnesses say that Marie-Claire was killed during the genocide of 1994, while attempting to defend her husband.

Mary: “When I show myself to someone and talk to them, I want to turn to the whole world. If I am turning to the parish of Kibeho, it does not mean that I am concerned only for Kibeho or for the Diocese of Butare or for Rwanda, or for the whole of Africa. I am concerned with and turning to the whole world. The world is evil and rushes towards its ruin. It is about to fall in its abyss. The world is in rebellion against God. Many sins are being committed. There is no love and no peace. If you do not repent and convert your hearts, you will all fall into an abyss.” – March 27, 1982

Mary: “I have come to remind the world- and especially you here in Rwanda, where I still can find humble souls and people who are not attached to money or wealth- to hear my words with open hearts. Pray my Seven Sorrows rosary to find repentance.”

TO ANATHALIE The first apparition to Anathalie took place on January 12, 1982, the last on December 3, 1983. Anathalie still lives and works in Kibeho to this day.

Mary: “My child, I am sad because I have sent a message and no one will listen to my words as I desire…you must pray, for the world is in a horrible way; people have turned from God and the love of my son, Jesus… So many souls are running to ruin that I need your help to turn them back to my son. As long as you are on Earth, you have to contribute to the salvation of souls. If you will work with me, I shall give you a mission."