The Secular Franciscan Order was established by St. Francis of Assisi more than 800 years ago. The purpose is to bring the Gospel to life where we live and where we work. We look for ways to embrace the Gospel in our lives and try to help others to do likewise.
What is Kibeho? It is a small site located in the southern part of Rwanda, in the administrative district of Nyaruguru. Kibeho is best known as a place of apparitions and pilgrimages. The first apparition of Mary occurred there on November 28, 1981, when Alphonsine Mumureke, a young student of the Kibeho High School, saw a lady of incomparable beauty who presented herself under the name of “Nyina Wa Jambo,” which means “Mother of the Word.”
In Shreveport, Louisiana, Our Lady of Kibeho is a newly-formed (October 2023) fraternity of the Secular Order of Franciscans. Our meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month at either Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church (1558 Buena Vista, Shreveport, LA) or at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church (1050 Bert Kouns, Shreveport, LA).
At each meeting, inquiry begins at 10:00 am, and Formation begins at 11:00 am. For more information about the Secular Franciscan Order, please email Dcn. Charles Thomas at [email protected].
And to read more about membership in the Order, click (here).