Immaculate Heart Girls’ School is not only renowned for its academic and co-curricular excellence in providing a holistic education to the girl child, but also for its deep reverence for God. Although it is a Catholic-founded institution, the school embraces all religions, upholding freedom of worship while instilling its core values of love of God, unity, respect, and cooperation.
The secret behind the school’s success lies in the way it nurtures the love and respect of God among its members. The school organizes numerous religious activities, including annual pilgrimages.
Traditionally, the students and staff journey either to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo or to Kibeho in Rwanda to encounter the marvels and wonders of the Blessed Virgin Mary.In this Year of Mercy, the Pilgrimage of Hope for students was organized at Namugongo on 29th May 2025
Meanwhile, the staff, having returned from South Africa earlier in May 2025, also felt a profound desire to visit the Blessed Virgin Mary. With the guidance of the School Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Mugabe Cleophas, the Headmistress Sr. Tumusiime Sabina, and the Deputy Headmistress Sr. Naturinda Grace, the idea was prayerfully nurtured and successfully implemented. A committee of ten members was formed to steer the preparations:
- Rev. Fr. Mugabe Cleophas – Chaplain
- Sr. Tumusiime Sabina – Headmistress
- Sr. Naturinda Grace – Deputy Headmistress
- Mr. Begura Richard – Publicity
- Mr. Mubilu Moses – Liturgy
- Ms. Tusingwire Josephine – Choir
- Mr. Twebaze Innocent – Accommodation
- Mr. Muhwezi Johnbosco – Meals & Health
- Mr. Kasibayo – Advisor
The chosen theme was: “Do Whatever He Tells You” (John 2:5).
A poster was designed to reflect this message
and facilitators were invited to guide the journey. The pilgrimage was scheduled for 26th–29th August 2025.
Departure and Journey
As is the tradition at Immaculate Heart, the pilgrimage began at dawn on 26th August with Holy Mass, Penance, and Anointing, symbolizing the Israelites’ preparation for their journey as narrated in Numbers 1–10.
At exactly 12:30 p.m., 154 staff members set off, their journey filled with the recitation of the Rosary, hymns, and prayer, guided by facilitators including Miss Hellen, Mr. Evaristo, Mrs. Judith, and Rev. Fr. Benedict.
At Katuna, border checks of documents and luggage were smooth, thanks to excellent preparation with passports, national IDs, and LC1 letters. Publicity had been thorough
The team arrived in Kibeho at 1:00 a.m., settled into executive accommodation, and awaited the next day in anticipation.
Spiritual Encounters at Kibeho
On 27th August, after breakfast, members gathered to receive the program
A profound three-hour Rosary followed, culminating at the Blessed Water site, where pilgrims drew water sanctified by the Virgin Mary herself.
Lunch was taken quickly in preparation for Holy Mass. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Rev. Fr. Benedict and Rev. Fr. Mugabe Cleophas, ended with the sprinkling of blessed water—a Rwandan custom rooted in the Marian apparitions to Alphonsine Mumureke, Anathalie Mukamazimpaka, and Marie Claire Mukangango. Pilgrims often testify to perceiving the fragrance of roses during prayer, a sign of the Blessed Virgin’s presence. The facilitators conducted powerful sessions, deepening pilgrims’ understanding of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, the nature of spiritual attacks, how blessings may be blocked, and how God communicates through dreams.
Many pilgrims testified to experiencing Mary’s gift of healing. The evening concluded with personal meditation in the Apparition Chapel, the Main Church, and other holy sites
Day of Fasting, Prayer, and Shrines
On Thursday morning, pilgrims adored the Blessed Sacrament and participated in Holy Mass
The Mass was described as a direct passage to God, uniting pilgrims with the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Mother. Fasting was embraced as a personal devotion, recognizing that prayer and fasting are the two most powerful weapons against the devil. The group later appeared on Pacis TV for live coverage,
before proceeding to the Archangel Michael Shrine. Here, pilgrims felt the mystical presence of all the heavenly choirs—Archangels, Guardian Angels, Cherubim, Seraphim, Virtues, Principalities, Powers, and Thrones—mingling with them, with Archangel Michael playing a special role
From there, the group visited the Divine Mercy Shrine, where the Chaplet of Divine Mercy was prayerfully recited. Pilgrims implored God’s mercy in various postures of devotion
Encounters continued with moments of penance, prayers to the Holy Spirit, and connections with saints such as Padre Pio and Pope John Paul II
At Bethlehem, prayers were raised for blessings of children, marriages, and holy families modeled on the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
The Way of the Cross and Return
Later that day, the faithful embarked on a solemn four-hour Way of the Cross, reliving the Passion of Christ and burying their iniquities at Calvary
Rising with Him symbolized a rebirth into new life.
As the pilgrimage concluded, sad news reached the group: the passing of the Deputy Headmistress’ father. Out of respect, the departure time was adjusted to 4:00 a.m.
The pilgrims returned to Uganda, their hearts filled with renewed faith, singing hymns of praise to God.
All in all The Kibeho Pilgrimage of Hope 2025 was a profound journey of spiritual renewal. Staff members of Immaculate Heart Girls’ School returned transformed—stronger in faith, more united in spirit, and deeply rooted in their devotion to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Excelsior! For God and My Country.