A widely visited Catholic prayer center in southern Rwanda, known as the Shrine of Jesus of Divine Mercy (Ingoro ya Yezu Nyirimpuhwe), has been temporarily closed by the government, sparking dismay among worshippers and raising broader concerns about religious freedoms in the country.
In an official letter dated Saturday, Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, head of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), informed Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa of the Kabgayi Diocese that the center’s monthly and annual prayer gatherings were suspended “to allow for the development of measures to ensure the safety of worshippers.”
“We hereby inform you that monthly and annual prayer gatherings at the shrine have been temporarily suspended until proper safety measures are put in place to prevent incidents that may endanger worshippers,” the letter reads.
The announcement has upset many faithful. One Catholic pilgrim who regularly attended prayers at the site told the BBC, on condition of anonymity, that the decision was deeply distressing. “This really hurt me. They fail to shut down places of evil and instead close down places where people find healing,” the person said in a written message.
The shrine, located in Ruhango District, has attracted thousands of pilgrims from across Rwanda and neighboring countries. Many visitors claim to have experienced spiritual and even physical healing during the intense prayer sessions held there.
The RGB cited safety and logistical concerns as the main reasons for the closure. According to the agency, a recent gathering held on Sunday, April 27, resulted in overcrowding and caused accidents in which several people were injured.
The closure of the Ruhango shrine follows the suspension last week of another religious organization, Grace Room Ministries, led by Pastor Julienne Kabanda. The RGB stated that the church was engaged in activities that contradicted its officially registered objectives.
Neither Pastor Kabanda nor her ministry have publicly responded to the government’s decision.
This is not the first time the Rwandan government has moved to regulate religious activities. Last year, over 8,000 churches, mosques, and other places of worship were shut down across the country. Authorities cited concerns over structural safety, noise pollution, and public order. Some of those institutions have since been allowed to reopen after making the required adjustments.
Critics argue that the closures reflect a broader pattern of limited freedom of expression and strict state control over civil society in Rwanda. While the majority of Rwandans identify as Christians, many also follow traditional spiritual practices.
In February of this year, the Ruhango Shrine of Jesus of Divine Mercy was officially recognized by the global Divine Mercy network, placing it among the world’s authorized sites for the devotion.
As of now, Bishop Ntivuguruzwa has not issued a public comment on the matter. The faithful, meanwhile, await clarification on when or whether they will be allowed to return to one of Rwanda’s most significant pilgrimage sites.
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