Catholic Bishops in Mali Cancel 2025 National Marian Pilgrimage, Cite Transportation Challenges

Bamako, 12 November, 2025 / 6:31 PM

Catholic Bishops in Mali have announced the cancellation of the 54th National Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Kita, initially scheduled for November 29-30, citing irregular fuel supply that is likely to affect transportation of pilgrims.

In a statement issued Tuesday, November 11, members of the Episcopal Conference of Mali (CEM) note that their decision was made “after careful reflection, prayer, and a sense of pastoral responsibility” to ensure the well-being of pilgrims.

“As every year, our Church was preparing with fervor to celebrate the National Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Kita — a privileged moment of faith, fraternal communion, and offering for our country,” CEM members say in the statement shared with ACI Africa.

However, the Catholic Church leaders say, “in view of the current circumstances our nation is facing — particularly the difficulties related to the transportation of pilgrims due to irregular fuel supply — and after careful reflection, the Bishops of Mali have decided to cancel the 2025 National Pilgrimage to Kita.”

“This decision, born of prayer and a sense of responsibility, expresses the pastoral concern of the Bishops for the well-being of the entire People of God,” CEM members say.

The Catholic Bishops say that while the gathering will not take place this year, Catholics are encouraged to observe the pilgrimage period with personal prayer.

“We do not wish to interrupt the spiritual momentum that animates this great gathering of prayer for Mali. Therefore, we invite every faithful to live a time of prayer and communion around the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Mali, during the period initially planned for the pilgrimage,” the Bishops say.

They express their “deep gratitude” to the Archdiocese of Bamako, the organizing Diocese of this year’s edition, “for the work already accomplished”, and encourage the Diocese to continue preparations for the next pilgrimage “in the same spirit of faith and dedication.”

The CEM members also thank the Government of Mali for its “constant support and the efforts it makes each year to ensure the success of the Kita Pilgrimage.”

“May the fervent prayer of each one be an intercession for peace, unity, and prosperity in our country. May the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Mali, intercede for our country, so that the Lord may grant all His children peace, unity, and hope,” the Catholic Bishops implore.

Every November, thousands of pilgrims from across West Africa converge in the small town of Kita, located about 150 kilometers west of Bamako, Mali’s capital, to honor Our Lady of Kita. The clay image of the Virgin Mary was crafted by a lay brother who worked alongside the country’s first missionaries.

Pilgrimages to venerate Our Lady of Kita began in 1970 and have since been held annually during the last week of November. 

These gatherings have long served as moments of dialogue and fraternity, fostering peaceful interaction and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims in Mali.