Our Lady of Peace Basilica hosts prayer night on 30 October

Our Lady of Peace Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame de la Paix) in Yamoussoukro hosted The Night of 1,000 Hail Marys on 30 October 2026, an overnight prayer programme organised at the church in Côte d'Ivoire. The basilica announced meditation on the Rosary, praise and a Eucharistic celebration from 6pm on 30 October to 6am on 31 October.

The Night of 1,000 Hail Marys ran overnight

The programme was presented as the closing event for October, the month dedicated to the Rosary. The official basilica announcement named the venue, the Friday start date and the Saturday morning finish, making the event a current religious programme rather than a general reference to regular worship.

The schedule included Rosary meditation, praise and a Eucharistic celebration. The overnight format placed the prayer programme across 30 and 31 October 2026, within the current visit period for travellers considering a pilgrimage stop in Yamoussoukro.

The event was organised by the basilica, whose rector is Father Geoffroy Kouadio Kouakou. Its official programme announcement identifies both the church and the event date.

Prayer programme links to the basilica's role

The overnight programme reflects the building's continuing use as a place of worship, pilgrimage and visitor interest. The Diocese of Abidjan describes the church as a Marian shrine and says that its doors are open to people of different religions, cultures and philosophies, while stressing the respect required during liturgical ceremonies.

The church was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 10 September 1990. Its first stone was laid on 2 February 1986, construction began in July 1986 and the work was completed in September 1989. The building was made to plans by architect Pierre Fakhoury, while pastoral and spiritual responsibility was entrusted to the Pallottine Fathers, as set out by the Diocese of Abidjan profile.

Those dates give the 30 October prayer night a clear place in the site's history: it took place in a church consecrated 36 years earlier, but within the same continuing religious function described by the diocese. The programme therefore connected an overnight visitor event with the building's established identity as a sanctuary and pilgrimage centre.

Yamoussoukro prayer night marks October's close

The official notice framed The Night of 1,000 Hail Marys as a conclusion to the October Rosary observance. It listed prayer, praise and Eucharistic worship rather than a concert, commercial gathering or private reception.

For visitors, the distinction matters. The programme concerned participation in religious activities at the basilica itself, while ordinary sightseeing and pilgrimage use remain separate from the overnight schedule. The announcement did not describe a special exhibition, a change to the building or a permanent alteration to access.

Visiting Our Lady of Peace Basilica: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The Night of 1,000 Hail Marys took place at the basilica from 6pm on 30 October 2026 to 6am on 31 October 2026.
• The announced programme consisted of Rosary meditation, praise and a Eucharistic celebration; visitors attending religious activities should follow the site's expectations for respectful conduct and appropriate dress.
• The official address is Place de la Basilique in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. The church is in the city identified by its basilica name and is a pilgrimage and visitor site.
• French is the official language used in the diocesan information, and the national currency is the West African CFA franc.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Our Lady of Peace Basilica

When did The Night of 1,000 Hail Marys take place?

The overnight programme began at 6pm on 30 October 2026 and ended at 6am on 31 October 2026.

What is Our Lady of Peace Basilica?

It is a Marian shrine and Catholic church in Yamoussoukro, consecrated by Pope John Paul II on 10 September 1990.

Where is Our Lady of Peace Basilica and how do you get there?

The church is at Place de la Basilique in Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire. The official information identifies Yamoussoukro as the location but does not specify a Western European transport route.