A report from our communities in Burkina Faso
The festivities started in 2023 found us finally on February 16, 2025, at the Shrine of Notre Dame de Yagma. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by Pope Francis’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The theme was “The Church, Family of God in Burkina Faso: 125 Years of Evangelization, Assessment of Pastoral Options, and Prospects for a New Beginning.”
The faithful came from all over the country, as well as delegations from other countries. Archbishop Jean-Paul Vesco of Algiers, created cardinal a few months ago, came with a 13-member delegation. A Missionary of Africa, Father Guy Sawadogo, a young M. Afr in training, a sister of the Immaculate Conception from Ouagadougou, and another sister of the Annunciation from Bobo-Dioulasso were part of the convoy.
“A great field to harvest, a vineyard to gather, God now calls for his harvest! A great field to harvest, a vineyard to gather, God now calls his workers. Toward the land where you sowed the desire for light, lead us, Lord.”
With this mission song, we experienced a great event with the Family of God Church in Burkina Faso, which celebrated 125 years of its evangelization. What joy for the sons and daughters of Cardinal Lavigerie who gave their lives for the mission in Africa!
We were touched by Cardinal Pietro’s homily, which delivered a message of gratitude from the Pope to Burkina Faso and to the faithful for being men and women who put their faith in God. He paid tribute to the memory of Cardinal Lavigerie and his missionaries through whom evangelization came to Burkina Faso. He rejoiced in this evangelization, which has borne much fruit and enabled the Church to continue its mission.
In 1895, the first Missionaries of Africa arrived in Burkina Faso. The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa arrived a few years later. These missionaries, bearing a message of peace, hope, and salvation, faced a complex reality: a country unfamiliar with Christian teachings, steeped in diverse beliefs and cultural practices.
The first missionaries were welcomed by the king of Koupela on January 23, 1900. He asked them who they were and what their weapon of war was. They replied that they were missionaries who came to bring the Good News of salvation and peace. Their weapon was the Word of God.
The White Sisters played a vital role in different areas such as the education of girls, the opening of hospitals and clinics, the health school, and the formation of local religious congregations.
This allowed the faithful to understand the role played by the missionaries in the founding of the Church in Burkina Faso and the founding of different congregations, among others, the SICO, the SAB, the Brothers of the Holy Family and the Sisters of Our Lady of the Lake.
To mark this day, we wore the habit of our first sisters at the request of the diocese.
During the celebration, we, the sisters, and the White Fathers led the procession of the Word of God to deliver it to the Burkinabe faithful. People were truly surprised to see us and encouraged us to wear our old habits again.
In the end the Cardinal blessed Burkina Faso with multiple graces and implored God’s mercy for the return of peace to the land of upright people and to other countries experiencing a security crisis. The bishop recalled that celebrating these 125 years of evangelization is a path of reconciliation, an examination of conscience for a new beginning, and a moment of thanksgiving to God.
He emphasized that the Jubilee celebration is certainly over, but everyone must imprint it in their hearts and continue to sing the wonders of God.
On February 18, Christians were invited to the cathedral, the Mother Church, to spend time with Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
At 10:00 a.m., the church was already filled with numerous dignitaries: religious men and women, catechists, government officials, lay people, press agents, and so many others that I could not possibly list them all. The church was full and very quiet. The people awaited the arrival of Cardinal Pietro Parolin with great patience and hope. He was surrounded by archbishops and bishops.
The theme of the Synod was realized: Walking together in communion, participation, and mission. This thoughtfulness in finding time to be with and interact with people was a sign of respect and consideration, and a reflection that demonstrates the dignity accorded to the people of Burkina Faso.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke on the importance of Consecrated Life in the Church. How grateful the Church is for all religious men and women who serve the Church through their commitments.
Consecrated Life gives the Church a face of love and mercy.
Cardinal Pietro also spoke of diocesan priests, encouraging them to live in community for a better sharing of life in order to meet their challenges together. He also invited consecrated persons to achieve integral maturity for a better Consecrated Life. It takes mature women and men in the faith for the mission to bear fruit. His speech was delivered with simplicity, true respect and humility, like a true shepherd speaking to his sheep.
May the Lord always walk with his people here in Burkina Faso and strengthen them in faith!
