News and Events

Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), 02/16/2025, Sr. Viviane COMPAORE.- The year 2025 marks a major historic milestone for the Catholic Church in Burkina Faso, which celebrates 125 years of evangelization. Announced in all parishes of the country at Christmas 2022, the celebration began in January 2023 and was structured around the theme: “Church, Family of God in Burkina Faso: 125 Years of Evangelization, Assessment of Pastoral Options, and Perspectives for a New Beginning.”

Since the opening of the jubilee, numerous activities have taken place in the various dioceses of the country to commemorate this event. Among them, we can highlight:

• Solemn Eucharistic celebrations in all parishes and dioceses.
• Colloquia and conferences on the history and future of evangelization in Burkina Faso.
• Pilgrimages and spiritual retreats to strengthen the faith of the faithful.
• Charitable actions in favor of the poor.
• The Year of the Laity (2022–2023), followed by the Year of the Priesthood, then the Jubilee of Consecrated Life and Catechists.
• Concerts and cultural events showcasing the richness of Christian religious and musical heritage.
• Interreligious meetings to promote dialogue and peace among the different religious denominations.
• An initial closing pilgrimage in the Archdiocese of Koupela, the land that welcomed the first missionaries to set foot in Burkina Faso.

The Jubilee of the 125 Years of Evangelization in Burkina Faso concluded with a major event held in Yagma, an important Marian pilgrimage site in the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou. A large number of Catholic faithful took part in the pilgrimage. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of His Holiness Pope Francis, surrounded by numerous bishops from Burkina Faso and abroad. The celebration gathered thousands of believers from across the country to give thanks to God for 125 years of evangelization. It was a time of prayer and praise, marking the end of the celebrations and a recognition of the blessings received during this long jubilee journey.

Lifelong Christians shared testimonies recounting the history of the Church in Burkina Faso, their personal journeys of faith, and the fruits brought by evangelization throughout the country. Burkinabe culture was also highlighted through traditional dances and religious songs, symbolizing the harmonious integration of Christian faith into the local culture. A call was made for unity among Christians—Catholics and Protestants alike—and for solidarity among the different religious communities, to contribute to peace and stability in the nation. The active participation of youth was also noteworthy, as they played a significant role in both liturgical and cultural activities.

This Jubilee celebration has helped strengthen ties among Christians and has served as a reminder of the Church's essential role in the areas of social justice, peacebuilding, education, and healthcare. It marks a new beginning, with the desire to continue working for the well-being of the people of Burkina Faso while remaining faithful to the mission of proclaiming the Good News.