Burkina Faso

 
 

During the THIRD week of February we listen to the heart of the world and hold the Sisters of St. Joseph and the people of BURKINA FASO in our prayer.

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa. It covers an area of around 274,200 square kilometres (105,900 sq mi) and is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north; Niger to the east; Benin to the southeast; Togo and Ghana to the south; and Ivory Coast to the southwest. Its capital is Ouagadougou. In 2014 its population was estimated at just over 17.3 million. French is an official language of government and business. Formerly called the Republic of Upper Volta (1958-1984), the country was renamed "Burkina Faso" on 4 August 1984 by then-President Thomas Sankara. The citizens of Burkina Faso are known as Burkinabé. (from Wikipedia)

Population: 18.6 million

Burkina Faso, which means "land of honest men", has significant reserves of gold, but the country has faced domestic and external concern over the state of its economy and human rights. It has suffered from recurring droughts and military coups.

Presently 19 Sisters of St. Joseph serve in Burkina Faso, ministering in retreat centres, a hostel for girls, schools, a social centre with clinic, an Educational and Nutritious Centre, in pastoral work and at an orphanage. (Information from CSJ UN/NGO)

Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon

In 1957, many religious congregations responded to the encyclical of Pius XII "Fidei donum" by sending missionaries throughout Africa.

In 1959, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Bourg-en-Bresse sent four Sisters to Tougan, Diocese of Nouna, Upper Volta, Burkina Faso today.

In 1999, the West Africa Region was created. At present, the Sisters of St Joseph of Lyon work in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. In Burkina Faso they serve in Ouagadougou, Dédougou, and Zaba. In 2009, they celebrated fifty years of presence in Burkina Faso, with confidence that the seed, thrown into the ground so long ago, will continue to bear fruit. (Information from the Lyon web site)

Other Congregations with Sisters serving or have served in Burkina Faso:

  • The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, U.S.A.

  • The Sisters of St. Joseph of Aosta, Italy