BURKINA FASO

On October 7, 1999, a team of Clerics of Saint Viator, including one Haitian and four Canadians, took a bold and determined leap toward a new missionary adventure in West Africa. After a 24-hour journey, they arrived in Ouagadougou, the country’s capital, where they discovered a new culture, different customs, traditional dress, and a very different climate. One member recalls the team’s declaration: “In the name of Christ, let us open the ways of the Gospel!”

After twenty-six years of presence in this very welcoming and warm country, yes, we can say that paths flavored by the Gospel are open before us and that, evidently, the Lord went ahead of us. The community currently includes 37 African religious, one Canadian religious, one Haitian religious, three novices, and three postulants.

Thanks to the support of the Viators of Canada and other countries, several NGOs, parents, friends, and benefactors, we are now responsible for four high schools (Lycées) bringing together 4,575 learners for this 2025-2026 school year in Ouagadougou, Saaba, Banfora, Boassa, and Bagré. In 2004, the Bishop of Banfora also entrusted us with the care of a new parish named after our patron saint. Since 2020, a residence for Viatorian students was built in Saaba, which also welcomes other religious and diocesan priests in training at various universities in the capital.

In the suburbs of the capital, in Bagraogo, a novitiate and a reception center were established in January 2025 for formation and to serve the needs of the community and local residents.

After only a century of evangelization, the “Church-Family” is well established in this West African country. It is vibrant, dynamic, and inculturated into local customs. For example, in Burkina Faso, it is customary to ask visitors for “the news” after offering the traditional glass of water. News is shared while seated. This custom also applies to Eucharistic celebrations where, at the moment of the Gospel reading, the congregation is invited to sit down to listen to the Good News.

In Africa, it is important to celebrate our faith with beauty and joy. Time does not matter. This is why, during the liturgy, there are often traditional dances and processions accompanied by rhythmic songs supported by the sounds of djembes, balafons, koras, and xylophones. Often, there are as many people outside the church as inside due to a lack of space.

Yes! In the name of Christ, the journey traveled gives reason to hope for the continued Viatorian mission in the “Land of Upright Men.” Whether in the arid soil of the north or the green granary of the south, the hearts of this population remain receptive, welcoming, and open to the Word of God as lived, deepened, and celebrated. Undoubtedly, looking at the vitality of the Church-Family in Burkina Faso (priestly, male, and female vocations) and the dedicated mothers and fathers serving as catechists, a certain permanence is taking shape for the future of the evangelization mission in Burkina Faso.