CONCAO News

The Capuchin mission in Burkina Faso is preparing to celebrate its silver jubilee next September. Twenty-five years of evangelical presence have been marked by simplicity, poverty, and fraternity, following in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi. Over the years, the Capuchin Friars Minors have taken root in this Burkinabe land, sharing the joys and sorrows of a suffering people, humbly carrying the light of the Gospel. The fraternity of Bissiga, located in a rural area in the east of the country, is a powerful testament to this missionary commitment. Despite the challenges of insecurity, it embodies a poor Church, serving and close to the people. A YOUNG PARISH WITH REMARKABLE PASTORAL DYNAMISM Forty-five kilometers from Tenkodogo, the parish of Saint Padre Pio in Bissiga was born in a difficult rural context, yet it shines with its dynamism. It brings together approximately 11,500 faithful, spread across nine sub-stations and 48 Basic Christian Communities (BCCs). Although Zaoré is the local language, celebrations are held in Mooré, fostering pastoral unity. The parish is entrusted to the Fraternity of Saint Padre Pio, composed of three Capuchin friars deeply rooted in the mission. Brother Vianney, Brother Corneille, and Brother Ambroise form a close-knit fraternal team, combining experience, youth, and evangelical simplicity. Together, they ensure pastoral care, outreach to families, support for church groups, and daily fraternal service. Their shared witness gives the local Church a tangible face of tenderness, fidelity, and availability. MISSION AMIDST THREATS SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT The parish has operated in a climate of constant threat, linked to the growing insecurity in the country. But the year 2025 marked a turning point. On January 7, 14 volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland were murdered in Gounghin, one of the substations. In April, Zânkugdo and Pissalin were also hit. On April 26, exchanges of fire between soldiers and armed groups took place a few steps from the parish center. Despite these trials, the Capuchin friars of Bissiga remained steadfast, refusing to give in to fear. Faithful to their vocation as pastors, they continued catechesis, visits to the sick, and celebrations, often in perilous conditions. At the Easter Vigil, 79 adults received the sacraments of Christian initiation, in a climate of faith and spiritual resistance. A Forced Exodus, a Mission Continued With the security situation becoming critical, the diocesan administration ordered the evacuation of the parish at the end of April. Nearly 95% of the population fled Bissiga, often on foot, with what little they could carry. The brothers, supported by the local population, also left the parish center, with heavy hearts but peace of mind. Taking refuge in Tenkodogo, they did not abandon their people. On May 8, a mass brought together the displaced people of Bissiga. Pastoral care continued. The children were prepared and then received the sacraments of Christian initiation at the cathedral from the hands of Bishop David Koudougou, the new bishop of the diocese. Moved by their missionary zeal, Bishop Koudougou entrusted the brothers with new missions: running the diocesan pastoral center, participating in the life of the cathedral parish, and providing spiritual support to the displaced. A FRATERNITY, A WITNESS TO FIDELITY AND HOPE The Fraternity of Saint Padre Pio, even in exile, remains at the service of the people of God. Its history is that of a Church that refuses to be silent, of a Gospel proclaimed in tears but with invincible hope. Despite insecurity, human losses, massive displacement, and uncertainty, the brothers have chosen to remain close to their people, rooted in prayer, alive in fraternity, and creative in their service. Even today, they carry Bissiga in their hearts. Their silence is prayer, their commitment is light, and their presence is hope. In the face of violence, they respond with God’s tenderness. In the face of chaos, they build bridges of peace and consolation. They appeal to us: “Keep us in your prayers, so that the light of Christ may continue to shine, even in the heart of darkness.”   In summary, Bissiga’s story is part of the broader story of the Capuchin mission in Burkina Faso, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this September. Twenty-five years of proclaiming the Gospel in simplicity, twenty-five years of fraternal life among the poor, twenty-five years of fidelity to the missionary spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. In Bissiga, this fidelity took the form of brothers standing firm in the storm, standing in solidarity with a displaced people, sowers of hope in the heart of the night. Their presence, even in exile, reminds us that the Gospel does not fade under threat: it becomes light in the darkness, tenderness in pain, perseverance in trial. In this Jubilee season, the Fraternity of Saint Padre Pio reminds us, through its silent but eloquent witness that the mission continues, that hope endures, and that evangelical fraternity is stronger than fear. Contact person: Addresses: Peace and Goodness! August 11, 2025 By Bro. Narcise Yoda, OFMCap