Burkina Faso-Niger: Bishops call for strengthening Small Christian Communities

Yvette Hien – Burkina Faso

At the end of their meeting, the bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger issued a final communiqué, in which they praised the testimony of faithful Christians who, despite security challenges, continue to live and practice their faith with courage and hope.

Peace as a pastoral concern

During their plenary assembly, the bishops expressed the importance of promoting peace across the Sahel region. They took time to participate in an award ceremony for the fifth edition of the “Journalism Contest for Peace and Social Cohesion.”

The media contest, “Prix du Journalisme pour la Paix et la Cohésion Sociale,” is organised by the Sahel Peace Initiative. The annual award honours media professionals whose reporting promote dialogue, coexistence, and social cohesion in a region facing numerous security challenges.

Restoring Small Christian Communities

The bishops of Burkina Faso and Niger further reflected on the importance of Small Christian Communities, which they see as a fundamental pillar of the Church-Family of God in Africa. While acknowledging the efforts already made in dioceses and parishes, they called on priests, religious men and women, consecrated persons, and lay faithful to strengthen their support to make SCCs true places of communion, formation, and mission.

Preserving the Church’s memory

During their discussions, the bishops appreciated the progress made in the Church’s archiving mission in Burkina Faso and Niger. This project aims to safeguard the historical, spiritual, and pastoral heritage of the Catholic communities in both countries.

They encouraged all those with skills or resources to support the archiving initiative. Passing down the history of evangelisation to future generations, they said, is an imperative that all must carry.

125 years of Catholic education

The plenary assembly also announced celebrations for the 125th anniversary of Catholic education scheduled for 2026. The bishops paid tribute to generations of educators, religious men and women, and laypeople who have contributed to the formation of thousands of young people over the past century.

They expressed gratitude to the Burkinabè government for its support of Catholic institutions and invited all educational stakeholders to make this jubilee a time of reflection, and renewed commitment to serving youth.

The closing Mass in

The closing Mass of the bishops’ plenary assembly was celebrated in a spirit of communion with the universal Church and for the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. The prayers for the Pope are in keeping with the annual tradition of praying for the Pope in Burkina Faso on 29 June -feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

During the Mass, the bishops not only prayed for the Pope’s ministry but also for the Church’s mission in Burkina Faso and Niger as well as the aspirations of the peoples for peace, security, and hope.