Casablanca: In communion with the Church of Burkina Faso, the Burkinabe Christian community residing in Morocco fervently celebrated the 125th anniversary of the evangelization of Burkina Faso on July 12 in Casablanca, in an atmosphere of faith, gratitude, and fraternity.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event took place at the Notre-Dame de Lourdes Church in Casablanca, in a fervent and fraternal atmosphere. This celebration is part of the jubilee initiated in Burkina Faso to mark a century and a quarter of Christian settlement, since the arrival of the first missionaries in 1900 in Koup©la in the center-east of the country. In Casablanca, the Burkinabe diaspora was keen to take part in this collective memory through a special liturgy and gestures of communion with the nation.
The celebration was marked by the active participation of the Burkinabe community in Morocco, including the delegation of the High Council of Burkinabe Abroad in Morocco (HCBE Morocco), members of the Association of Burkinabe Students and Trainees in Morocco (AEBM) as well as those of the Association of Burkinabe Workers Residing in Morocco (ATBRM).
A 30-minute adoration-praise before the Blessed Sacrament before Mass immersed the event’s participants in a climate of meditation and prayer for Burkina Faso. After this, the Jubilee Eucharistic celebration took place. The highlight of this celebration was the symbolic entrance procession, illustrating the passage through the Holy Door, under the theme of the universal jubilee proclaimed by Pope Francis: “Pilgrims of Hope.” It was in this spirit that the community reaffirmed its commitment to walk with faith toward a Burkina Faso of peace and prosperity.
The jubilee mass, presided over by the local clergy, was marked by the remarkable presence of His Excellency Monsignor D’Ercole Giovanni, Italian Bishop Emeritus in residence in Casablanca and His Excellency Mamadou Coulibaly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Burkina Faso to Morocco, accompanied by his wife, thus testifying to the official support and national communion around this commemoration.
In his homily, the main celebrant recalled the fruits of 125 years of evangelization: conversions, social and educational works, priestly and religious vocations, and above all, the living hope of a Christian people on the move, despite current trials, particularly insecurity in the Sahel region. He then challenged the faithful to make Faso a true Burkina in order to deserve their name of Burkinabe.
In memory of the missionaries of Africa who paved the way for the proclamation of the Gospel, a solemn prayer of consecration of Burkina Faso to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was pronounced at the end of the celebration, invoking peace for the country and the Sahel region.
In a show of solidarity, a special collection was organized during the celebration to benefit the Faso Mebo presidential initiative, led by His Excellency the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©. This contribution demonstrates the patriotism of the Burkinabe diaspora and their commitment to Faso’s major development projects.
At the end of the celebration, a family photo immortalized this historic meeting. The festivities continued with joy and sharing around a buffet of traditional Burkinabe dishes, strengthening community ties in a spirit of solidarity and reunion.
This day of commemoration allowed the Burkinabe Christian diaspora in Morocco to connect spiritually with their religious history and their country of origin.