History of the Foundation

Community life

After having visited different countries, the Order decided to respond to the invitation of Mgr Jean Baptiste Somé who wished to have a monastic foundation in his diocese of Diébougou in Burkina Faso. It is the first monastic foundation in the Diocese. Although the Church is very alive, with many priests and lay people committed to the spread of the Gospel, it is still in its infancy. More than half the population are animists. The sisters have received a warm welcome, even if monastic life is not yet well known. The Bishop has been very encouraging, and they have received much help from priests and lay people.

In January 2001, two sisters settled in a small house in the town of Diébougou and began to look for suitable land where they could eventually build a monastery.

Such land was found at Bafor, and negotiations began to acquire it in 2002. Over the past few years more of the land has been cultivated and the more building has been added to the monastery.

The new community celebrate the Divine Office and the Eucharist in their chapel. Several Christians join them in these celebrations. For major feasts all gather at the Cathedral in Bafor.

In a simple but open way the sisters offer welcome and peace to those who wish, with the building of the Guest house in Bafor the sisters hope to develop this hosoitality on a larger scale. We already welcome a number of young girls who are searching for God in their lives.

In 2009 links have been developed with a parish in Ansdell, Blackpool. As part of their centenary they have helped the community in Burkina and hope to develop further ties with the Bernardines. Click for more information on this link. St Joseph's Ansdell

Burkina and St. Joseph's

St Joseph's Ansdell