Diébougou, Burkina Faso New Foundation at Bafor eMule xex

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Construction of the New Monastery

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A Monastery for the Diocese of Diebougou

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 will be the first monastic foundation in the Diocese, and the seventh house of religious. 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.
	The Diocese of Diébougou is situated in the South West of Burkina Faso. This is the least developed part of the country, although proximity to Ivory Coast, Ghana and Bénin offer many possibilities. There is a relatively good level of rainfall.
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.

Life of the Founding Sisters

The two sisters who arrived in January 2001 were joined by two others in October 2002, and since October, 2003, they have been six. The small community (5 african and 1 french sister) live in a house in the centre of Diébougou. They are following closely the construction of the first part of the new Monastery at Bafor (about 24km from Diébougou in the direction of Ouagadougou). Already, they are beginning to cultivate part of the land there and hope to move in when the first part of the building is completed.

The sisters are getting to know the local people and to discover their customs. They are adapting to the climate which can be very hot (30° to 40°C most of the time), and are trying to avoid malaria. Mastering one or other local language is also important so that they can really integrate into the local culture which they already greatly appreciate. They have also begun raising a few animals - sheep, goats, chickens.

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