Catholic Community Bids Farewell to Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo in Ouagadougou

Ouagadougou – The Catholic community of Burkina Faso gathered on Saturday to bid farewell to Cardinal Philippe Ouédraogo during a retirement thanksgiving mass at the Ouagadougou Cathedral. The 78-year-old Cardinal, renowned for his deep faith and leadership, was celebrated for his decades of service to the Church and the community.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the mass was a heartfelt event that recognized Cardinal Ouédraogo’s contributions and his role as an unwavering spiritual guide. The Cardinal, who followed in the footsteps of the late Cardinal Paul Zoungrana, saw his resignation due to age limits accepted by Pope Francis, marking the end of an era for the Church in Burkina Faso. The thanksgiving mass on November 25, 2023, was attended by hundreds of faithful, including priests, officials, and representatives from other religions.

Aristide K. Théodore Malgoubri, president of the Diocesan Council of the Laity, hailed Cardinal Ouédraogo as an exceptional figure who dedicated his life to faith and community service. Malgoubri praised the Cardinal for fostering the Church’s growth in responsibility and maturity and highlighted his compassionate efforts, especially towards disadvantaged people. He also commended Cardinal Ouédraogo’s commitment to interreligious dialogue and tolerance.

Father Sébastien Pouya, speaking for the consecrated persons of the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou, expressed gratitude for the Cardinal’s fraternal concern and consistent support. Similarly, Father Etienne Nana, representing the priests of the Diocese of Ouagadougou, thanked the Cardinal for his missionary zeal and close collaboration with his colleagues.

Cardinal Ouédraogo, reflecting on his 50 years in priesthood, including 14 as bishop and 9 as Cardinal, attributed all his achievements to the mercy of God. He emphasized the importance of relying on God rather than worldly possessions and expressed gratitude to the Lord and his community. He also sought forgiveness for his limitations and any incomplete or inadequately executed projects.

The representative of the Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina, Boya Johnny, acknowledged Cardinal Ouédraogo as a servant who led believers with his actions and gestures. He noted that the Cardinal’s mission will continue as he remains a collaborator of the Pope until the age of 80.

The installation of Monsignor Justin Kontiébo as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Ouagadougou is scheduled for December 16, 2023, marking a new chapter for the Catholic Church in the region.