DORI – The Diocese of Dori welcomed two new priests into its fold this Saturday at the Sainte Anne Cathedral, as Bishop Laurent Bifioré Dabiré conducted the ordination of Patrickmary A. Dike and Daniel Madiéga. The ceremony was notable for its attendance by prominent religious and community leaders, including the Grand Imam of Dori, El Hadj Mamoudou Yaya Cissé.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ordination event drew a diverse crowd that included Catholic faithful from across the diocese, relatives and friends of the ordained, local administrative authorities, and members of the Muslim community. Bishop Dabiré outlined the mission of the priesthood as being ambassadors of Christ, tasked with preaching the good news, justice, peace, and fostering reconciliation among people. He emphasized the importance of social cohesion, which he said is rooted in God’s plan.

In his guidance to the new priests, Bishop Dabiré highlighted the challenges and necessities of their roles in the Sahel, urging them to be energetic, welcoming, courageous, and resilient. Complementing the bishop’s message, the Grand Imam, Mamoudou Yaya Cissé, called on the new priests to be agents of peace, social cohesion, and interreligious dialogue.

The ceremony also featured remarks from Lieutenant-Colonel Fabien Rodolphe Sorgho, the governor of the Sahel region, who expressed his hopes for the priests’ successful careers in serving both the nation and the Catholic Church. The newly ordained priests, Dike and Madiéga, expressed their gratitude to God, their families, friends, and mentors, and committed to faithfully fulfilling their priestly duties.