Ouagadougou: The Parish of Saint Albert the Great in Koup©la hosted the Chrism Mass and the blessing of holy oil on the morning of Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The Mass was celebrated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Koup©la, Bishop Gabriel Sayaogo, and brought together priests and nuns from the Diocese of Koup©la and Catholic faithful.

According to Burkina Information Agency, during the Chrism Mass, which served as the blessing of holy oil, the following were blessed: “Oil for the Infirm or Sick,” “Oil for Catechumens,” and “Holy Cream.”

According to the Archbishop of Koup©la, Mgr. Gabriel Sayaogo, the first of these is the Oil for the Infirm or Sick, which is used to administer the sacrament to the sick, to comfort all those who suffer physically, and to show them the closeness of the Church, which shares in their suffering.

According to him, the second is used to anoint catechumens and give them the strength of Christ so they can walk with fervor in the daily struggles of life.

“The third, which is Holy Cream, is used for baptisms, ordinations, and confirmations,” he explained.

For Father Jean Didier Oubda, parish priest of Saint Albert the Great in Koup©la, “As recommended by the Church, each diocese or bishop is required to choose, before Easter, an appropriate time to gather its priests and celebrate this Chrism Mass and the blessing of holy oil.”

He wished in advance a fruitful and joyous Easter to the Catholic faithful of Burkina Faso and elsewhere.