Dissihn: The parish of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Dissihn celebrated, with great fervor, on Sunday, November 23, the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, the Feast of the First Fruits of the Harvest, and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Marshall Order in the community. While the Feast of the First Fruits marked the day, the 10th anniversary of the Marshall Order was the highlight.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Marshall Order movement, born in Ghana, was introduced to Dissihn on November 18, 2015, when thirteen young people were initiated into it by leaders from the neighboring country.
In his homily, Father Bekouone Thomas Dakin Hien reminded the congregation that Christ, King of the Universe, exercised a reign founded on service to humanity, even unto death on the cross. Referring to the two thieves crucified beside him, he drew a parallel with the mission of the Marshall Order, committed to charity, social justice, solidarity, and the formation of Christian leaders. The movement's motto, "Love and Serve," perfectly embodies the spirit of the day's Gospel reading.
Father Dakin, who joined the Order in 2003 in Ghana and has been its chaplain since 2021, recalled that November 18 is celebrated as Founders' Day.
In Dissihn, the movement is organized into several sections. The men's council (119) is led by "Grand Knight" Waale Gnourbehivou Francis Somda, for a non-renewable two-year term. The women's court (115) is led by "Noble Lady" Tizasso Blandine Dabire, also for a two-year term. The movement also includes troops of young boys and girls. The founder of the Order, "Sir" James Marshall of Ghana, now deceased, is recognized as the initiator of this spiritual and social work.
The celebration was enhanced by a large delegation from Ghana, whose mastery of the Dagara language facilitated communication with the faithful.
One detail caught the eye: the image of Captain Ibrahim Traore, President of Burkina Faso, affixed to some of the Ghanaian delegation's vehicles. When questioned, a young Marshall boy, a junior knight, simply explained: "It's the president of Africa."