Synodality as a response to violence and injustice: this was the topic that brought us together at this meeting of the network «Justice and Peace» in Ouagadougou, BURKINA FASO, on Saturday-Sunday, 14-15 March 2026.
On Saturday, the synodality was developed by Abbot Narcisse SANOU, formator at the major seminary Saint Peter, Saint Paul of Kossoguin. His teaching has enriched us, the 11 religious present, inviting us to walk together through listening to young people, women, and laypeople who in the past were less considered, less listened to in the Church… Thus, from the hierarchical Church we enter the synodal Church: all, without distinction, deserve to be respected and listened to! This call joins an excerpt from our Rule of Life: “The newness of the world according to the Gospel demands that everyone, especially the poorest, be recognized and loved, called to speak his own word in truth, respected in his difference” (art 14, 3). This teaching commits us to concrete actions in our places of mission, starting with the communities from which we came.
The next day, Sunday, after the Eucharistic celebration with the Christians of Toubweogo (a new parish in the outskirts of Ouagadougou), we visited our brothers and sisters rejected by society for accusations of witchcraft, at the Delwende center, led by the Missionary Sisters Notre Dame d’Afrique and the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Ouagadougou. In the discussion, it emerged that these people come from everywhere, some banned by the village, others by their own children and families – with the possibility of reintegration after steps-. In case of death, they are buried on site -few families come to pick up the body-. There were 145 people from 41 to 65 years old; some lost vision, others have mental disorders. They do not have visits from family members except that these visits require discretion due to social pressure, banishment…
But their ingenuity and sense of autonomy could not leave us indifferent because, beyond what these people have been reduced to, and thanks to multifaceted support, we were amazed by their works such as the spinning of cotton, breeding, gardening, the manufacture of soumbala (liquid soap)... Their self-care challenged us! Moreover, from different backgrounds, everyone practices their religion or, over time, adheres to it…
They form like a family, symbol of synodality and unity in diversity!
This reality refers us to our Rule of Life which tells us: “We may be called to share more closely the existence of those who are in the greatest distress. We have much to learn from everyone, especially the most needy. They bring us back to the demands of the Gospel.” (art. 18).
Thank you to Sister Silvie ROAMBA, Vice-Provincial, who allowed us to take part in this training session/meeting! With others, we bring reflection to this network “Justice and Peace”, a real place of action in view of the great challenges facing our country.
Sisters SOME Nina and COMPAORÉ Béatrice, Daughters of the Holy Spirit.
Published on March 23, 2026
