Sister Françoise Petit, Superioress General of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul visited Burkina Faso from June 6 to 13, 2026. She was accompanied by Sister Theresa Eke, General Councillor for Africa and Madagascar. They were welcomed at the airport by Sister Ifeoma Arinze, Visitatrix of the Daughters of Charity of Nigeria, and Sister Roseline Dee. Since Burkina Faso belongs to the Province of Nigeria, the visit provided an important opportunity for the Sisters to share their mission and strengthen relationships with collaborators and local communities.
On June 7, Superioress General and the Sisters arrived at Mont Tabor in Nouna, where they received a warm welcome from the pupils and staff of Sainte Louise Inclusive School through traditional dances and a thanksgiving prayer. During their stay, they paid courtesy visits to Bishop Guy Mukasa Sanon of the Diocese of Nouna and Bishop Emeritus Joseph Sama. Both bishops praised the work of the Sisters in education and humanitarian service and encouraged the expansion of their mission to reach more vulnerable people.
They also visited the Sainte Louise Inclusive Socio-Educational Centre. During a special ceremony, the achievements of the school in supporting children with disabilities were highlighted. Sister Françoise expressed her joy and encouraged the staff to continue serving with dedication in the spirit of Saint Vincent de Paul and Saint Louise de Marillac. The visit ended with a tour of the facilities and the planting of a commemorative tree.
Another important part of the visit was the observation of projects that support economic empowerment. The delegation toured the Jî Kura Water Factory, which provides clean drinking water and employment opportunities for internally displaced women and parents of children with disabilities. They also visited OCADES (Caritas Burkina Faso) and met women’s cooperatives that produce local products and fabrics, helping widows and displaced women achieve financial independence.
The Superioress General also met with the local parish pastoral team, the Friends of the Daughters of Charity, and the Sisters of the Nouna community. Her stay in Nouna concluded with a joyful gala celebration.
On June 10, the delegation traveled to Dano in the Diocese of Diébougou. They were officially welcomed by Fr. Séverin Dabiré during Mass. The visit included a tour of a preschool inclusive education project and visits to rural villages where women’s groups supported by the Sisters carry out income-generating activities.
On June 12, Superiorress General spent time with people living with mental health challenges, offering them comfort, encouragement, and spiritual support. Later, Sister Toyin Abegunde presented a report on the history, current realities, challenges, and future plans of the mission in Burkina Faso. The day concluded with a visit to newly constructed school buildings and an exchange of gifts.
Sister Françoise Petit and Sister Theresa Eke departed for Ouagadougou on June 13, bringing the visit to a close. This visit was a moment of grace, encouragement, and communion for the Daughters of Charity in Burkina Faso. Through their work in schools, parishes, development projects, and villages, the Sisters continue to live the charism of the founders by serving Christ in the poor with humility, simplicity, and charity. Renewed by the presence of Superioress General, they return to their mission with strengthened faith and commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
Sister Lynda Okparaeke, DC
