SECAM: Condemns Attack of Catholic Community in Burkina Faso, Condoles with Families
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
The president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) has condemned the violent attack on the Catholic Church in Essakane Village, Oudalan province in Burkina Faso that has left dozens of Christians dead.
“I was profoundly disturbed upon hearing about the tragic incident on Sunday, February 25, 2024, which led to the loss of 15 lives within the serene congregation of the Catholic Community of Essakane-Village, who were assembled for prayer,” Fridolin Cardinal Ambongo Besengu expressed in the statement addressed to Bishop Laurent Birfuoré Dabiré of Burkina Faso’s Dori Diocese, stressing that, “I vehemently condemn this despicable terrorist act.”
Speaking on behalf of the bishops in Africa and its Islands, Cardinal Ambongo a member of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) condoles with the families who have lost their dear ones saying, “I extend my condolences to you, the Bishops of Burkina Faso, and the families of the deceased. In this Lenten season, I share in your sorrow and pray for the Lord to bring you comfort.”
“Through this expression of ecclesial communion, I also wish a speedy recovery for the injured and express my closeness to the Burkinabe people,” the Archbishop of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) said in the statement shared with AMECEA Online Monday, February 26.”
According to reports, a different statement by the head of the local diocese and the Vicar General, Abbot Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, 12 people were killed instantly, while three others died at the hospital.
The statement read in parts, “In this painful circumstance, we invite you to pray for those who died in faith, for the healing of the wounded, and for the consolidation of grieving hearts.”
He continued, “May our efforts of penance and prayer during this blessed season of Lent obtain peace and security for our country, Burkina Faso.”
The landlocked nation in West Africa, South of the Sahara has been experiencing terrorists attacked in the recent past that have led to the death of so many in the society.
