Burkinabe Diocese Hopes Suffering of Catholic Priest “held captive” for Six Years Won’t Be in Vain

In a March 21 report, ACN says that Fr. Joël, originally from Burkina Faso’s Catholic Diocese of Fada N'Gourma, disappeared on the morning of 17 March 2019 after going to celebrate Mass, and it is still unknown what happened to him.

“He was probably kidnapped by armed men near the village of Sergosoma, where some residents last saw him on his way home to Djibo, where he was a Parish Priest,” ACN reports.

Security forces are said to have launched a search operation following the disappearance, but that the search had not yielded any tangible results.

Terrorism is a major challenge in Burkina Faso, where extremists attack Christians and Muslims alike, according to ACN.

“Like Christians, Muslim communities that do not subscribe to the radical vision of Islam have also been targeted by these terrorist groups,” the charity foundation reports, adding that attacks have caused populations to flee, with an estimated two million internally displaced people.

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Speaking to ACN, Bishop Nare recounted the anguish of the kinspeople of the missing Priest, saying, “When we think of Father Joël, we also think of his family. It is a terrible thing that they have experienced and continue to experience.”

He says that the Diocese of Fada N'Gourma has organized prayers, Masses and novenas for Fr. Joël on several occasions, and adds, “We have done the same in Dori and throughout the country. And we continue to do so.”

“We believe that God can do it, but He is in no hurry,” said Bishop Théophile Nare, concluding his testimony with a thank you to the ACN, “Thank you for praying with us for Father Joël.” 

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