Dear brothers and sisters, it is with great joy, fervor, and prayer that we experienced today in Kiri, the celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Monastery of the Most Holy Redeemer of Kiri in Bobo-Dioulasso.
This celebration was attended by the Redemptoristines of Diabo, the Redemptorists of the Vice Province of West Africa, and the disciples of the Most Holy Redeemer who are lay people associated with the Redemptoristines, a dozen priests from the Archdiocese of Bobo Dioulasso, Religious and many other faithful friends of the Monastery of Kiri.
The history of the establishment of the Redemptoristines in Kiri allows us to know that the request was made several times by Bishop Anselme SANOU from November 17, 1980, and it was after 17 years of waiting that became a reality.
During the mass, presided over by the Vicar General of Bobo, representing Bishop Paul OUEDRAOGO, the chaplain of the Monastery welcomed everyone by recalling the words of Bishop Anselme SANON defining the Monastery the day before (24/4/2023). Indeed, this Prelate sees the Monastery of Kiri as “a lightning rod to protect the Church of God and the world.” In fact, according to the current chaplain of the Monastery, Fr. Bonaventure HIEN, it is a prayer that makes the Monastery this lightning rod.
This is why the Vicar General, Fr. Jacques DEMBELE, in his homily, from the texts of the day, the feast of Saint Mark, showed that the Redemptoristines obeyed Jesus’ instruction to go and announce the Good News until set up in Kiri for the main mission of prayer for the Diocese, the Church and the world. He invited all the faithful, and in a special way to the priests, to make the nuns known because they are little known by most Christians in the Diocese.
On this solemn occasion of thanksgiving, the Redemptoristines renewed their vows for a new beginning in their covenant with the Lord. After the Eucharistic celebration was over, the Nuns offered everyone a glass of friendship with a fraternal feast in the chaplaincy of the Monastery.
May God bless our nuns with many holy vocations!
Fr. Simeon Chabi BIAOU
