Koosin: The Catholic community gathered to celebrate the silver jubilee of episcopal life and the gold jubilee of priestly life of Bishop Emeritus Joseph Sama, along with the silver jubilee of the Diocese of Nouna. The event took place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, drawing a significant number of Catholic faithful from various parishes to participate in the occasion.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebrations commenced on the evening preceding the main event, with activities held in the cathedral courtyard, setting the stage for the thanksgiving mass. The Vicar General, Father Kisito Konat©, shared that the Diocese of Nouna was reinstated in Nouna on May 16, 2000, and Bishop Joseph Sama was ordained a priest for the diocese on October 28, 2000. Consequently, 2026 marks a significant jubilee year for the community.
The program, outlined by the Bishop of the Diocese of Nouna, Guy Mukassa Sanon, indicated that the jubilee year will extend until January 2027. The presence of bishops from D©dougou, Di©bougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, and Tenkodogo added to the significance of the ceremony. Their attendance highlighted the fraternity within the Church, as bishops and archbishops gathered to celebrate the occasion.
Bishop Rapha«l Dabir©, speaking on behalf of the bishops, expressed their respect for Bishop Joseph Sama, honoring him with the title "The Venerable and Peaceful." In his address, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Sama paid tribute to the Defense and Security Forces and extended his gratitude to administrative, religious, traditional, and customary authorities for their support and kindness.
Bishop Sama expressed his deep connection to Nouna, stating, "Nouna has adopted me. My gratitude is not a mere formality, but a true expression of devotion." He also paid homage to Jean Lessourd, the first bishop of the Diocese, acknowledging the foundation laid by his pastoral work in Nouna. Emphasizing the partnership between administration and the church, he remarked, "The administration and the church are like two wings of a dove; we share the same realities."
Bishop Guy Mukassa Sanon also noted the shared historical heritage between the Dioceses of Nouna, D©dougou, and San. The ceremony was further enriched with offerings, songs, dances, and a market street, marking the jubilee celebrations.