Ad Limina Visit of the Episcopal Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger

On May 5, the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Burkina Faso and Niger were received at the Dicastery on the occasion of their “Ad limina Apostolorum” visit. At the beginning of the meeting, it was noted that, in some regions, both the great distances and the lack of security caused by terrorism make the celebration of the Sacraments difficult. The Bishops also emphasized how certain traditional practices (for example, polygamy) complicate both the preparation process for marriage and the celebration of the sacrament itself.

During the discussion, the importance of inculturation also emerged, together with the danger posed by religious syncretism. Attention was given to the discernment of appropriate adaptations that may be harmonized with the Roman Rite, as well as to the reciprocal relationship established between liturgical rites and the culture in which they are celebrated.

Other topics addressed during the dialogue included the ministry of catechist, the status quaestionis of the translation of liturgical books, and the preparation of the faithful for access to the sacraments.