At Yagma in Burkina Faso, Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, presides over the Mass for the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Relwendé Kisito Ouédraogo, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of the Congo and to Gabon, and for many years the Cardinal’s personal secretary.
By Isabella Piro Gratitude, trust, and encouragement were the sentiments that animated the episcopal ordination of Archbishop Relwendé Kisito Ouédraogo, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of the Congo and Gabon. The ceremony took place on Saturday, March 7, in the Minor Basilica of Notre-Dame of Yagma in Burkina Faso, the Archbishop’s country of origin. Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, presided over the ordination. Archbishop Ouédraogo served as his personal secretary for many years. In January 2010, Archbishop Ouédraogo began his service in the Section for General Affairs of the Secretariat of State, where he remained until January 28 of this year, when Pope Leo XIV appointed him Apostolic Nuncio in Brazzaville, elevating him to the titular see of Hilta with the dignity of archbishop. On February 10, he was also appointed pontifical representative in Libreville. Many years of service in the Secretariat of State The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ouagadougou, Prosper Kontiebo—whose territory includes the Marian shrine of Yagma—began the Mass with a greeting. Bishops and priests from Burkina Faso, the Republic of the Congo, and Gabon concelebrated with many faithful present for the celebration, which was accompanied by traditional songs and dances. In his homily, Cardinal Parolin affectionately recalled Archbishop Ouédraogo’s long stay in Rome: “We were able to share the work, which was always very intense, and the fatigue that it entailed, but also the joys and satisfactions of being collaborators in the Pope's universal ministry.” However, these long years, he added, served to prepare the pontifical representative “for the new mission to which the Lord, through the Pope, has called him.” Now the Archbishop “returns to the African continent—a continent to which he has always remained closely connected to and which he represented well in Rome,” said the Secretary of State. The episcopal motto inspired by the words of the Virgin Mary The Cardinal expressed deep gratitude to Archbishop Ouédraogo, thanking him “for all the help and collaboration” he offered “not without sacrifice.” At the same time, he encouraged the Archbishop to face his “new and unexpected assignment with great serenity and trust.” This is the same spirit expressed in the episcopal motto chosen by the nuncio from Chapter 2, verse 5 of the Gospel of John: “Do whatever he tells you.” These words, spoken by the Virgin Mary at the wedding at Cana, will inspire Archbishop Ouédraogo on his future path, the Cardinal explained. Difficult moments will certainly arise, he added. However, seeking always to do the will of God brings “serenity and peace to the heart.” Bringing peace, unity, and truth amid divisions and false prophets The mission of the Apostolic Nuncio, the Secretary of State continued, is to “bring truth and light, peace and unity amid the darkness of sin, division, and falsehood.” There are also “false prophets,” he warned, who, “guided only by pride, contribute to dividing or misleading the flock of Jesus Christ with false teachings.” The Cardinal said the remedy for this is to be a “preacher of the truth, a shepherd after the heart of Jesus,” ready to give his life for his flock, as Christ did. Proclaiming the Gospel without ceasing Cardinal Parolin also reflected on the word “nuncio,” which contains the meaning of the mission itself. “The nuntius,” he explained, “is the bearer of another’s word: that of Christ, as regards to the ministry of the bishop, and that of the Holy Father, as regards the diplomatic mission.” Therefore, he urged Archbishop Ouédraogo to proclaim the Gospel “faithfully and without ceasing” to all people, living it daily both in private life and in official encounters. Always build bridges and relationships Sent to “heal and console,” the nuncio will have to express “the merciful love of God for all humanity” and, in carrying out his diplomatic mission, bring “words of healing and consolation in the name of the Holy Father,” expressing the Pope’s concern so that everyone may know that “the Church is always ready for everything out of love.” Additionally, called to the task of “watching over unity,” Archbishop Ouédraogo will never be alone, because he will always act “sub umbra Petri”—under the shadow of Peter—in communion with the Pope, successor of St. Peter. As a “promoter of fraternity among peoples,” the new Archbishop will have to seek to build relationships and bridges, especially where it is most difficult. Unceasing prayer and the practice of charity Central to the Secretary of State’s homily was also the call to prayer, so that the Nuncio may “intercede unceasingly before God and present to Him the offering of the people,” thus becoming “a messenger of the flock before the Father.” In this way, Archbishop Ouédraogo must watch over the faithful so that “their faith may grow, their fidelity be strengthened, and their love for God flourish.” At the same time, by conforming himself to the Good Shepherd who does not forget those who are lost or straying, the new Nuncio must always be ready to manifest Christ’s charity toward humanity. Lastly, Cardinal Parolin entrusted the Archbishop to the Virgin Mary and to the martyrs of Uganda—one of whom, the youngest who died at only 14 years of age, shares the name borne by Archbishop Ouédraogo.