Monsignor Prosper KONTIEBO, a Camillian religious, celebrated the Holy Mass with the rite of taking possession of the episcopal seat as the new metropolitan archbishop of Ouagadougou, on December 16, 2023, at the Notre Dame de l’Immaculée Conception Cathedral in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

The Mass began with a para-liturgy that included the welcome of the new Archbishop and the presentation of the ‘welcome water’ by the faithful and local clergy. The ‘welcome water’, known as “zoom koom,” was offered by two children dressed in traditional attire.
The canonical rite of taking possession was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio in Burkina Faso, Monsignor Michael Crotty, in the presence of Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo, the emeritus archbishop of Ouagadougou.

During the homily and words of gratitude, the new archbishop emphasized synodality, the need to walk together, consultation, and the involvement of everyone in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He requested the support and collaboration of all for a fruitful pastoral ministry.

He expressed gratitude to the Camillian religious, thanking the Superior General and the Consulta, emphasizing that he relies on their support and prayers in the exercise of his episcopal ministry in Ouagadougou.
The celebration saw the participation of numerous faithful, bishops from the episcopal conference of Burkina Faso and Niger, the archbishop of Chambéry (France), rectors of major seminaries, superiors of religious congregations in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Togo, and Benin. There were also present administrative, political, and religious authorities of Burkina Faso.

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, Monsignor Prosper celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the cathedral, attended by numerous faithful, priests, and religious.