“On Saturday, February 7th, late in the morning, we had a Pastoral Visit from Cardinal Ignace of Abidjan. It was a real Joy to Welcome him to Our Community
It was also an Opportunity to Introduce the Members of the Community, and to recount the History of Our Arrival in Ivory Coast without leaving out the Key Elements of Our Charisma.
In turn, Cardinal Ignace encouraged us and prayed for the Brothers’ Mission in Ivory Coast. The Cardinal asked us to make Efforts in Vocation Ministry so that Christian Education may continue.
Before leaving, he Blessed us and Assured us of his Support.
Brother Alexandre Diop – Jean de la Mennais Community, Abidjan.
“We had the Joy of Welcoming His Eminence Cardinal Ignace Bessi DOGBO, Archbishop of Abidjan, as part of his Pastoral Visit to the Territory of the Parish of Notre Dame de l’Incarnation. He was accompanied by the Chancellor of the Archdiocese, Rev. P. AHOU Adon Jean-Baptiste, the Parish Priest of Our Parish, Rev. P. ZINSOU Joseph and his Secretary, Fr. MAWU TION Marc André. After the usual Greetings and Welcome from the Director of the Scholasticate, the Cardinal in his turn spoke and thanked the Brothers for their Presence and Contribution to the Mission of Evangelization through Catechesis in the different Parishes and Pastoral Animation (Recollections and Pilgrimages) with Young People. He invited the Scholastic Brothers to continue their Mission of Formation with Faith and Hope. He also encouraged the Community to redouble its Efforts in facing the Challenge of Pastoral Care for Vocations and not to hesitate to go to the Peripheries to invite Young People to follow Christ as Jean-Marie de la Mennais did.
A Fruitful Meeting, that lasted more than half an hour, and ended with a Song of Thanksgiving, Family Photos and a Drink of Friendship, in all Simplicity and Conviviality.”
Bro Wilfried Frara, Director of the Scholasticate
Who is Bishop DOGBO Ignace Bessi?
Born on August 17th, 1961, Monsignor Ignace Bessi Dogbo was Appointed Metropolitan Archbishop of Abidjan at the age of 63, on Monday, May 20th , 2024, which marked Whit Monday, he thus succeeded Jean-Pierre Cardinal Kutwa who, after 18 years of Pastoral Governance, retired.
His First Appointment by Pope Francis was on July 4th, 2004, as Bishop of Katiola. He served as President of the Episcopal Conference from 2017 to 2023. In 2021, Pope Francis Appointed him Archbishop of Korhogo, and on December 7th, 2024, he was created a Cardinal.