Last month the Assumptionist community in Ougadougou opened its doors to twenty or so adults and young people interested in becoming lay Assumptioists in order to plan a yearlong series of conferences and other activities. The day's events began with Mass presided by the local superior, Fr. Jean-Paul Sagadou.

In his introductory remarks, Fr. Jean-Paul thanked everyone for coming and expressed his regrets that this meeting had to be postponed for so long because of the recent political unrest in the country.

« New Wine in Fresh Wineskins » : this theme served as the basis for the day's discussion. It is the theme chosen by the Assumptionists for their upcoming general chapter to be held next year. In his presentation, the first of the day, Fr. Nicolas Tarrale explained that the basis for the Lay-Religious Alliance at the Assumption comes as "a legacy handed down from our founder, Fr. d'Alzon". For an hour and a half Fr. Nicolas outlined the various elements that might be incorporated into a formation program for lay Assumptionists. According to the Acts of the General Chapter of 2011, #143, "a Lay Assumptionist is one who commits himself/herself to living his/her baptismal vocation, and the mission that flows from it, within the Assumption, within the Church and within society." The high level of participation in the construction of the year's program was proof of the serious desire of those present to be formed in Assumptionist spirituality. The day's work ended with a community meal that allowed everyone to get to know each other better.

By way of a reminder, the Assumptionist community was founded in Burkina Faso in 2011. Heavily involved in inter-religious dialogue, the Assumptionists launched a new and exciting initiative both in Burkina Faso and neighboring Togo, namely, inter-religious excursions to various West African sites aimed at integrating members of different faith traditions, most Christians and Muslims. The initiative is called "le Réseau des Jeunes pour l’Intégration Africaine" ("The Youth Network for African Integration"). The network is preparing the seventh such trip, this year to Ghana, from August 1-15.

Carine MEDA, (journalist, Lay Assumptionist)