OUAGADOUGOU, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE OF. – In French West Africa. Originated from the apostolic prefecture of the Sahara and Sudan, erected in 1868 by separation from the apostolic vicariate of Central Africa (v. KHARTUM).
Cardinal Lavigerie was appointed apostolic superior or delegate with powers of subdelegation and under the immediate jurisdiction of Propaganda. The aforesaid prefecture was elevated to an apostolic vicariate in 1891 and was extremely extensive; over the years it repeatedly modified its boundaries with the erection of several other apostolic prefectures and vicariates, until 12 June 1947. Thus reduced, it now covers an area of approximately 70,200 sq. km. and comprises the three administrative districts of O., Kaya, and Tenkodogo. The majority of its inhabitants are Mossi, who speak the More language. In the southeastern region are the Boussanssés, who speak the Bis language, and among other less important tribes the Koussassés, Nankanes, and Kassems, who speak special languages. In the sparsely populated southwest are the Gourounis, who speak the Gourounsi language. All are farmers.
The population numbers approximately 975,370, of whom 22,870 are Catholics, 6,000 catechumens, 1,500 Protestants, 110,000 Muslims, and the remainder pagans. There are 9 primary stations and 185 secondary stations. Foreign missionaries number 37 and national missionaries 11; foreign sisters 21 and national sisters 50; brothers 6 foreign and 5 national; teachers 47 and 227 catechists. In the minor seminary, 93 young men study, including about twenty from the apostolic prefecture of Ouahigouya and one from the apostolic prefecture of Niamey. There are 13 elementary schools and 4 vocational schools. At the normal school of Toussiana in the apostolic vicariate of Bobo-Dioulasso, 28 students are enrolled. Protestants and Muslims also maintain schools. There are 7 hospitals, 7 dispensaries, 1 orphanage, and 2 homes for the elderly. Various Catholic Action associations also flourish.