OUAGADOUGOU, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE. — In French West Africa. Originating 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 superior or apostolic delegate, with the power of subdelegation and under the immediate dependence of Propaganda. The aforementioned prefecture, elevated to an apostolic vicariate in 1891 and very extensive, modified its boundaries many times over the years through the erection of several other apostolic prefectures and vicariates, up to 12 June 1947. Thus reduced, it has an area of approximately 70,200 sq. km and comprises the three administrative districts of O., Kaya, and Tenkodogo. It is inhabited mostly by Mossi, who speak the Moré language. In the south-eastern region are found the Boussassés, who speak Bisa, along with other less important tribes, the Koussassés, Nankanes, and Kassems, who speak particular languages. In the sparsely populated south-west are found the Gourounie, who speak Gourouné. All are cultivators.
The population numbers approximately 975,370 inhabitants, 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. The foreign missionaries number 37 and the national missionaries 11. There are 21 foreign and 50 national Sisters; 6 foreign and 5 national brothers; 47 teachers and 227 catechists. In the minor seminary, 93 young men are studying, about twenty of whom come from the Apostolic Prefecture of Ouahigouya and one from the Apostolic Prefecture of Niamey. There are 13 elementary schools and 4 vocational schools. Twenty-eight pupils study at the normal school of Toussiana in the Apostolic Vicariate of Bobo-Dioulasso. The Protestants and Muslims also have schools. There are 7 hospitals, 7 dispensaries, 1 orphanage, and 2 homes for the elderly. Various Catholic Action associations are also flourishing.