PARAKOU, APOSTOLIC PREFECTURE OF. — The territory was detached on 13 May 1948 DAHOMEY (v.) which was entrusted to the Redemptorist Fathers; the new Apostolic Prefecture of P. remained entrusted to the Fathers of the Society of African Missions.
It comprises the northern part of the colony of Dahomey, namely the civil districts of P., Djougou, Natitingou and Kandi, and borders to the south with the Apostolic Vicariate of Ouidadh, to the west with Togo, to the north with the Apostolic Prefecture of Niamey and to the east with Nigeria. The district of Natitingou, inhabited by the Sombra race, is pagan; that of P., inhabited by the Pila-Pila and Bariba races, is also pagan but in the eastern part it has already been touched by Islam; the district of Kandi, inhabited by the Bariba and Dendi races, is partly Muslim, especially along the Niger River. There are no important cities. The oldest mission station is that of Natitingou, which became a residence only in 1942. The others have almost all been opened since 1946.
By decree of 13 May 1948, a boundary modification took place between the new Apostolic Prefecture of P. and the Apostolic Vicariate of Dahomey, which changed IOIADA (v.).
It has an area of approx. 86,160 sq. km. and a population of approx. 451,060 inhabitants. Catholics 3,776, catechumens 1,885, Protestants approx. 200, Muslims approx. 150,000 and the rest pagans. Missionaries 18, sisters 16. Districts 11, mission stations 33, churches 2, chapels 42. Dispensaries 4, elementary schools 3. The apostolate presents no small difficulties, especially because of the activity of English and American Protestants, who have ample means at their disposal.