Vicariate of Ivory Coast

Following the encyclical letter Fidei Donum by Pius XII in 1957, Betharram decides to provide help to the young churches of Africa. After a period of exploration, Fr. Jean Mateo, Provincial Superior of France, answers the call of Mgr. Emill Durrheimer, SMA, Bishop of the Diocese of Katiola, for the opening, in Ferkessedougou, of the first Catholic educational establishment in the north of the country for the training of Catholic teachers for the diocese. September 1959 marks the departure to the missions of Fathers Pierre Prevost, Jean Superbielle and Pierre Monnot. In 1963, on the occasion of his first visit, the Superior General, Fr. Joseph Mirande is edified by this new foundation: “ No difficulty hinders our Fathers... they expend all their energy but it is on behalf of the mission, the Bishop, thus as helpers, as instruments, in accordance with those words so dear to St. Michael.” (Read more...)