The Redemptorist International Solidarity Office in Cork, Ireland were very happy to welcome Fr. Emmanuel Quedraogo C.Ss.R. from Burkina Faso, and to facilitate an internship experience in our mission of international solidarity. Read below, a personal account of Fr. Emmanuel’s experience.
“Hello every body.
My name is Fr. Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, I come from Burkina Faso. I am a student in moral theology in Accademia Alfonsiana in Rome. For over one year I have been living in our General House in Rome. From Africa, we were 5 students: Nigerian, Angolan, Nigerien, Congolese (RDC) and Burkinabè. But two amongst us have finished their studies and have returned in their Vice-provinces (Angola and West Africa) for the mission. There are two professors in our Academy, one from Congo (RDC) and another one from Burkina Faso. With the others confreres, we form a really great multicultural community with many nationalities.
I finished my first year of studies and I will start the second year in October. During these holidays, I spent my time learning English in one of our communities in the South of Ireland in Cork. I had 4 weeks of classes in an English school and 4 further weeks, during which, I sought to understand and learn about the Redemptorist international Solidarity Office, working alongside Fr. Gerry O’Connor.
I learned about the importance of a ‘Communications Strategy’ in building the profile of the Redemptorist Conference in Africa and Madagascar. I also learned about Project Cycle Management, with particular attention to two projects in my home country of Burkina Faso, namely, (1) The Tibiga Girls Education Programme and, (2) the Kantchari Literacy programme.
My stay in Cork was fantastic, with amazing and welcoming confreres. I also had the opportunity to visit many redemptorist communities in Ireland, the monastery of the redemptoristines in Dublin and others historical or touristic places. This time was really useful for me, not only in improving my English, but also it helped me to open my mind to other
realties. I truly enjoyed it and I am so grateful towards the confreres and Redemptorist associates in the Cork community for their welcome and their help. May God bless them!”
