Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Niamey (Fides Service) - In this new year 2006 the small Catholic Church in Niger with only two dioceses, is marking 75 years of service in this mainly Muslim country.
In fact the people of Niger are 98% Muslim. The Christian faith was brought here by Christians who immigrated neighbouring countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Togo. Although Christians settled here, married and formed families, some people continue to regard Christianity as a religion foreign to local culture. Nevertheless Christians have built good relations with the authorities and the people in general. Church run schools and medical centres and initiatives to promote awareness of and respect for human dignity are much appreciated. In the past two years of serious food shortage Catholic feeding centres have played an essential part in distributing food aid to those in need.
Niger has an area of 1,267,000 sq. km and a population of 11,880,000. According to the Catholic Year Book there are 16,000 Catholics in Niger in two dioceses: Niamey diocese in the care of Bishop Michel Cartatéguy and Maradi diocese entrusted to Bishop Ambroise Ouedraogo. Parishes 17 served by 13 diocesan priests, 30 religious and 5 women religious and 246 catechists. The local Church runs 7 infant centres for 1,318 children, 11 elementary schools for 5,699 pupils, 2 middle schools 2,324 pupils and18 medical care centres (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/1/2006 righe 25 parole 295)
