Associates Julien and Esther have three children.
Our series of podcast episodes with Viatorians from other countries continues, as we seek greater internationality in conversation with Associate Julien Magloire Oubda of Burkina Faso.
Julien and his wife, Esther, committed as Viatorian associates in 2023. Julien first met the Viatorians are part of the inaugural class at Groupe Escolare Saint Viateur in Ouagadougou, and he credits Fr. Jean-Marc Provost, CSV, and the Canadian Viatorians who brought the charism to his country with starting something great.
“Being part of the first group of students gave me a close and personal experience of who Viatorians are,” Julien said, in Episode 105 of Viatorian Voices. “From the very beginning, I was struck by simplicity, their closeness to people, and the very human way they live their faith. The Viatorians’ witness gradually led me to reflect more deeply and to pray to discern God’s call.”
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Julien describes the religious plurality in Burkina Faso, which is a Muslim-majority country; the breadth of ministries in which Viatorians serve there, including schools; and the feeling of Burkinabe Viatorians at being made a region last year – an elevated status that comes with a bit more self-governance and representation in international leadership, with the hope to one day become a province.
Julien was a delegate of Burkina Faso to the Fourth Viatorian General Assembly in 2025. Here he is visiting Vourles on the assembly pilgrimage (left) and lectoring at daily Mass (right).
“This reflects not only the numerical growth but also the human, spiritual, and institutional maturity. We see this as a sign of hope from the international Viatorian Community,” Julien said. “We are focused on strengthening formation, developing new ministry, promoting local vocations, and making an even more meaningful contribution to the Viatorian mission at the international level.”
And many Burkinabe discern into Viatorian religious life and association, Julien has words of encouragement for all of us as vocation ministers, and to all Viatorian discerners. “Meet Viatorians; share in their life; become involved in their activities; and observe how they live their faith in daily life. Concretely, experience is often more meaningful than long explanation,” Julien said. “Viatorian life, whether lived as a religious or as an associate, is a beautiful way to serve the Church and society while growing both as a person and spiritually.”
To hear all of Julien’s reflections on his vocation as a Viatorian Associate and our Viatorian Community in the Region of Burkina Faso, listen to Episode 105 on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. (Editor’s note: For those who struggle understanding English speakers with accents, we recommend watching/listening on YouTube, where we review and refine the subtitles for each episode to support our listeners by increasing accessibility.)