Cameroon Bishops gather at the 48 Bishops conference in Buea.
The newly constructed Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Molyko, Buea
By Elias Ngalame
There are clear signs government is wary about multiple outburst by Bishops against President Paul Biya’s bid for another term.
In his New Year Message to the nation of 31st December, 2024 President Paul Biya expressed his zeal to continue serving that nation.
The message clearly indicates that Paul Biya, age 92 was set to take part in the upcoming Presidential elections. However, this information seem to have been received with mixed feelings by Cameroonians including Catholic Bishops who have since multiplied their outburst against. Cameroon Catholic bishops have always been a sobering voice in the country’s political space, often articulating their criticism against government excesses. Like the renowned Old Testament prophets who bravely rebuked kings for wrongdoings and set them on the path of righteousness, at times risking the wrath of the powers that be, Cameroon’s Catholic bishops have always kept the state in check albeit with divided tone.
Some are known for their firm and unbending stance, fearlessly proclaimed through homilies, news conferences. They speak with a calm and assured authority, a candid yet respectful tone, while voicing their discontent over perceived political wrongs. Others especially those from the ruling clan are noted for standing on the fence, often expressing their ambivalence about a common position.
The criticism by some prominent Bishops ahead of their 48 Bishops conference has set panic within government circles. The government is apparently wary such a position by some of the Bishops might influence the outcome of their final statement after the conference in Buea, setting a political agenda to the disadvantage of the ruling party.
Multiple outings by government officials like Minister of higher education and CPDM top notch, Jacque Fame Ndongo,Minister Gregoire Owona etc against the position of some of the Bishops are clear indications government has caught a cold from the sneezes of these Bishops.
It should be noted that the bishop’s miter epitomize divine authority and are venerated tools embodying the church’s political influence in a country where Catholics constitute a significant number of the population.
Cameroon media reports have noted the resurgence of Catholic bishops as a key voice in local politics. The Catholic Church is hailed as an influential crusader for good governance due to its past agitation.
Their strong criticism against bad governance especially on other countries in Africa triggered riots by the youths leading to regime change.
BISHOPS GATHER IN BUEA.
Thousands of Catholic Christians from dozens of parishes in the Diocese of Buea gathered this Sunday January 5, 2025 at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Molyko for a Mass ahead of the 48th annual seminar of Cameroon Bishops.
The week-long seminar that begins Tuesday January 7, has brought together the 36 Roman Catholic bishops and archbishops of Cameroon. The seminar according to the programme will run until December 11.
Sunday’s Mass, celebrated by the host Bishop, His Excellency Michael Bibi, concluded with the blessing of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral. The 5,000-seat edifice was scheduled to be completed in 2024, 15 years after the project began.
This Sunday, it was full beyond capacity. Hundreds of Christians who came to attend the Mass of the 48th Episcopal Conference sat outside. Others stood on the island and on the stairs throughout the three-hour ceremony.
In a homily, Bishop Michael Bibi of Buea expressed his joy at welcoming his colleagues from across the country. He particularly thanked the Christians of the Diocese of Buea for their generous contributions to the construction of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral.
The Divine Mercy Co- Cathedral
As the oldest diocese in Cameroon, he said the Diocese of Buea deserved a basilica. He announced that they would ask the Pope to make the Co-Cathedral a basilica.
The Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral is the largest religious building in the Diocese of Buea. An initiative of the Bishop Emeritus of Buea, Emmanuel Bushu, the structure replaces the small Soppo Cathedral.
Bishop Bibi paid tribute to Bishop Emeritus Bushu for initiating the project in 2009. He also hailed the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, for his support in roofing the church.
The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea, who is the President of the National Episcopal Conference, blessed the Co-Cathedral. He expressed hope the structure would serve as a spiritual gathering place for all Catholics living in Buea, thanking the retired Bishop Bushu for initiating the project.
Government officials also present
The Sunday Mass was attended by administrative and municipal authorities. Among them were the Governor of the South-West, Bernard Okalia Bilai, and the President of the Regional Assembly, Zacheus Bakoma Elango. Also present were the Mayor of Buea, David Mafani Namange, and Senator Francios Puene of the Western Region.
After the Mass, the bishops and archbishops retired to the Bishop Pius Awah Memorial Pastoral Center where they had lunch with the administrative officials and later a state dinner at the Buea Mountain Hotel with Governor Okalia Bilai .
The bishops’ seminar officially begins on Tuesday, December 7. During the week, they will pray and meditate, hold closed-door discussions, and visit Catholic schools, shrines and structures in the Diocese of Buea.
The event will end on Saturday, with an official closing presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Grace José Evelino Bettencourt.
The bishops will notably produce a final communiqué that will communicate their position on the spiritual, social, economic and political issues facing Christians.