Christians recently converged at St Charles Lwanga Parish Molyko-Buea to nourish themselves with the teachings of the church. “The Tradition of Prayer” was the theme for the catechetical session with the Chief Catechist of the Diocese of Buea; His Lordship Michael Bibi.
Bishop Michael Bibi Teaches on “The Tradition of Prayer”
Schooling these Christians on the tradition of Prayer, they were reminded that prayer cannot be reduced to the spontaneous outpouring of interior impulse and that in order to pray, one must have the will to pray. Conferring the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2652 to 2662, the prelate highlighted the three basic elements of prayer in the wellsprings of prayer which include; the word of God, the liturgy of the church and the theological virtues.
cross section of Christians attending Catechesis
Talking on the word of God, the prelate explained that the Church “forcefully and specially exhorts all the Christian faithful, to learn ‘the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ’ by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures. He urged Christians to own and read the bible for ignorance of the scriptures he noted, is ignorance of Christ. He further highlighted that the celebration of the Eucharist helps us to pray and that the Mass is the greatest form of prayer. He encouraged Christians to live the theological virtues by praying in faith, hope, and love while challenging them to emulate the life of Abraham; the Father of faith as well as that of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
cross section of Christians attending Catechesis
Christians were further educated on the way to pray; praying to the Father, through the Son, in communion with the Holy Spirit. Praying through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary who is Christocentric; representing Christ in all she does was also encouraged as an ideal form of prayer.
Bishop Bibi calls on Christians to Establish a place of Prayer at home
While teaching on the guides of prayer and the appropriate place to pray, His Lordship Michael Bibi, called on parents to take up their responsibility in guiding the Children in Prayers. The Christian family he noted, is the first place for education in prayer. Ordained ministers, the consecrated life, catechesis, prayer groups also ensure assistance within the Church in the practice of prayer.
The Bishop urged individuals to create a space of prayer in their home and above all to make use of the church, which is the proper place for liturgical prayer for the parish community and the privileged place for Eucharistic adoration. Monasteries and places of pilgrimage, where also highlighted as appropriate places of prayer.
