Joy and ecstasy enveloped the Christian community of Muea as they warmly welcomed the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, during his pastoral visit on November 19, 2023. This visit marked a significant occasion, as it had been more than a year since the prelate last graced the St. Andrew parish in Muea. The primary purpose of the Bishop’s visit offers the Bishop the opportunity to be closer to Christians, know their challenges and successes and help improve their faith among other things
Bishop Bibi during his homily at St Andrew parish Muea during a pastoral visit
In this occasion, it was also a rare moment for the prelate to administer the sacrament of confirmation to over 50 Christians.
In his insightful homily, derived from the Book of Matthew 25:14–30, His Lordship Michael Bibi exhorted the congregation to harness their God-given talents for the greater glory of God. He emphasized that every individual is blessed with a unique talent, and as Christians, it is their duty to identify, nurture, and utilize these talents in service to God. The prelate cautioned against the tendency to bury one’s talents, drawing attention to the biblical parable of the servant who concealed his talent, highlighting that such actions lead to societal issues as individuals may turn to criticize the talents of others.
The Bishop’s visit coincided with the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, a period when Pope Francis urged the Universal Church to extend help to the poor. In alignment with this call, Bishop Bibi encouraged the faithful to actively reach out to the less privileged in their community. He reminded them that God blesses individuals so they can, in turn, share their blessings with others.
“We have to see jesus in our brothers and sisters especially our brothers and sisters who are in difficulties” he said
Despite the commendable efforts of the Diocesan charity arm, CARITAS, in organizing charitable outings on behalf of the Bishop, the prelate stressed the importance of individual parishes organizing their charity works annually. This, he believes, would enable a more direct and impactful engagement with the needy at the local level.
During the mass, the Bishop congratulated the over 50 Christians who received the sacrament of confirmation, underscoring its significance in completing their initiation into the Christian journey. He emphasized that confirmation is a unique sacrament that cannot be repeated, expressing hope that it would empower the recipients to bear witness to God’s message.
Bishop Bibi administers the sacrament of confirmation to over 50 Christians at St. Andrew parish, Muea
In a gracious gesture, the Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council extended gratitude to Bishop Bibi for his unwavering support to St. Andrew parish and its seven mission stations. She announced a donation of four benches in support of the co-cathedral project, a priority for the Bishop since assuming leadership of the Diocese in 2019.
The North West community within the parish also expressed appreciation for Bishop Bibi’s dedicated service to the Diocese, particularly in visiting crisis-hit parishes and connecting with the Christian community. In recognition of his fearless leadership, the community bestowed upon the Bishop the traditional title of the ‘Fearless Man of Muea 1’ during the Eucharistic celebration.
North West community in Muea honors Bishop Bibi with the title of “Fearless man of Muea 1” for his brave and tireless services to the church
Following the mass, Bishop Bibi engaged in a traditional sit-down meeting with parishioners from St. Andrew parish, where they candidly shared their challenges, and the Bishop provided direct feedback and guidance.
Bishop Bibi in a sit-down with Christians of St Andrew Parish Muea after the Mass to discuss their challenges and get their proposals about Parish and Diocesan affairs
This dialogue fostered a deeper connection between the Bishop and the local community, reinforcing the bonds of faith and shared commitment within the Diocese.”
