January 1st, 2024, Christians started the year in the presence of God as they thanked Him for the Guidance and protection received in 2023 while praying for the Lord to be in their company throughout the new year 2024.
Celebrating holy mass at the Divine Mercy Co-cathedral in Molyko Buea this first day of the year, the Local Ordinary Michael Bibi; Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, urged faithful to be instruments of joy and peace and to surrender themselves completely to God.
The New Year was celebrated within the context of the World Day of Peace and the solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God celebrated every first of January.The prelate invited Christians to Emulate the lifestyle of Mary, giving her the rightful honour as the Trinitarian mother, who was first honoured by God Himself, by choosing her to be the mother of God.
He also called on the people of God to be promoters of peace in the use of artificial Intelligence which is the focus of the Holy Father’s message of Peace for the 57th World day of Peace celebrated under the theme “ Artificial Intelligence and Peace”.
The Bishop noted that in His message of peace, the Holy Father; Pope francis, reminds all that injustice and inequalities fuel conflicts and antagonisms. Thus, there is an urgent need to orient the concept and use of artificial intelligence in a responsible way, so that it may be at the service of humanity and the protection of the common home. He emphasizes that the protection of the dignity of the human person, and concern for a fraternity effectively open to the entire human family, are indispensable conditions for technological development to help contribute to the promotion of justice and peace in the world.
As the chief shepherd prayed for blessings upon these Christians throughout the year 2024 , he challenged them to be true Christians in their actions and to bring joy to others wherever they find themselves.