On a bike, Bishop Michael Bibi on the first day of March 2024, took on a mission to pray with his Christians in Munyenge; one of the suffering communities in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, hit by the Anglophone crisis. Bringing hope to the people of this deserted area, bike riders, children women and men happily embraced the servant Shepherd Michael Bibi as he graced the land with prayers and blessings on the occasion of his yearly pastoral visit to the Christian community.
Accompanied by His brother priests to commune with the lay Faithfull, Bishop Michael, while celebrating the Eucharist applauded efforts by the priests of the Muyuka Deanery headed by the dean Rev. Fr. Asek Benard, in caring for the spiritual needs of this community.
He prayed with the Christians of St. Dominic Parish Munyenge and reminded them to be hopeful in God’s unending love, despite the hardship, difficult times, and challenges they are going through. While not undermining the effects of the Anglophone crisis on this community, the prelate told them to journey with Christ in complete conversion, for God, he said, never abandons His own. Words of salutation and gratitude were extended by the prelate to the Claretian Missionaries who have over the years been faithful in providing for the spiritual demands of the Christian people in Munyenge.
With a grateful heart, the Parish pastoral council chairman on behalf of the lay faithful, expressed appreciation to Bishop Michael Bibi for his countless support to them. He noted that It is sad to see detractors taking up an anti-Bibi propaganda, but the Lord he emphasized, will give him strength and wisdom. The congregation reassured bishop Bibi of their support while noting that due to the current uncontrollable situation in Munyenge, it was difficult to welcome him in their beautiful Parish church.
“We have a Bishop” Fr Asek Benard Dean of the Muyuka Deanery, echoed these words and praised the bishop for identifying with the suffering community as he highlighted the five different visits made to this area since 2020. He went ahead to thank the Superior of the Claretian Missionaries Fr. Jude, for all the support and dedication in implementing God’s call .
The people in gratitude offered gifts to the prelate and the pupils of St. Michael Nursery and Primary school graced the pastoral visit with a variety of exciting presentations including singing, dancing, rhymes and parade among others.
Returning from Munyenge, the mothers of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon CWF Bafia, joined their sisters of the Catholic Women Association CWA Bafia, to greet and celebrate the presence of the chief custodian of the Diocese of Buea. Bishop Bibi in delight prayed and blessed the women as he returned to Buea.