Christians from all the parishes constituting the Molyko Deanery of the Diocese of Buea gathered at the newly upgraded Divine Mercy Co-cathedral in Molyko, Buea to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Buea.
During the celebration of the Eucharist, which was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, Christians were urged to pray for the Diocese, especially as the Diocese, like the rest of the Anglophone regions, faces a crisis.
In his homily, the chief shepherd of the Diocese of Buea reminded the Christians that Jesus is always with them in the proclamation of the good news, as reflected in the theme of the anniversary celebration: “Proclaim the good news, I am with you always.”
“We have known and even continue to experience the devastation of war and violence in our midst. Many of us have lived like people without hope, wondering whether God has abandoned us just like the Israelites in their own times of trials,” the Bishop said.
Bishop Bibi delivering his homily
“But today, as we look back, we can indeed see God’s ever-faithful presence with us as He has been all along, guiding us, protecting us, and suffering with us anew like He did on the cross before,” the Bishop added.
“As we look ahead, like prophet Isaiah, I say to you today, rejoice in the Lord always and be glad in the Lord despite the challenges you may encounter,” the prelate said during his homily, urging Christians of the Molyko Deanery to celebrate the anniversary with a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving.
During the celebration of the Eucharist, the chief shepherd of the Diocese also presented some of the pilgrims who visited the Vatican for the Diocesan pilgrimage and handed them certificates. Some Christians from the different parishes within the Molyko Deanery were also given certificates for their outstanding contributions to the growth of their parishes over the years.
Pilgrims who went to Vatican received their certificates
In his address, the Dean of Molyko Deanery, Rev. Fr. Tchamda, thanked the Christians for participating in the celebration, acknowledging that as the first deanery to celebrate the 75th anniversary in the Diocese, their challenges will serve as a lesson to other deaneries for better celebrations in the months ahead.
Mrs. Enongene, one of the pilgrims who recently visited the Vatican, shared her experience with the Christians and thanked the Bishop for giving them the opportunity to visit the holy site. She urged the Christians to continue supporting the church at their different parishes, especially through prayers.
Mrs. Enongene speaking on behalf of pilgrims
Today’s celebration of the Eucharist is part of a three-day celebration of the 75th anniversary of the erection of the Diocese of Buea, organized by Molyko Deanery. All seven deaneries in the Diocese will carry out their own celebrations. These celebrations at the deanery level will culminate in a major celebration in April 2025, where the entire Diocese will come together to thank God for the blessings of the past 75 years and to commit the future into His hands.
