“God of Mercy and Compassion, Look with pity upon me”. This song captures the wish of thousands of Christians who convened at the foot of the Holy hill of Regina Angelorum Parish Bonjongo for the 2024 Buea Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop Michael Bibi, Chief custodian of the Diocese.
This advent pilgrimage, which started off with stations of the cross followed by prayers, confessions, adoration of the blessed Sacrament, and the celebration of the Eucharist, was an opportunity for Christians to purify themselves as they begin a new liturgical year and prepare for Christmas, the birth of Christ.
Pilgrims from the seven deaneries of the Diocese engaged in this spiritual exercise to ask God for His mercy, evaluate their spiritual journey as they end the liturgical year and to have an encounter with Christ .
During this spiritual exercise, the Local Ordinary Bishop Michael Bibi reminded faithful of the second coming of Christ. He urged them to evaluate themselves on how they have lived their lives over the years, make decisions that will improve their spirituality, and to Level all valleys and hills that stand as stumbling blocks in attaining Holy lives. The prelate preached that love and forgiveness should be a regular practice by Christians and urged everyone to repent and turn away from evil.
Holding as one of the activities marking the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Buea, Christians were invited by their Bishop to continue to pray for the Diocese, to participate in planned activities to honor this milestones and to take part in the dedication of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral which has been scheduled for January 5, 2025 and the grand celebration of the 75th anniversary planned for May 7, 2025.
On behalf of the Christians of the Diocese of Buea, the Parish Pastoral Council Chair Mr. James Vefonge, reassured the prelate of their loyalty . “You are a solution focused Bishop. We see this in the spiritual activities and developmental changes you have brought to our Diocese. We shall always support you in all you do” the chairman noted. He further appreciated the entire Christian body for turning out massively for this event and called on them to do same for other diocesan activities coming in the days ahead.
The advent pilgrimage is an annual tradition of the diocese of Buea, which brings together the Christians in a spirit of prayer.