Archbishop Andrew Nkea Archbishop of Bamenda and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, has inaugurated the 48th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon holding under the theme Synodality in the Diocese of Buea.
Bishops convene for 48th annual seminar
Opening this seminar after the last conference of the Bishops in Buea which took place 46 years ago , in January 1979, the President of NECC Archbishop Andrew Nkea, called on Christians and citizens to take up responsibilities for the construction of the nation and to live in hope which he says does not deceive, and which has its roots in peace. He urged all to act in ways that promote the common good.
President of NECC Archbishop Andrew Nkea
Welcoming the Bishops to Buea; the land of legendary hospitality, the Mayor David Mafani Esq, saluted the presence of the Bishops and highlighted how privileged him and the people of Buea are, to observe this historic moment of the Diocese.
Buea Mayor welcomes Bishops
He called on all to join the peace loving population of Buea in promoting peace and wished for successful deliberations by the Bishops throughout their stay in his Municipality. To the host Bishop; His Lordship Michael Bibi, the mayor congratulated him for his visible efforts which has brought beauty to the Buea municipality.
The ceremony was joined by the Governor of the Southwest Region His Excellency Benard Okalia Bilai, who in his welcome remarks at this historic celebration, saluted the church for promoting peace in the country.
Govenor of SW, Bernard Okalia Bilai
He recognized the infrastructural development brought by the chief shepherd of the Diocese His Lordship Michael Bibi and noted that the magnificent and modern structures including the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral and the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre are proof of Bishop Bibi’s commitment and are a source of pride to the Diocese and to the city of Buea. The Governor who has been present before and since the start of the conference on Jan. 4, reassured the Bishops of a serene environment as they take up their discussions on Synodality.
Bishop Bibi welcomes brother bishops
The host Bishop, Michael Bibi during the event, expressed sentiments of gratitude to civil authorities and prayed for lasting peace in the English Speaking Regions of the Country. He noted that the coming together of the Bishops is a practical sign of Synodality and a significance of the peace and love existing among them. He extended thanks to Madam Kate for her invaluable contributions towards the achievement of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral, and the setting up and renovation of the Our Lady of Grace Shrine where the Bishops had their recollection on Monday 6. 2025. He equally appreciated Archbishop of Yaounde Archdiocese His Grace Jean Mbarga, for giving him the opportunity to raise about 30million in his Archdiocese, to support the works at the Co-cathedral and the Pastoral Centre.
a cross section of dignitaries present
The opening ceremony took place this 7th day of January 2025 at the conference hall of the newly constructed CMA National Secretariat in Buea.
The Bishops would as from today engage in serious sessions on Synodality and they will conclude this conference on the 11th of January, 2025 with a pontifical high mass to be presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea; Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt.
