The 2nd Session of the Enlarged Diocesan Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Buea took place on Friday the 31st of January 2025 in the Auntie Kate Banquet Hall in the Pastoral Centre to chat ways in building the Pastoral life of the Diocese within the 2025 Pastoral year.
members at the 2nd enlarged Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting
Chaired by Bishop Michael Bibi, President of the Council, the Local Ordinary welcomed members and thanked them for their selfless sacrifices in the Diocese. It was an avenue to listen to reports from different Council members representing parishes and services, and to take decisions that would foster the growth of the Diocese
Bishop renders gratitude to members
Some key points discussed was the fact that Christians should be encouraged to belong and actively participate in Small Christian communities; a platform which brings Christians in communion to pray and know one another as members of the family of Christ. Emphasis was also laid on the fact that parishes must conform to approved Diocesan collections to avoid many financial collections in church and that any parish that goes against this to impose other collections on Christians, stands to face sections. However, collections which are deemed necessary, must have a verdict from the Bishop .
2025 Diocesan Pastoral Council
The care and accommodation of priests going on retirement was also an area of concern and the President noted that the Diocese would be focusing on this in the days ahead. Discussions on the peak celebration of the canonical erection of the Diocese and the 25th anniversary of Priestly Ordination of Bishop Michael Bibi, were not left out.
Bishop offers bible to members
It was also an avenue for Bishop Michael Bibi to offer bibles to each council member, calling on them to let the word of God guide their every action in life. The meeting took place within the 17th Pastoral and Economic Week of the Diocese held under the Theme “Go and invite everyone to the Banquet”.
celebrating closing Mass
A Thanksgiving Mass officiated by the Local Ordinary, Bishop Michael Bibi in the Chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre, brought to a close this session of the 2025 Diocesan Pastoral and Economic Week during which Bishop Bibi expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders of the Diocese who came together to evaluate the 2024 activities of the Diocese and put strategies in place for a fruitful Pastoral year 2025. He encouraged Christians to allow themselves for God to use them as His Instruments and to always give honor and Glory to God .
The next Diocesan Pastoral and Economic Week is expected to come up from the 26th to the 31st of January 2026.
