In light of the parish community’s lukewarm reception to the newly assigned priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Gardens- Limbe, Bishop Michael Bibi of the Diocese of Buea convened a meeting on June 9, 2025, to address parishioners’ concerns. The gathering provided a platform for dialogue, with the Bishop encouraging open questions and clarifying issues regarding the respect for the new parish priest Rev. Fr. Joel Ngolo, comparisons to the former priest, and financial management practices that have been a source of contention.
Bishop Bibi meets with Christians to listen to their concerns
Bishop Bibi emphasized the autonomy of the parish priest, as stated in Canon 515, where he represents the Bishop’s authority and makes final decisions, supported by a parish pastoral council for consultation. He highlighted the importance of mutual respect in fostering a collaborative environment between the parish priest and the community.
Bishop explains the role of a parish pastoral council
Key points discussed included the need for the parish finance committee, in accordance with Canon 537, to assist in overseeing financial matters and ensuring transparency. The Bishop also reiterated the prohibition of fundraising during funeral masses and the necessity for all funds to be deposited directly into the parish account to ensure accountability.
The meeting concluded positively, with Bishop Bibi expressing gratitude for the parishioners’ candid discussions and urging them to unite in support of their new spiritual leader.
