The Diocese of Buea, cradle of the Catholic Church in Cameroon and the country’s oldest diocese, played host to a major spiritual and ecclesial event—the 5th Ordinary Assembly of the Claritian Missionaries (Claretian Missionary Society), Cameroon Delegation.
The high point of the gathering was the presence of the Bishop of Buea, His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, who graced the opening session by presiding over the Holy Mass today June 30th, 2025 at the chapel of Bishop Pius Awa Memorial pastoral center with over 80 clarician priests across the country in attendance .
Entrance during Mass to officially Kickstart their 5th General Assembly in Buea
His attendance was seen as a profound sign of ecclesial unity, and a reaffirmation of his commitment to the spirit of collaboration between dioceses and institutes of consecrated life said Major Superior Rev. Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh, CMF who warmly welcomed the bishop, expressing heartfelt gratitude for his continuous support and acknowledging him as one of the top bishops supporting the Claretian Fathers in Cameroon.
Superior Fr Jude thanking Bishop Bibi for hosting them
Speaking on behalf of the missionaries, Rev. Fr. Jude Langeh proudly declared, “We are very happy to be part of the cradle of the Catholic Church in the country, the Diocese of Buea.” He went on to congratulate the bishop on the 77th anniversary of the Diocese of Buea and used the opportunity to wish him a happy 25th Priestly Anniversary in advance.
The Bishop, in his address shortly before the homily , thanked the Claretians for choosing the Diocese of Buea to host such a pivotal gathering, saying, “We the people of the Diocese of Buea were very happy and elated when we heard that the whole congregation was coming to Buea. We are truly blessed.”
He noted that their choice of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral center as their meeting venue is a sign that the structure achieving the purpose for which it was established after it recently hosted Bisbops across Cameroon and Bhea Diocesan priests for their annual retreat.
Bishop Bibi during celebration of Eucharist
The Ordinary Assembly, he said, is a moment of communion, renewal, and reflection. In his fatherly wisdom, Bishop Bibi urged the delegates to see the assembly as “a providential time to listen to the Holy Spirit who speaks to us individually and as members of this honorable assembly.”
He challenged them to embrace the difficulties that might emerge during the assembly, seeing them not as obstacles but as stepping stones to greater missionary commitment.
“The future of the Claretians does not rest on the shoulders of the Superior and his Council alone,” the bishop emphasized, encouraging all members to share their gifts and talents in full co-responsibility with their leaders.
Reflecting on the assembly’s theme, “Missionary Pilgrims of Hope: Building Together a Fraternal and Reconciled Delegation, Walking the Path to Progress,” Bishop Bibi urged the Claretians to be true men of hope and unity. He concluded by reminding them that “the Church may have a diversity of ministries, but it has only one mission.”
What is the Claretian Missionary Society?
The Claretian Missionary Society (formally known as the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, CMF) is a Roman Catholic religious congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1849 by Saint Anthony Mary Claret in Spain. The Claretians are dedicated to the evangelization of the world, with a special emphasis on missionary outreach, social justice, education, and media.
They serve in over 60 countries across five continents, living in community and working with the poor, the marginalized, and those in need of spiritual renewal. Faithful to their founder’s missionary zeal, Claretians work to proclaim the Word, form Christian communities, defend human dignity, and promote peace and reconciliation. Their motto”To know God and make Him known”drives their pastoral and missionary efforts globally.
