Monday July 7th,2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Parish Buea Town.
Bishop Bibi Taught on the Role of Institutions in the Missionary Mandate of the Proclamation of the Gospel
Bishop Bibi highlighted the crucial role that various institutions play in the missionary mandate of spreading the Gospel. He emphasized that the agents of evangelization are not limited to the clergy and religious; rather, they also include institutions tasked with proclaiming the Gospel to the entire world.
At the forefront is the family, recognized as the primary institution for the proclamation of the Gospel. It is vital that children are raised in the faith, with parents actively encouraging their children to come together for prayer as a family. Evangelization beginning at home serves as the foundational base for spreading the message of the Gospel.
CHRISTIANS OF BUEA TOWN DURING TEACHINGS WITH BISHOP BIBI
Bishop Bibi underscored that while the home is essential, it can never fully replace the church. Parents must strive to instill in their children a spirit of prayer and faith.
Another significant institution is the Small Christian Community (SCC), where members are called to engage in spiritual activities that foster evangelization. The SCC makes up a mission station, and its members are expected to undertake works that contribute to the evangelization effort.
These various mission stations collectively constitute the parish, which must ensure ongoing and vibrant evangelization. Catholic schools also play a vital role among institutions tasked with the responsibility of evangelization within the educational environment. As faith communities, they must actively promote the spirit of evangelization, starting with prayer in all institutional settings.
CHRISTIANS LISTENING TO THE TEACHINGS OF BISHOP BIBI
The Deaneries function as additional institutions of evangelization, expected to collaborate and strategize for effective outreach efforts. On a broader scale, the Diocese serves as a pivotal institution for evangelization within the Church.
To be effective agents of evangelization, it is essential for individuals to gain knowledge and training that will support them in their mission. In addition to these entities, the Province also acts as an institution for the evangelization of the Gospel.
Bishop Bibi categorized evangelization into three distinct dimensions:
1. Initial Proclamation – Bringing the Gospel message to someone for the first time.
2. Deepening of Faith – Nurturing those who have already received the initial proclamation.
3. Ongoing Formation – Assisting Christians in maturing in their faith.
Through these various institutions and their defined roles, Bishop Bibi emphasized the collective responsibility of the Church in spreading the Gospel and fostering a spirit of evangelization in all areas of life.
