On July 14, 2025, during a catechetical session at Saint Martin the Porres Parish in Bokwango, Bishop Michael Bibi focused on the evangelical structures outlined in the Bamenda Provincial Pastoral Plan, providing a framework for thematic understanding and implementation.
The Provincial Pastoral Plan identifies 19 distinct themes/commissions, with the first being the Biblical Commission. This commission is dedicated to helping Christians deepen their understanding of the Word of God. The plan provides a clear preamble, aim, composition, roles, and methods for implementing each commission.
CHRISTIANS LISTENING TO BISHOP
The Biblical Commission is centered on the Word of God, which, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), paragraph 104, serves as nourishment for the soul. Attendees were encouraged to engage with the Scriptures actively. Bishop Bibi reminded Christians that “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ,” referencing CCC, paragraph 133, where it is underscored that everyone is urged to read the Bible. Additionally, CCC, paragraph 107, affirms that the content of the Scriptures is true. The primary aim of the Biblical Commission is to make Christ known and to position the Bible as the first and preferred prayer book of the faithful.
Drawing inspiration from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1003, “the Word of God should be venerated just as we venerate the body of Christ,” the Biblical Commission is thus exhorted to dedicate time and resources to ensure the evangelical works of the Church are achieved through liturgy.
According to Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible from Greek to Latin, “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” By this, the importance of liturgy cannot be overemphasized.
The Lord ordinary also called on the Christians and members of the Liturgy Commission to make use of specialized structures of the Church to grow their knowledge of the faith and liturgy. Institutions such as the Saint John Paul II Institute (JOPASIT) are set to enhance the faith and knowledge of liturgy.
Worthy of note, the local ordinary encouraged Christians to strive to know God above everything and put Him first with reverence.
