FAMILY: THE FIRST DOMESTIC CHURCH
On December 29, 2025, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, led a catechetical session at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Buea, shedding light on the pivotal role of the family as the first domestic church. This timely topic, coinciding with the Christmas season and the recent celebration of the Feast of the Holy Family, underscored the significance of family in nurturing Christian values and faith.
The prelate emphasized that the family serves as the foundational setting where Christians experience their first catechesis and teachings of Christ’s word and gospel. It is within the family unit that individuals receive their initial formation in making decisive moral choices and encounter the theological virtues. The Chief Shepherd stressed that parents play a crucial role in the spiritual growth of their families and should not relegate this responsibility solely to the church.
Citing the Book of Proverbs, the prelate urged parents to instill ethics, morals, and Christian virtues in their children, ensuring they grow up with a strong foundation in faith. He acknowledged that no family is perfect, referencing the Holy Family of Nazareth as the model for Christian families. The prelate encouraged families to emulate the values of forgiveness and unity exemplified by the Holy Family, learning to sincerely forgive one another and move forward.
The catechetical session highlighted the importance of the family in domestic Christian growth, reinforcing the church’s emphasis on the significance of belonging to a family. As the church celebrates the Christmas season, the message resonates with the call to strengthen family bonds, nurture faith, and cultivate a culture of love and forgiveness.
The Chief Shepherd’s message serves as a reminder to families to prioritize their spiritual growth, fostering an environment where faith is lived and passed on to future generations. By embracing the model of the Holy Family, families can become vibrant domestic churches, radiating love, compassion, and Christian values to the world.
