The celebration of the 34 edition of the World Day of the Sick in the Diocese of Buea began with an opening Mass on Friday, February 13, 2026. The Eucharistic celebration, held at Mount Mary Hospital, Buea, was presided over by the Bishop of Buea, His Lordship Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi.
Choir
In his homily, the Bishop reminded Christians that sickness is a reality that touches every human being in one way or another. “We are all sick people,” he said, explaining that beyond physical illness, many suffer spiritually, emotionally, or psychologically. He urged the faithful and the sick to remain hopeful and to always look up to God for divine healing.
The ceremony brought together patients and staff of Mount Mary Hospital, as well as representatives from Regina Pacis Hospital Mutengene, ARCH Dibanda, Mile 14 Buea, officials of the Buea Episcopal Provincial Health Assistance (BEPHA), and the Diocesan Health Coordination Office.
Bishop Bibi During homily
Addressing a common misconception, Bishop Bibi dismissed the myth held by some Christians that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is only administered to those at the point of death. He clarified that the sacrament is not a “last rite” reserved for the dying, but a channel of God’s grace and healing for anyone seriously ill or weakened by age.
Cross section of those present during the ceremony
What the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Entails
According to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ. It is administered by a priest or bishop and involves:
The laying on of hands in silent prayer.
The anointing of the forehead and hands with blessed oil (Oil of the Sick).
Prayers asking God for healing, strength, forgiveness of sins, and spiritual comfort.
The sacrament brings spiritual strength, peace, courage, and, if God wills, even physical healing. It unites the sick person more closely to Christ’s Passion and offers forgiveness of sins if the person is unable to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Priest offering sacrament of the sick
During the celebration, Bishop Bibi and the priests present moved around to administer the sacrament to patients, entrusting them to Christ the Divine Healer.
In her remarks, the Matron of Mount Mary Hospital thanked the Proprietor for gracing the occasion with his presence. She expressed joy and gratitude on behalf of the staff and patients for his fatherly care, spiritual support, and the many blessings he continues to bring to the institution.
Procession
The ceremony also involved a Health talk from a resident Doctor of Mount Mary Hospital, distribution of gifts to the sick as well as traditional dance
