In exultant joy and uplifted hearts, the Christians of the Archdiocese of Douala gathered at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral on the 14th of March 2026 to mark a triple jubilee; 70 years of the Archdiocese. of Douala, 40 years of Archbishop Samuel Kleda’s priesthood, and 25 years of his Episcopal ministry. The landmark celebration opened with Holy Mass presided by Cardinal Peter Turkson, joined by archbishops, bishops and clergy. The cathedral breathes humbled gratitude; for the once-in-a-generation convergence of foundation, God’s vocation, pastoral leadership and God’s grace in three folds.
Christians during holy mass
Quoting from Luke 18:9-14, the nuncio called on the faithful to be humble in prayer and penance, shunning the pride of the Pharisee and stressing that without humility no one can make good prayers.
His Excellency Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt expressed deep gratitude to Bishop Simon Tonye,Cardinal christian Tumi and now Archbishop Samuel Kleda for their dedication to God’s vineyard.He also thanked the priests, catechists and local institutions whose sacrifices made this day a reality
The nuncio further challenged the faithful to live as Christians of admirable faith and character: unwavering in trust, generous in service, and steadfast before difficulties, so that their lives might bear witness to the Gospel even in challenging times.
