On Monday, May 4, 2026, the faithful of Saint Charles Lwanga Parish, Molyko, gathered for a catechetical session led by the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi. The session focused on “Understanding the Missionary Arms of the Catholic Church,” providing a comprehensive overview of the Dicastery for Evangelization and its critical role in the global mission of the Church.
Bishop Bibi During catechesis
His Lordship emphasized that the Dicastery for Evangelization, presided over by the Holy Father himself, is a primary department of the Roman Curia dedicated to coordinating missionary efforts, particularly in developing regions. Drawing from the Second Vatican Council’s decree Ad Gentes, the Bishop reminded the congregation that evangelization is the fundamental identity of the Church, stating, “The Church exists in order to evangelize.” He underscored that this mission requires the dedicated commitment of trained individuals to witness the Gospel through both word and action.
Central to the discussion was the structural operation of the four Pontifical Missionary Societies which facilitate the Church’s outreach:
The Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith: Focused on global missionary cooperation.
The Society of St. Peter the Apostle: Dedicated to the training of local clergy and religious in mission lands.
The Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood: Encouraging children to support their peers in mission territories.
The Pontifical Missionary Union: Aimed at fostering missionary spirit among priests and consecrated persons.
Through this detailed exposition, Bishop Bibi clarified the significance of ecclesiastical collections and administrative frameworks, illustrating how these resources sustain the growth of young Churches and fulfill the universal mandate of the faith.
