Buea, May 7, 2026 — The five-day national workshop of members of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Cameroon came to a spiritual close on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by His Grace, Archbishop Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo, Archbishop of Garoua and President of the Episcopal Commission for Missions in Cameroon.
Cross section of those in attendance for the closing Mass
The closing Mass, celebrated at the Chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre in Buea, officially marked the end of the spiritually enriching gathering which brought together delegates from across the ecclesiastical provinces of Cameroon for reflection, formation, and renewal in missionary commitment.
At the beginning of the celebration, Archbishop Faustin Ambassa described the Mass as an opportunity to thank God for the successful organization of the workshop and for the graces received throughout the five days of prayer, formation, and exchange among members of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Cameroon.
PMS members during Closing Mass
In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged participants to remain steadfast in their missionary vocation despite the many challenges they may encounter in the field of evangelization.
“As missionaries, you will face difficulties. Some people will not understand you, and others may not appreciate your work. Even among yourselves, there may be misunderstandings. But in all these challenges, never forget to return to Christ,” he stated.
PMS Cameroon members taking the oath of office
Drawing inspiration from the Apostles who returned to Jerusalem after their missionary journeys, Archbishop Ambassa reminded the faithful that Jerusalem was a place of reconnection with Christ, renewal, and the reception of the missionary mandate.
He stressed that missionaries are specially chosen by God because of the talents and gifts He has placed within them, but cautioned that the mission cannot succeed without a deep and constant union with Christ.
Members recive their certificates of participation from the Archbishop of Garoua and President of the commission
“In all the difficulties you may encounter, go back to Christ,” the Archbishop urged.
Quoting Saint Paul in Galatians 2:20, he further reminded participants of the need for total surrender to Christ in missionary work:
“I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
The Archbishop concluded by calling on members of the Pontifical Mission Societies to remain rooted in prayer, unity, and communion with Christ, who remains the source and foundation of every authentic mission in the Church.
The workshop in Buea brought together missionaries and PMS representatives from across Cameroon under the theme of strengthening missionary cooperation and evangelization efforts within the Church and society.
The Pontifical Mission Societies are a worldwide network of Catholic missionary organizations established to promote the universal missionary spirit of the Church through prayer, evangelization, missionary formation, and material support for mission territories. The societies help support the Church’s evangelization efforts, especially in young and developing churches, while encouraging Catholics to actively participate in spreading the Gospel throughout the world
