Diocese of Buea | By Mbowoh Lucia Nkembi
The gathering of Catholic Christians in Upper Bonduma started in the 1990s when the Renew Programme was launched. Four families (Epah, Azamo, Alobwede and Tendong) successfully went through the programme. They served as the springboard for the pastoral plan, later launched by Rev. Fr. Peter Nzenkeng and Sr. Declan.
On arrival of the Capuchin priests in 2012, the pastoral plan was relaunched and Immaculate Conception Parish was divided into four Gospel Sharing Groups. The Upper Bonduma group was dedicated to St. Louis in recognition of Mr. Louis Nkembi.
This group gave birth to four other Gospel Sharing Groups, later organized into St. Cornelius Small Christian Community.
The SCC started monthly Masses rotating in families: Njukeng, Nkembi, Forka, Ngole, Epah and others. Frequency increased to fortnightly Sunday Masses.
Late Dr. Francis Biaka offered accommodation, enabling weekly Mass celebrations. The first Harvest Thanksgiving raised 84,000 FRS, initiating the land and church project.
With the erection of Immaculate Conception Parish Great Soppo under Rev. Fr. Dominic Chidebere, St. Cornelius Mission was born with two SCCs from four Gospel Sharing Groups.
The Biaka family expanded facilities and provided benches, chairs, lectionary, and sound system. Dr. Atem (RIP) provided altar table, ambo, lectionary stand, and drums. Dr. Nyassa provided the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Dominic provided a Mass box and families contributed vestments.
Rev. Fr. Ernest Neba intensified efforts to secure a permanent site for the mission station. The community visited Bishop Emmanuel Bushu and received support.
A piece of land measuring 2232 sqm was acquired for 16,000,000 FCFA.
The land now hosts a skill development centre (temporary church), a presbytery for two priests, and an ongoing church construction project.
St. Cornelius Parish was created in 2019. Pioneer Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Tobias Bekong.
Second Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Vincent Mesue (from 17 December 2019).
Third Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Peter Paul Maza (from 16 June 2020).
Current Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Solomon Lyonga Ikundi (from 17 June 2023).
The Main Mission now has four SCCs and eight Gospel Sharing Groups:
St. Cyprian SCC (St. Louis GSG, St. Rita GSG)
St. Monica SCC (St. Philomena GSG, St. George GSG)
St. Francisca SCC (St. Anthony GSG, St. Paola GSG)
St. John Paul II SCC (St. Therese GSG, St. Maria Goretti GSG)
A mission station named St. Rose of Lima was created in 2019. It currently holds Sunday Masses at Bokoko Community Hall.
A 650 sqm land has been acquired for future development.
SCCs include: All Saints SCC, St. John SCC, St. Aloysius SCC, and St. Maria Magdalena SCC.
Catholic Men Association, Catholic Women Association, Christian Family Movement, St. Jude Apostolate, Blue Army, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Hospitality Ministry, Readers Ministry, Cadets, CARITAS, Altar Servers.
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Solomon Lyonga Ikundi
Email: solomonikundi@gmail.com
Ordained Priest: Thursday, 8th April 2021
Curate: Rev. Fr. Cyril Sangnyuy
Email: sangnyuykiran@gamil.com
Ordained Priest: Thursday, 24th April 2025
Main Mission: 6:30 a.m. & 8:30 a.m.
St. Rose of Lima: 8:30 a.m.
Main Mission: 6:00 a.m.
St. Rose: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 6:00 a.m.
(Opposite E.P.N Church, Bonduma Gate)
Every day after morning Mass and on special request.
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon | 4:00 p.m. – On Call
Address:
P.O. Box 64, Buea
Bishop’s House, Small Soppo, Buea, Cameroon
Email: stcornelius@bueadiocese.org
Parish Contact: +237 670 733 130
