The Bishop of Buea, Michael Miabesue Bibi, presided over the morning Mass on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre as part of the ongoing Buea Diocesan Synod. The Eucharistic celebration, which was conducted in French, was the first French-language Mass since the opening of the Synod on June 14. The homily and reflection were delivered by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Mbinkar, who challenged delegates to embrace authentic spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Addressing the delegates, Fr. Mbinkar remarked, “When I see you, I see patients,” explaining that all Christians suffer from different spiritual illnesses and that the Church remains a hospital for the spiritually sick. Drawing from the Gospel of the day, he described prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as Christ’s three prescriptions for healing, stressing that these practices are not optional but essential for every believer.
Bishop Bibi officiating Mass today June 17th 2026
Inspired by the examples of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, Fr. Mbinkar reminded delegates that the God of Elijah has always been present in the Diocese of Buea since its foundation. However, he posed a challenging question: “Where are the Elijahs of God today?” He invited participants to reflect on how they can become modern-day Elijahs and Elishas in a post-synodal Diocese of Buea.
The priest lamented the decline of fasting among Christians, noting that many have become “slaves to their intestines.” He emphasized that fasting does not change God but transforms the believer by fostering self-discipline, conversion, and spiritual growth.
Cross section of delegates
On almsgiving, Fr. Mbinkar stressed the need for Christians to support the mission of the local Church materially as well as spiritually. Reminding delegates that “the Hail Mary and Our Father are not currencies,” he explained that while fasting builds the interior person, almsgiving helps build the external and material life of the Church.
He concluded by urging delegates not to allow external practices to overshadow genuine conversion of heart and prayed that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide and teach participants throughout the Synod journey.
The Buea Diocesan Synod, which runs from June 14 to 19, 2026, at the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre, is bringing together clergy, religious, and lay faithful to discern the future direction of the local Church. According to the Church, a synod is not a parliament or a forum for political debate, but a spiritual journey of listening, dialogue, and discernment in which the People of God seek to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and respond more faithfully to the mission entrusted to the Church.
