“You are dust, and unto dust you shall return.” With these words, the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea Fuanya, reflected on the mystery of death and eternal life during the Funeral Mass of Bishop Francis Teke Lysinge at St. Joseph Cathedral in Mamfe today, Thursday, August 13, 2026.
In his homily, Archbishop Nkea described the death of Bishop Lysinge as a “birthday in heaven,” emphasizing that the late prelate had simply returned to the Father whom he faithfully served throughout his earthly life.
The Archbishop highlighted the virtues that characterized the life and ministry of Bishop Lysinge as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and a deep commitment to God.
Archbishop Nkea said Bishop Lysinge was a high priest who spent his life doing his best to serve God and His people. He described him as a pastor worthy of the name, whose ministry touched and transformed the lives of many.
According to the Archbishop, the late Bishop’s greatest ambition was to become a saint, and he lived each day striving towards that goal. His life of service, humility and pastoral dedication, he noted, remains an inspiration to the many people whose lives he impacted.
Quoting Scripture, Archbishop said the passing of Bishop Lysinge should therefore not only be a moment of mourning but also an encouragement to all those who benefited from his ministry.
“His legacy is the teachings he gave us,” the Archbishop said, urging the faithful to preserve and live out the values and lessons imparted by the late shepherd.
Bishop Francis Teke Lysinge was ordained to the priesthood on April 17, 1966, by Bishop Jules Peeters, alongside three other priests, at the Cathedral in Small Soppo, Buea. He went on to dedicate decades of his life to the service of the Church and the people entrusted to his pastoral care.
Bishop Lysinge died on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 87 years and seven months, bringing to an end a long life of priestly and episcopal service.
Following the Funeral Mass, the late prelate will be laid to rest in the Chapel of the Bishops at St. Joseph Cathedral, Mamfe, where he will remain in the company of the shepherds who served the Diocese after him.
