BAPEC BOARD OF GOVERNORS REVIEW MINOR SEMINARY FORMATION, LOOK AHEAD FOR 2026–2027
The Board of Governors of the Bishops of the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda (BAPEC), responsible for Minor Seminaries and the Propædeutic Year, held its annual meeting to review the 2025–2026 academic year and make preparations for the new academic year 2026–2027.
BAPEC BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The meeting began at 9:00 a.m. with the Archbishop invoking the Holy Spirit through the Veni Creator Spiritus. In his opening remarks, he welcomed all the participants and expressed appreciation for their presence and commitment to the formation of future priests. He noted that the 2025–2026 academic year had been eventful but generally positive, with no major catastrophes reported in the various houses of formation.
The minutes of the previous meeting were subsequently read, corrected and adopted. The Board then received and discussed reports from the various houses of formation, including Bishop Rogan College Minor Seminary (BIROCOL), Kitiwum, St. John XXIII Minor Seminary in Fotabong, and Yani Centre.
Among the major issues discussed were the CRS examinations, vocation promotion, data management and the systematic archiving of records in Minor Seminaries. Particular attention was given to the need for better documentation and the responsible use of data in accompanying young people on their vocational journey.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a vocational discernment form and an accompanying statistical analysis by the Vocation Director and Rector of BIROCOL. The initiative received strong appreciation from the Bishops, who welcomed the effort to introduce a more systematic and evidence-based approach to vocational discernment and the evaluation of candidates.
The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among the various houses of formation and continually improving the structures and methods used in preparing candidates for the priesthood.
The meeting concluded at 1:13 p.m. with the Archbishop thanking all participants for their presence, contributions and continued dedication to the work of priestly formation, as the seminaries prepare to begin the 2026–2027 academic year.
