Bishop Bibi Urges Faithful to Live Out the Virtues of Saint Martin de Porres
The Christian community of Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Bokwango, gathered in a spirit of faith, thanksgiving and communion to celebrate its annual patronal feast on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi.
In his homily, the prelate underscored the Christian responsibility of extending love, compassion and solidarity to the less privileged, reminding the faithful that genuine devotion to God must be reflected in their concern for the welfare of others.
He emphasised that the Church was called to be a home of love, mercy and inclusion, where the needs of the vulnerable were recognised and addressed through concrete acts of charity and selfless service.
He further encouraged the faithful to see the celebration not merely as an annual religious observance but as a renewed call to put their faith into practice through meaningful gestures of kindness and generosity.
He equally challenged the parishioners to draw inspiration from the exemplary life of their patron saint, Saint Martin de Porres, whose profound humility, unwavering charity and dedication to serving the poor offered a compelling model of Christian holiness. The Bishop reminded them of the importance of making sound moral choices, remaining steadfast in their faith and embracing a life of righteousness, stressing that their daily conduct and commitment to God’s commandments were essential in their journey towards eternal life and the inheritance of His Kingdom.
Lectionary procession
The Eucharistic celebration served as a moment of thanksgiving to God for His abundant blessings and faithfulness, while providing the faithful with an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with Christ, seek His mercy and draw renewed spiritual strength. It equally renewed their commitment to emulate the virtues of their patron saint, particularly his humility, charity, compassion and devotion to prayer. His life of selfless service and love for humanity remained an enduring model of Christian discipleship, inspiring the faithful to live out their Christian vocation through love, sacrifice and service to others.
