In a profound moment of teaching and faith formation, His Lordship Michael Bibi, Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, led a catechetical session on 11th May 2026 at Saint Charles Lwanga Parish, Molyko, on the topic The Significance of the Ascension of Jesus Christ. The catechesis enlightened the faithful on the meaning of the Ascension, the nature of Christ’s glorified body after His Resurrection, and His post-Resurrection appearances to the Apostles and disciples. Bishop Bibi also reflected on Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit, the reasons He remained on earth for 40 days after the Resurrection, and the purpose of His appearances during that time.
Bishop Bibi during catechesis
The Bishop explained that after His Resurrection, Christ remained on earth for 40 days to strengthen His Apostles and disciples, who had been overcome by fear and doubt following His death and burial. Quoting _Luke 24:50-53_, the prelate emphasized that the Ascension marked the end of Christ’s earthly ministry and the close of His visible appearances among men. Yet, he noted, this departure was not an absence but a transition: through the Ascension, Christ continued His work of salvation by eternally interceding for us before the Father.
Citing CCC 461, the proper Pastor of the faith for the Diocese of Buea reaffirmed that both the Resurrection and the Ascension were works of the Holy Trinity, accomplished in perfect unity and synergy of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Bishop Bibi further reiterated that the Ascension ushered in the mission of the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier of mankind and of the faithful. The prelate reminded Christians that as the Church preaches the Gospel, it carries a sacred mandate to hand on the full deposit of faith in its integrity. This deposit, entrusted to the Church, could not be changed, diminished, or redefined, but had to be proclaimed faithfully to all generations.
Through this session, the faithful were invited to understand how Christ’s appearances strengthened the faith of the early Church and how the Ascension completed Christ’s earthly mission while inaugurating the Church’s own. Bishop Bibi explained how the Ascension entrusted to the Church the mandate to proclaim the Good News and safeguard the deposit of Revelation, a mission now carried forward under the guidance of the Holy Spirit whom Christ promised to send.
