In an atmosphere filled with joy, hymns, and songs of praise, the Christian faithful of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Batoke, gathered on Sunday, 26 July 2026, to welcome their Chief Shepherd, His Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi, on a pastoral visit to the parish. The Bishop was received with traditional dances and jubilant singing as he joined the faithful to celebrate their shared faith and strengthen the bond of communion within the Diocese of Buea. The visit was marked by a solemn Pontifical Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Bishop, providing an opportunity for him to pray with the Christian community, listen to their aspirations and challenges, and encourage them in their vocation as disciples of Christ.
In his homily, Bishop Michael Bibi called on the faithful to become shining lights of faith by living authentic Christian lives that inspire both believers and non-believers. He reminded them that their witness should not be limited to words but should be reflected in their daily actions, encouraging them to boldly profess the Gospel and remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ in every circumstance.
Drawing from Paragraph 1 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Bishop explained that every human person is created to know, love, and serve God, and ultimately to share eternal life with Him in heaven. He stressed that God has entrusted humanity with the gift of free will, enabling each person to make choices between good and evil. He therefore urged the faithful to make decisions that lead to holiness by rejecting Satan and his empty promises, resisting worldly distractions, seeking Christ above all else, and trusting that God would provide all they truly need.
Addressing the 93 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the celebration, Bishop Bibi reminded them that, having been anointed with the sacred Chrism and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they are now sent forth as courageous soldiers of Christ. He encouraged the newly confirmed to bear faithful witness to the Gospel through their words and actions, allowing their lives to become examples of faith, hope, and love for others to follow.
bishop Bibi, con-celebrants and alter servants.
