The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi, has called for academic excellence rooted in Christian values at Saint Anne’s College, Limbe. The call was made today, Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Holy Family Parish, Limbe, during his homily at the inaugural Mass of the academic year, attended by the Principal, Sr. Maceline Tata, members of staff and students of the institution.
The visit, which commenced with a Eucharistic celebration at Holy Family Parish, Limbe, presided over by the Chief Shepherd, provided an opportunity for the management, staff and students to give thanks to God for the successes and blessings of the past academic year, seek His guidance and protection for the year ahead, and renew their commitment to nurturing an educational environment rooted in faith, discipline and Christian values. It also invited the entire school community to reflect on their individual and collective responsibilities as they strive to grow not only in academic excellence but also in their Christian lives and witness.
“Catholic education must go beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge to embrace the holistic formation of the human person, fostering meaningful relationships, moral integrity and respect for human dignity.” This was the central message of the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea and proprietor of Saint Anne’s High School, His Lordship Michael Bibi, during his homily at the inaugural Mass of the academic year, celebrated today, Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Holy Family Parish.
Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke 17:20–25, in which Jesus speaks about the presence of the Kingdom of God, Bishop Bibi reminded the staff and students that the Kingdom must become visible in their daily lives through honesty, hard work, integrity and the responsible use of their individual gifts and talents. He emphasized that Catholic education provides the tools for genuine transformation and the inculcation of Christian virtues, insisting that these values must remain at the heart of the formation imparted within the institution.
The prelate further challenged the staff and students to make every classroom a place where truth is pursued, character is nurtured and every opportunity becomes a means of glorifying God through their words, thoughts and actions. He urged them to uphold an educational environment that promotes not only intellectual excellence but also sound moral principles and authentic Christian living.
Addressing the students in particular, Bishop Bibi called on them to shun all forms of crime, desist from making excuses to evade their academic responsibilities and remain vigilant, committed and available to the opportunities presented to them. He encouraged them to make deliberate use of every opportunity to grow in wisdom, knowledge, faith, discipline and excellence, distinguishing themselves as responsible students and true children of God.
