The Bishop of Buea, His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, has called on delegates of the first-ever Buea Diocesan Synod to become active proclaimers of the Gospel as they return to their respective parishes, institutions, and communities.
Speaking during the closing Mass of the week-long Synod on June 19, 2026, at the Chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre, Bishop Bibi described the days spent together as a period of genuine spiritual enrichment and discernment for the Diocese.
Bishop Bibi during his homily today June 19th, 2026
The Bishop began by thanking God for accompanying the Diocese throughout the Synod journey. Reflecting on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, he recalled the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 234), noting that the mystery of the Holy Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith from which all other mysteries derive.
The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese expressed profound gratitude to the Synod Preparatory Committee, headed by Rev. Fr. Ernest Neba, and all those who contributed to the success of the Synod, including those who responded to the preparatory questionnaires. He also thanked the Dean of Molyko Deanery, Rev. Fr. Frank Bayong, for hosting delegates, as well as the management and staff of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre for their dedication and hospitality throughout the week.
Some priests during closing Mass
Bishop Bibi equally thanked all Synod delegates for sacrificing their time and responsibilities to participate in the historic gathering. “I followed the Synod very closely and listened to all that was said,” he told delegates, assuring them that the proposals and recommendations made during the Synod would be carefully considered and implemented to strengthen the Diocese’s mission of evangelization.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of the day, the Bishop reminded delegates of their missionary mandate entrusted to them by Christ: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He reassured them of Christ’s promise, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Cross section of delegates in attendance
Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 3), Bishop Bibi emphasized that every Christian has the responsibility to proclaim the Good News. He stressed the importance of understanding the content of the faith and encouraged delegates to take advantage of formation opportunities, particularly through JOPASIT, to deepen their knowledge of Church doctrine and strengthen their faith so they may become effective evangelizers.
The Bishop concluded by reminding delegates that the work of evangelization is fundamentally the work of the Holy Spirit. He expressed confidence that the Holy Spirit would continue to guide, enlighten, and strengthen the Diocese as it seeks to implement the fruits of the Synod and ensure that the Gospel reaches the ends of the earth.
Cross section of delegates in attendance
Bishop Bibi also expressed gratitude to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) for its support of approximately six million francs towards the accommodation and lodging of delegates at the Pastoral Centre. He further thanked Professor Therese Chombe for her financial contribution of 51,000 francs and acknowledged the generous support received from various parishes across the Diocese.
Cross section of delegates in attendance
Entrusting the Diocese to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of Evangelization and Queen of Peace, Bishop Bibi prayed for her continued intercession as the Diocese embarks on the next phase of its synodal journey.
The closing Mass marked the official conclusion of the historic Buea Diocesan Synod, which brought together clergy, religious, and lay faithful from across the Diocese to discern the future direction of the local Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
