BISHOP MICHAEL BIBI PAYS PASTORAL VISIT TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH ESSINGUILI, EBOLOWA, STRENGTHENS CHRISTIANS IN FAITH
The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, on Sunday, August 23, 2026, paid a pastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Parish Essinguili in the Diocese of Ebolowa, where he celebrated the Holy Eucharist with the Christian community.
The Bishop of Ebolowa, His Lordship Bishop Philippe Alain Mbarga, was part of the Eucharistic celebration alongside priests, religious and the lay faithful.
Celebrated on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Mass provided Bishop Bibi an opportunity to strengthen the Christians in their faith and encourage them to remain steadfast in their journey with Christ, irrespective of the difficulties they may encounter.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel passage of Matthew 16:13–20 and the encounter between Jesus and His disciples at Caesarea Philippi, Bishop Bibi reflected particularly on Christ’s fundamental question to His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?”
He recalled Peter’s profession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” explaining that Peter’s recognition of the true identity of Jesus did not come merely through human effort or understanding, but through divine enlightenment.
The Prelate underscored Christ’s assurance that the gates of the underworld would never prevail against His Church. He encouraged the Christians of Essinguili not to abandon their Catholic faith because of challenges, temptations or persecution.
Reflecting further on Christ entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, Bishop Bibi highlighted the authority given to Peter and the mission entrusted to the Church. He reminded the faithful that Christian life is ultimately a journey towards heaven and encouraged them not to allow anything to become an obstacle on that journey.
During the Eucharistic celebration, Bishop Bibi administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to some Christians, calling them to remain open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and to become courageous witnesses of Christ in their families and communities.
Bishop Bibi During confirmation.
The Prelate also formally dedicated some men into the Catholic Men’s Association, encouraging them to remain committed to their responsibilities as Catholic men and to contribute actively to the growth and mission of the Church.
Bishop Bibi equally expressed gratitude for the contribution of priests from the Diocese of Buea who had previously served in the Diocese of Ebolowa, as well as those currently carrying out their priestly ministry there. He appreciated their missionary service and commitment to the people entrusted to their pastoral care.
Bishop Michael Bibi, Bishop of Ebolowa, His Lordship Bishop Philippe Alain Mbarga, and con concelebrants
The pastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Parish Essinguili thus became an occasion of communion between the Dioceses of Buea and Ebolowa and, above all, a renewed call for Christians to remain firm in their profession of faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.
