With joy, Christian communion, and hearts filled with anticipation, Christians of St. James Parish, Ikata gathered on Thursday, March 12, 2026, to warmly welcome their Chief Shepherd, Michael Bibi, Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, who was on a Pastoral Visit to the community. Children, mothers, fathers, and parishioners from all corners of Ikata came together to receive their spiritual father, while Priests of the deanery, led by the Parish Priest of St. James Parish Ikata Rev Father Molongwe Etongwe warmly and prayerful welcomed their Chief Shepherd.
Christians of Ikata during Holy mass
In his welcome address to Bishop Michael Bibi of Buea, Rev. Fr. Molongwe Etongwe described the faithful of Ikata as “living martyrs” a community marked by relentless gunfire, lost lives, scattered families, and razed homes. Fr. Etongwe said the bishop’s pastoral visit and the Church’s presence among them constitute a sign of hope.
Bishop Bibi during homily
He appealed to Bishop Bibi and the wider Church to pray without ceasing for unity, peace, and reconciliation in Ikata and the surrounding villages, insisting that the Gospel must speak directly into their suffering.
The Pastoral Visit offered the Chief Shepherd a special opportunity to pray with the faithful, share in their joys and challenges, and bestow his episcopal and Lenten blessings upon the Christian community.
Bishop and choir
In a land still marked by the challenges of the Anglophone crisis, the presence of the Bishop among his people was a deeply consoling and hopeful sign, strengthening the faith and unity of the Christian community.In a land where peace has long felt like a distant dream, Bishop Bibi stands in humble intercession. Lifting the people of Ikata before the Almighty, he prayed for a divine intervention to restore broken altars and bring back the dawn of stability.
