Catholic Teachers Gather for Thanksgiving Mass at Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral
Catholic teachers from across the Diocese of Buea gathered at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral, Molyko-Buea, on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration marking the conclusion of the academic year. The celebration was presided over by the Local Ordinary of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Bishop Michael Bibi.
Bishop Bibi During mass
The thanksgiving Mass provided an opportunity for the teachers to express gratitude to God for His blessings, guidance and protection throughout the just-concluded academic year, while also seeking His grace and blessings for the forthcoming 2026/2027 academic year. The celebration equally offered an occasion to recognize the dedication, sacrifices and commitment of Catholic teachers to the education and formation of students across the Diocese.
Teachers during thanksgiving mass
In his homily, Bishop Michael Bibi reminded the teachers that the greatest lessons they may ever teach are not necessarily written with chalk or pen, but are demonstrated through the impact they make in the lives of the students entrusted to their care. He called on them to be models of exceptional character and positive influence, stressing that the values they profess must be reflected in their conduct and visibly evident in the lives of those they teach.
The Bishop emphasized that Catholic education goes beyond the pursuit of academic excellence, as it seeks the integral formation of the human person—intellectually, spiritually, morally, ethically and socially. He therefore urged teachers to keep this mission at the heart of their vocation, practice what they teach, remain attentive to changes in the lives of their students, and uphold the mission and vision of Catholic education. He also stressed that educational malpractice, injustice, immorality and crime have no place in Catholic schools, calling on teachers to reject such practices and use their positions of responsibility to prevent and address educational ills.
Bishop Bibi further challenged the teachers to return to the classroom with a renewed sense of vocation and responsibility rather than simply beginning another academic year. He reminded them of their important role in shaping the future of the nation and encouraged them to carry out their mission with dedication, integrity and purpose. The thanksgiving celebration thus served not only as an expression of gratitude but also as a renewed call to Catholic teachers to embrace their responsibility as educators and formators.
