Members of the Catholic Women Association CWA in the Diocese of Buea have turned out in their number to commemorate the 2023 CWA Buea Diocesan annual general assemble under the theme “CWA Women, Called to Holiness”. In a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Chief shepherd of the Diocese, Bishop Michael Bibi, these mothers of the church were praised for their countless contributions in building the house of God in the Diocese of Buea. The Prelate thanked God for the achievements of the apostolate over the years and prayed for guidance upon them as they continue working in God’s vineyard.
CWA annual general Assembly
During this celebration, Bishop Michael Bibi schooled members on the importance of upholding the spirit of Synodality which is the new way of building the church as promoted by the Holy Father Pope Francis. He called on the women to work together, sharing ideas that will lead to the growth of individuals, communities and the church at large. Conferring to the letter of St Paul to the Romans, Bishop Michael challenged members to preach the Gospel by words and by actions and to live according to the ways of God. While making reference to paragraph 863 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the prelate noted that “an apostolate is every activity of the mystical body of Jesus aimed at spreading the good news.” He cautioned them to put Jesus at the centre of all activities and to practice the action of greeting as this he says fosters love, happiness and togetherness.
Bishop Bibi celebrates mass with CWA
After the Eucharistic celebration, the mothers exhibited the works of their hands to the prelate who encouraged them in what they do and prayed to God to further bless their works. The women from the different zones displayed a variety of foods processed naturally as well as some products crafted by some members in the course of training other members of the association. Items displayed included corn flour, cassava processed products, rosary beads, just to name a few.
exhibition by CWA
The annual come together was also an opportunity for the chaplain Rev. Fr. Anuchem Isaac to reiterate why synodality is central to the life of the Apostolate. He noted that synodality leads to holiness and to be a true member of the Catholic Women Association, it is incumbent to live holy lives. Synodality he explained encompasses communion, participation and the mission to evangelize in the spirit of oneness. He urged them to listen to each other and to build bridges that will connect persons together and not walls that will separate them.
Fr. Anuchem at 2023 CWA annual general Assembly
Speaking at the event, the Diocesan President Mrs. Foy Veronica, expressed gratitude to His Lordship for his constant support to the apostolate while announcing the new office made available to them by the Bishop at Caritas Building in Molyko, to serve as a central point for connecting with the apostolate. She further congratulated Bishop Bibi for his numerous achievements in the diocese especially the completion of the first building of the Bishop Pius Awa memorial pastoral Centre and also for the work taking place at the Divine Mercy Co-cathedral. These she noted will provide a comfortable ground for the association as they look forward to celebrate their 60th anniversary in July 2024.
Diocesan President of CWA
The three days event aimed at taking a balance sheet of the achievements and challenges of the association in the past year and to map a way forward for the association, runs from the 10th to the 12th of November 2023.
