Joy filled the Christian population of St John of God Parish Mile 4, Limbe, as they welcomed in their midst the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea; Bishop Michael Bibi on a two-day pastoral visit to this Christian community which commenced on Saturday January 20th 2024.
Christians welcome the Bishop
Carrying out this yearly tradition aimed at meeting, listening, praying and encouraging the Christians in their faith, the Chief Shepherd was gladdened by the opportunity to meet his Christians and he expressed thanks to all the chairpersons and lay faithful of the different mission stations for the warm welcome.
Christians welcome the Bishop
Receiving the Bishop, Rev. Fr. Mario Arrey; Parish Priest of St. John of God Parish Bonadikombo, Limbe, presented the state of affairs of the parish and its mission stations, noting with joy the growth of the parish which is reflected in the increase in the number of Christians who have received the sacraments of Baptism and marriage.
Parish Priest welcomes Bishop Michael Bibi
On this first day of the pastoral visit, the Bishop visited all the mission stations of St. John of God Parish Bonadikombo- Limbe, making a first stop at St. Anthony of Padua Mission Station Moliwe, where he prayed with the faithful of this community and listened to their successes and challenges as they live the Christian faith. He called on the Christians to stay firm in their faith and to keep trusting in God despite life’s challenges.
St. Anthony of Padua Mission Station Moliwe
The Chief Shepherd then made a second stop at St Rita Mission Station to commune with the Christians.
St Rita Mission Station
These Christians expressed gratitude to Bishop Bibi for the concern he has for the growth of the church, while presenting to him a new year gift as a sign of gratitude. The Prelate prayed and thanked the faithful for their kind gesture while appreciating them for the sacrifices they make in building the church and for expanding the land of the church.
Gift Presentation to the Bishop
The next stop was at the Immaculate Conception mission station where he called on Christians to live as one family in unity and collaboration with the priests assigned to cater for their spiritual needs. He further thanked especially the Iyok’s family for their generosity in offering the land which is currently being used by the church.
Immaculate Conception mission station
After visiting all these mission stations, the prelate made a final stop at the main parish; St. John of God Parish Bonadikombo, Limbe, where he communed with all the Christians, clarifying their concerns and reassuring them of his commitment in moving along with them for the growth of the church.
working session with Christians
He further expressed gratitude to all the priests who work in this parish, for the implementation of the provincial pastoral plan. The two days pastoral visit ended with a celebration of Holy mass on Sunday January 21st 2024
