Established in 1964, in the Diocese of Buea, members of the Catholic Women’s Association known as C.W.A turned out colorfully in their numbers to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this association on Wednesday the 24th of July 2024, at the Divine Mercy Co-cathedral in Buea. Presiding over the pontifical mass, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea; Archbishop Jose Alvelino Bettercourt, prayed and thanked God for these women and their works over the past 60 years.
Apostolic Nuncio joins CWA to celebrate 60!
Delivering a message of hope to the women during his homily, the president of the Bamenda ecclesiastical province; His grace archbishop Andrew Nkea, celebrated the mothers for all they do within and beyond the nation; improving the conditions of women and the girl child, assisting in the formation of priests, and providing education and training just to mention these few. “We call you mothers of the church and indeed that is what you have been over the past 60 years” archbishop Nkea uttered.
While paying homage to the founding members, he further encouraged the women to be the hope of the hopeless, and told them that the nation looks up to them to save the country amidst the current socio political crisis plaguing the Northwest and Southwest Regions. “Women it is you who will save this country through your prayers and witnessing” the archbishop noted.
Archbishop Nkea, Bishop Bibi and Apostolic Nuncio at event ground
The Catholic Women’s Association it should be noted, was founded by Mrs. Anna Foncha with the initial goal to foster unity and sisterly love among catholic women, carry out social activities including caring for the poor, and providing education among others. The association which started with 9 members, has grown into a tree of over 26,000 members spread out in all the 25 Dioceses in Cameroon and beyond the national boundaries.
Nuncio decorates founder of CWA
In honour of her works and for planting this mustard seed, the 101-years old mother and founder Mamy Anna Foncha, was decorated with a medal alongside other members of the association.
Present at the celebration were bishops of the Bamenda ecclesiastical province, priests, religious, members of other apostolic and prayer groups, government officials and members of the Christian women fellowship of the Presbyterian church among others.
celebrating 60
Part two of the celebration witnessed a series of activities including the cutting of the jubilee balloons, match pass, traditional dances and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
cutting of anniversary cake
The 60th anniversary was celebrated under the theme “Mothers of the Church and Mothers of the World”.
