BUEA, May 5, 2026 Members of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) from across Cameroon have convened in Buea for a landmark national workshop aimed at strengthening evangelization and missionary formation within the Church.
Bishop Bibi during homily today May 5th 2026 at the chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial pastoral center in Buea
The five-day seminar, holding from May 4th to 8th, 2026, is taking place at the Bishop Pius Awah Memorial Pastoral Center and brings together delegates from the country’s five ecclesiastical provinces.
The workshop was officially opened by Bishop Michael Bibi during a solemn Mass, where he entrusted participants to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, urging them to remain steadfast in their missionary calling. “May the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for you as you carry on the message of evangelization to the ends of the earth,” he said.
cross section of workshop participants during opening Mass
Describing the event as a historic moment, Bishop Bibi noted that it is the first time such a workshop is being hosted in the Diocese of Buea, the oldest diocese in Cameroon. He described the opportunity as a blessing for the local Church.
In his opening address, the Bishop emphasized that evangelization is not a human initiative but a divine mission rooted in God’s plan of salvation. Quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church (cf. 858; cf. 738), he stressed that without catechesis, missionary animation risks becoming empty. He challenged participants to ensure that their messages whether through WhatsApp, social media, or personal interactions are grounded in sound doctrine.
He further encouraged active participation, dialogue, and networking among attendees, urging them to return to their dioceses inspired by the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Bishop Bibi during his opening remarks at the Aunty kate banquet hall
Also present at the opening ceremony was His Grace Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo, Archbishop of Garoua who serves as the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Cameroon. He expressed gratitude to Bishop Bibi for the warm hospitality extended to participants and commended his commitment to the missionary work of the Church.
Cross section of seminar participants at the hall
Archbishop Ambassa Ndjodo highlighted that the workshop forms part of an ongoing process of formation, noting that participants have been called by God through their respective bishops to serve as animators in their dioceses. He expressed confidence that the training would be fruitful, with competent resource persons engaged to guide sessions.
His Grace Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo, Archbishop of Garoua during his keynote address
In his remarks, Rev. Fr. Amah Cletus underscored the need for deeper understanding of the Pontifical Mission Societies among Christians. He revealed that formation programs have been introduced across the 26 dioceses of Cameroon to address this gap.
Fr. Amah also decried the shortage of trained animators in several dioceses and emphasized the importance of equipping those available to effectively carry out missionary activities. He noted that the mission of the Society is to keep the Church permanently engaged in evangelization, supported by prayer, charity, and missionary funding.
National Cordinator Rev Fr Amah during his keynote address during official opening ceremony
Participants at the workshop are expected to emerge as more effective missionaries and trainers, contributing meaningfully to the Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel both locally and globally.
The Pontifical Mission Societies is a worldwide Catholic organization dedicated to supporting missionary work and fostering a spirit of evangelization among the faithful.
