On Monday, March 31st, 2025, a catechetical session led by the local ordinary, His Lordship Michael Bibi, took place at Saint Charles Lwanga Parish in Molyko-Buea, focusing on the significance of Holy Week. During his teachings, the prelate reminded the Christians of the Lenten observances, which consist of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He noted that the eve of the fifth Sunday of Lent marks the commencement of the Passion. The Saturday before the fifth Sunday of Lent, the Church recommends covering all holy images within the parish.
Bishop teaches on Holy Week
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, a week deemed holy as the Church commemorates the suffering and death of Christ. On Palm Sunday, two significant events are celebrated: the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the Passion of Christ. The palm branches used on this day acknowledge Christ as Lord and King and are kept at home to remind believers of His kingship and passion. These palms are later used on Ash Wednesday to remind Christians of their mortality: “from dust they were made, and unto dust they shall return.”
The peak of the Lenten season is indeed Holy Week. It is essential to note that Lent concludes on Holy Thursday morning. The prelate further emphasized that Holy Thursday is the day when the Church celebrates the Chrism Mass, a significant occasion attended by all priests in the Diocese.
During the Chrism Mass, presided over by the Bishop, there is a profound sign of communion among the Bishop, his priests, and the lay faithful. It is obligatory for all priests to attend this mass, during which they renew the commitments made on the day of their ordination to obey their Bishop and his successors. Additionally, during the Chrism Mass, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick are blessed, and the Chrism is consecrated.
The oils blessed during the Chrism Mass are distributed to all parishes to be used throughout the year. The Cathedraticum is also celebrated during chrism mass in the ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda
