On Monday the 22nd of April 2024, the local ordinary of the Diocese of Buea Bishop Michael Bibi, educated Christians on Impeded see and vacant see and also on the grouping of particular churches. During the catechetical session which took place at the Regina Pacis Cathedral in Small Soppo, the chief catechist told participants that an Impeded see is one which has a residential Bishop who for certain reasons cannot communicate with his Diocese. On the other hand, he noted that an Episcopal See becomes Vacant in a situation of death, transfer or resignation of a resident Bishop.
Know Your Faith With Bishop Bibi
When a See is vacant, the Bishop told Christians that the college of consultors can select one of its members to cater for the Diocese while waiting for the new Bishop to be appointed. Also, in a case where the Diocese has an Auxiliary Bishop, he takes control of the Diocese while waiting for the appointment of a new Bishop to the Diocese. In addition, the Holy Father can appoint an Apostolic Administrator to cater for a vacant See before the appointment of a new Bishop.
Regina Pacis Cathedral small Soppo
While teaching on the grouping of particular churches, the prelate noted that Dioceses are grouped into ecclesiastical Provinces and this grouping takes into consideration the cultural heritage of the different dioceses and their similarities in operation. In Cameroon, Bishop Michael Bibi said that there are 26 Dioceses, grouped into 5 Ecclesiastical Provinces. In each Ecclesiastical Province, one of the dioceses becomes the Metropolitan See with a Metropolitan Archbishop.
Participants educated on Impeded See
The role of the Metropolitan Archbishop was noted as one which ensures that the faith of the people in the Ecclesiastical Province is properly observed. However, he does not have administrative powers over the other dioceses in the province as these powers are left with the residential Bishop of a Diocese.
Participants after the teachings, posed questions to the prelate concerning their worries and left enriched and nourished by the teachings of the church.
