The week-long spiritual retreat involving all priests in the Diocese of Buea has concluded with a heartfelt call from Bishop Michael Bibi to emulate the life and teachings of Jesus Christ to fully embrace and enjoy their priestly vocation. The closing Mass, celebrated on Friday, November 1st, 2024, at the Chapel of the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Center, marked the end of the retreat and served as a moment of reflection and renewal for the priests.
Partial view of priests at the chape
In his closing address, Bishop Bibi emphasized the importance of self-care, urging the priests to prioritize their well-being while faithfully leading their Christians. “Take care of yourselves as you lead the people of God to heaven,” he stated, reminding them that nurturing their own spiritual, mental, and physical health is essential for sustaining their ministry. The Bishop expressed his gratitude to his fellow priests, with special recognition for Rev. Fr. Sibel for his role as the retreat master and for coordinating the event effectively.
Bishop Bibi during closing Mass
Bishop Bibi reiterated that by following the example of Jesus Christ, priests would find joy and fulfillment in their priestly duties. His message was both an exhortation and a reminder of the profound calling that priests share as leaders and servants of the Church.
The retreat offered an opportunity for priests to gather in reflection, prayer, and discussion, focusing on strategies to enhance their service to God and their communities. It was a time to reinforce bonds of brotherhood and unity, fostering a shared commitment to their spiritual mission.
During his homily, Rev. Fr. Jean Batamack, the Parish Priest of Bokwaongo, spoke earnestly about the importance of remaining focused despite the challenges of daily life. He reminded his fellow priests of their shared journey and the importance of mutual support. “If we as priests lose focus, how can we ask Christians to focus on Christ?” he challenged. He further urged them to live out the commandment to love their neighbors as themselves, strengthening the unity among them.
Rev Fr Jean Batamack
Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Anyawau, Vicar for Clergy, expressed his gratitude to all the priests for their meaningful reflections throughout the retreat. “This should be the beginning for each and every one of us. We have prayed together, and the fruits should be seen concretely wherever we live,” he concluded, calling for practical application of the lessons learned during their time together.
Rev Fr Bartholomew, Vicar for Religious
