Parents during Mass
More than two dozen students of St. Mary’s International College, a privately owned college located along the Tiko-Douala highway, received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist in a solemn celebration held at the school chapel on May 11th, 2025.
The sacraments were administered by His Lordship Michael Bibi, Bishop of the Diocese of Buea.
During the Holy Mass, Bishop Bibi reminded the faithful that the Eucharist is an act of thanksgiving, a moment to offer gratitude to God for His abundant blessings, guidance, and protection over the years.
The Bishop noted that the celebration was particularly significant as it coincided with two major events: the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Buea and the recent election of Pope Leo XIV.
He lauded the proprietor of the college for prioritizing faith by building a magnificent chapel at the heart of the institution, and for offering young Cameroonians a holistic education rooted in Christian values and international standards.
“Today, we offer Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist,” the Bishop said, before proceeding to teach the candidates and their parents about the meaning and importance of these sacraments.
Bishop Bibi administering the sacrament of Confirmation
He explained that Baptism is the gateway to all other sacraments in the Church. “Through Baptism, candidates become members of the Church, with the right and duty to call God their Father,” he said, as ten catechumens prepared to receive the sacrament.
On Confirmation, the Bishop stated: “It is through this sacrament that we receive the Holy Spirit and His gifts. We are challenged to spread the message of God by our words and actions. Those who are confirmed become soldiers of Christ, called to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth.”
Cross section of those in attendance
He added that the Holy Eucharist nourishes Christians daily with the food for their souls Jesus Christ Himself.
During the homily, Bishop Bibi called on the those present to pray for Pope Leo XIV and all shepherds around the world, that they may shepherd God’s people according to His divine will.
Proprietor of the college during his brief speech
In closing, speeches were delivered by a student representative, the principal, and the proprietor of the college. Each of them expressed heartfelt thanks to the Bishop for his pastoral visit and for administering the sacraments to the students
Bishop Bibi hands Bible to the students
Bishop Bibi during the Mass blessed some bibles and rosaries which he had donated to the schooll to help the students in their spiritual life
