Monday, June 16, 2025, Rev. Fr. Martin Njie dedicated his teachings to discussing the Pastoral Plan.
He emphasized that this strategic document is essential for guiding the spiritual and physical growth of the church and the faith community, marking a timely initiative for the diocese.
During his doctrine at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Buea Town, Father Njie highlighted that the Pastoral Plan of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province serves as a model for spiritual growth and community development. He underscored the plan’s origins in the Ecclesia in Africa, noting that the bishops of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province sought to integrate an inclusive planning process pertinent to their region.
Quoting Cardinal Henry Newman, Father Njie asserted that the Pastoral Plan must align with the mission of the church, its goals and objectives, as well as the aspirations of the diocese. He provided context for the inaugural pastoral plan of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province, which emerged after the Special Synod of African Bishops in Rome and the Ecclesia in Africa, spanning five years from June 1995 to June 2000.
According to church laws, members of the pastoral plan are tasked with preparing an instrumentum laboris (working document) to steer the planning process. The Provincial Plan will be executed via various objectives, including regular provincial meetings, effective communication, and strategies for resolving conflicts within the Diocese and Province.
Father Njie emphasized that the pastoral plan extends beyond spiritual planning to encompass all aspects of the church’s societal roles, including health, education, and service priorities for humanity.
The upcoming meeting to discuss the pastoral plan for the Diocese of Buea will take place within the diocese’s jurisdiction, covering various parishes and institutions in the Diocese . The plan’s goals are to strengthen the faith of community members, provide spiritual guidance, and foster a sense of belonging among Catholics in the Diocese.
The presentation concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, encouraging engagement from the Christians present and facilitating a deeper understanding of the pastoral plan’s objectives.
