The Diocese of Buea marked the 2024 World Day of Catholic Schools on Friday, November 29, 2024, with a grand celebration at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral. Under the theme “Proclaim the Good News, I Am With You Always,” the event brought together thousands of students, teachers, and education stakeholders from all 13 Catholic Secondary Schools in the diocese.
The milestone celebration, part of the Diocese’s 75th anniversary, opened with a Pontifical High Mass officiated by His Lordship Michael Bibi, Bishop of Buea. In his homily, the Bishop called on all present to renew their commitment to building a new heaven and a new earth by faithfully proclaiming the Good News through both words and actions.
Rev Fr Mesue addressing students
Bishop Bibi emphasized that Catholic schools must embody the Good News in their daily activities, ensuring that their educational mission aligns with the values of faith, service, and love. He reminded students that discipline is essential for achieving success and strongly condemned the growing issue of drug abuse, urging students to reject such harmful practices.
Bishop Bibi During his homily
Expressing gratitude to the Education Council and the wider Catholic education community, Bishop Bibi acknowledged their sacrifices in delivering holistic education that nurtures moral, intellectual, spiritual, and psychological growth. He reaffirmed the importance of Catholic schools as faith-based communities dedicated to preserving their unique identity and the mark of Catholic education.
Ecobank Team Awards Prizes to Outstanding Students at Catholic Schools Day
His Lordship Michael Bibi, Bishop of the Diocese of Buea and proprietor of all the schools during the event, lauded Ecobank Cameroon for its steadfast partnership and generous sponsorship of the event. In his homily, Bishop Bibi singled out the bank for its unwavering support in the Diocese’s mission of evangelization and holistic education. Ecobank was the major sponsor of the event. He also acknowledged the contributions of Biaka University Institute of Buea and HIBMAT University Institute of Buea, who provided additional sponsorship for the event.
Cross section of students attending mass at the Co-cathedral
Rev. Fr. Vincent Messue, head of the Education Secretariat, commended the participating schools for their active involvement in the event. In the lead-up to the celebration, students showcased their talents through competitions in sports, choral music, traditional performances, and quizzes, which fostered unity and highlighted the richness of their shared Catholic heritage.
The 2024 World Day of Catholic Schools was not only a celebration of academic excellence but also a reaffirmation of the values that Catholic education instills in its students, ensuring they grow into disciplined and faith-filled leaders of tomorrow.
