“True happiness can be achieved only by focusing on the things of Heaven and not on the things of Earth”. This reminder was made by His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, Bishop of the Diocese of Buea as he delivered the homily during the celebration of Holy Mass this Wednesday of September 13th,2023 in Rome as the Bishops continue their pilgrimage visit “to the Threshold of the Apostles”.
Homily delivered by Bishop Michael Bibi
On this day which marks the Memorial of St John Chrysostom; Bishop and Doctor of the Church, Bishop Michael Bibi exalted all who have been baptized to put their hearts on the things of Heaven and not on the things of this earth just as St. Paul explains in the first reading.
Mass Celebrated at the Basilica of St. John Lateran
Making reference to paragraph 1719 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in which God calls us to His own beatitude, the Bishop reminded that this vocation is addressed to each individual personally but also to the Church as a whole. The beatitudes he noted, invite us to care for the poor as God blesses those who come to the aid of the poor (confer paragraph 2443 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church).
Mass celebrated at the Basilica of St. John Lateran
Quoting paragraph 2444 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church which notes that “If we work it is because we want to help the poor”, the Prelate also referred to the teachings of St John Chrysostom whose memorial is celebrated today; that not to enable the poor to share in our goods is to steal from them and deprive them of life (confer paragraph 2446 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church).
Basilica of St. John Lateran
Today’s celebration of Holy Mass took place at the Basilica of St. John Lateran and was presided over by the Archbishop of Garoua His Lordship Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo.
Archbishop of Garoua His Lordship Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo celebrating Mass
Before the celebration of Holy Mass, the Bishops started their day with Morning prayers.
Bishops during morning prayers
The Bishops will on this day visit three Dicasteries; the Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Dicastery for the Clergy.
Visit to the Dicastery for Culture and Education
