By Linet Maina
BUEA, JULY 30, 2024 (CISA) – Most Rev Andrew Nkea Fuanya of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda has praised women as the ‘ambassadors of hope’ for society and urged them to play a vital role in overcoming the nation’s challenges through their intercession.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) on July 24, 2024, at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Buea, the Archbishop emphasized the transformative power of women’s prayers, perseverance, and commitment.
“It is the women who will save us through their prayers, through their perseverance, through their determination and to build fraternity again. Women, there are many things happening in our country today which are not good but it is you who will save this country,” said Archbishop Nkea.
The CWA, established in Cameroon in 1994 under the late Bishop Emeritus of Buea Julius Peters, has grown significantly and now boasts around 20,000 members in Cameroon and internationally, including in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Archbishop Nkea, who also serves as the president of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (CENC), lauded the association’s expansion, humorously comparing its potential reach to that of MTN, saying, “Very soon, the CWA will be everywhere you go.”
In his homily, Archbishop Nkea expressed gratitude for the CWA’s contributions over the past 60 years: “You have taken a very active part in the spiritual growth of the lives of the women in our church. You have worked hard to improve the condition of women and the girl child everywhere. You have done all within your powers to make your parishes and Christian communities true families of God.”
He also acknowledged the CWA’s role in upholding family values and supporting the formation of priests through financial and material contributions.
Looking to the future, Archbishop Nkea encouraged the association to continue as beacons of hope, particularly in light of the country’s ongoing political crises.
“My message to all Catholic women, whether present here or following us through the media, is to remain women of hope. Your resilience is crucial, and if women give up, it signifies a loss of redemption,” he asserted. “This virtue has been evident, especially during the challenges we face in the northwest, southwest, far north, and east regions of Cameroon.”
