By Wesley Omondi
BAMENDA, AUGUST 28, 2024 (CISA) — The 76th Ordinary Meeting of the Bamenda Provincial Episcopal Conference (BAPEC) took place from August 17 to 22, 2024, at the Archbishop’s House in Bamenda, under the presidency of His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda and President of BAPEC. The gathering provided a platform for the bishops and their close collaborators to reflect on the pastoral work in the province amidst current challenges and plan for more effective evangelization efforts.
“This was a privileged moment for the Province to pray together as an ecclesial family and to reflect on the situation of pastoral work,” noted the bishops.
During the conference, the bishops emphasized the importance of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. They urged the faithful to maintain a profound reverence for the Eucharist, highlighting its role in fostering unity and communion among believers. The bishops also cautioned against the sacrilegious practice of engaging in occult activities while receiving Holy Communion, citing St. Paul’s admonition in 1 Corinthians 10:21.
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life,” the bishops reminded the faithful, quoting from Lumen Gentium.
The conference also underscored the critical role of Catholic education as a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for evangelization. The bishops expressed gratitude for the efforts made to ensure a relatively serene academic environment during the 2023/2024 school year, despite the ongoing socio-economic and security challenges. They urged communities to collaborate in creating a safe environment for the upcoming academic year, emphasizing that denying education is a grievous sin.
“Catholic education is a powerful tool for human, social, economic and spiritual development. It makes a unique contribution to the development of the full potential of everyone, and promotes human dignity and collective welfare,” the bishops affirmed, while appealing for continued support from all stakeholders.
The bishops expressed grave concern over the increasing insecurity and injustice in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon. Reports of torture, extortion, loss of life, forced displacement, and other human rights violations were discussed at length. The bishops conveyed their solidarity with the victims and reiterated their call for peace, urging the perpetrators of violence to embrace dialogue and justice.
“Violence begets violence, and those who take the sword perish by the sword, Nothing can ever justify the destruction of human life for it is always sacred and inviolable,” the bishops warned, quoting Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew.
The bishops also took the opportunity to acknowledge the vital role played by the lay faithful in the formation of priests. They expressed their deep appreciation for the financial and moral support provided by parish communities and urged for continued collaboration in discerning and nurturing vocations.
“The lay faithful have an indispensable role in the formation of future priests. Over the years, they have done this through their generous contributions, helping in the process of discernment, admonition and prayer,” the bishops stated, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in this sacred task.
Looking ahead to the Jubilee Year 2025, declared by Pope Francis with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the bishops announced plans to join the Universal Church in this spiritual journey. The Jubilee Year will begin with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Eve 2024 and will be marked by a series of spiritual activities across the dioceses.
“This will be a special year of grace, filled with the proclamation of hope in God’s grace,” the bishops conveyed, echoing the Holy Father’s call.
In addition, the bishops announced that the 25th Anniversary of the Provincial Pastoral Plan will be celebrated in Buea from July 23 to 24, 2025. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the work of evangelization in the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda.
“We are grateful to God for the vision and direction provided by the Provincial Pastoral Plan over the past twenty-five years,” the bishops expressed, looking forward to the upcoming celebration.
The conference concluded with the announcement of several provincial appointments, including new chaplains and coordinators for various commissions and associations. In closing, the bishops imparted their Apostolic Blessing on all the faithful, entrusting them to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Through her powerful intercession, may they find the peace which the world cannot give,” the bishops prayed, concluding the 76th Ordinary Meeting of BAPEC on a hopeful note.
