By Ndi Eugene Ndi
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Buea in the South West region is poised to commence a year-long celebration in honor of its 75th anniversary on Thursday, April 18, 2024, with a Holy Mass at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Molyko.
This significant event marks the beginning of a series of commemorative activities designed to reflect on the diocese’s growth since the Mill Hill Missionaries first planted the proverbial mustard seed nearly three-quarters of a century ago.
Themed “Proclaim the good news, I am with you always”, the jubilee year promises a rich tapestry of events, extending from the launch date in April 2024 to the culmination on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, the Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, has described the jubilee as a “year of the Lord’s favor”—a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, conversion, and a renewed commitment to serve God joyfully and peacefully.
“The Church traditionally refers to this year as a Holy Year not only because it begins and ends with solemn holy acts, but also because its purpose is to encourage holiness of life”, the Bishop said in a newsletter on the anniversary in February.
Throughout the jubilee year, the faithful will have the opportunity to engage with various aspects of the Christian Jubilee, participating in events that aim to include all members of the diocese.
Highlights of the celebration will include a Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome, Diaconal Ordinations, the Diamond Jubilee of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), the Annual Priestly Retreat, the 80th Birthday of Bishop Bushu, the 60th Anniversary of Bishop Rogan College, (BIROCOL) Minor Seminary, the Dedication of the Co-Cathedral and the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Center among others.
A dedicated Steering Committee, led by Reverend Father Jude Thaddeus Mbi, Vicar General of the Diocese, has been meticulously planning since July of the previous year to ensure a memorable and successful anniversary.
One notable outcome of their efforts is the creation of a special 75th-anniversary fabric, which will be unveiled alongside other souvenirs at the inaugural event.
The oldest of the 21 suffragan dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in the country, the Diocese of Buea was established following its Canonical erection on April 18, 1950. It covers the Fako Division of the South West region with 37 parishes divided into seven deaneries.
The Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi is the Fifth Residential Bishop after Immanuel Bushu, Pius Awa, Jules Peeters and pioneer, Peter Rogan.
