The Solemn Closing Mass of the 49th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon took place on 10 January 2026 in the Diocese of Kumba. The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Fiango, Kumba, was filled to capacity, resonating with joyful thanksgiving as priests, religious, and laity from the Diocese gathered to express their appreciation for the presence of the country’s Bishops in their diocese, the blessings received, and the successes of the Bishops’ annual seminar.
Liliane Mugombozi – Yaoundé
The Archbishop of Bamenda and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya, has praised and thanked his brother Bishops, priests, the religious, and the Christian faithful of Kumba for the successful conclusion of the Bishops’ seminar, whose theme was “Communion and Collegiality.”
Nurturing Episcopal Unity
Archbishop Nkea emphasised the importance of fostering episcopal unity and exploring ways to exemplify genuine pastoral leadership within a spirit of collaboration.
“In our journey together,” he remarked, “we may not always find immediate solutions to every challenge, but we can consistently support one another with love and compassion,” he said.
Addressing the Christians of Kumba, Archbishop Nkea expressed deep gratitude for their generous hospitality and steadfast commitment: “We may not possess gold or silver to offer, but we promise you our unceasing prayers. Your Diocese, blessed under the guidance of your chief shepherd, Agapitus Nfon, stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and love, marked by unity and resilience,” said the Bamenda prelate.
In light of the ongoing socio-political crisis in the Anglophone region, Archbishop Nkea delivered a message of hope, assuring the faithful that “God is the master of time, and with Him, all things are possible. Peace will prevail in Kumba and throughout Cameroon,” he assured.
Apostolic Nuncio commends the faithful
Archbishop Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, reflected on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord during his homily. He told the congregation that “celebrating the Baptism of the Lord, recalling our own baptismal calling, reminds us that we should be in the service of making Christ increase in the world.”
In light of the recent Jubilee Year 2025, Archbishop Bettencourt commended the faithful of Cameroon for their faith and active participation in the Holy Year events. While acknowledging the hardships many people are facing, he emphasised that “the Church is on the ground and present with the people.” He further expressed gratitude to God for the numerous graces received during the Jubilee Year.
The Church’s vocation and mission
The Nuncio also underlined some of the central tenets of “Communion and collegiality.”
In his Conclusion, the Apostolic Nuncio affirmed: “Our communion and collegiality links us to Christ Jesus with a close bond to the Bishop of Rome and Vicar of Christ, and to the Bishops of the Holy Roman Catholic Apostolic Church.”
Thanking the Cameroonian Bishops on behalf of the Holy Father for their tireless work, and for being a source of hope and guidance for the Church, the Apostolic Nuncio recalled that “this year 2026 we celebrate the 60th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Cameroon.”
