BY SIMON NDIVE KALLA
Limbe denizens woke up on Thursday, January 9, 2025 with anxiety to welcome Bishops from all over Cameroon and to show them the rich tourist areas in town. The arrival of the Bishops was followed by a mass at the Holy Family Parish New Town attended by all the Bishops of Cameroon, during which the Archbishop of Garoua, His Grace Faustin Ambassa, called on Christians in Limbe to embrace true love as prescribed in the commandments. The event was part of activities marking the 48th annual seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon.
Archbishop Ambassa urged Christians to express love through actions rather than words. According to the prelate, the Ten Commandments are summarised into two essential directives: love for God and love for one’s neighbour as oneself.
“True love means clothing the naked, feeding the hungry and giving hope to those in despair. These acts of kindness can bring light and hope to many hearts,” he said, encouraging Christians to put their faith into practice.
at Holy Family Parish
Rev. Fr. James Chikeze, Parish Priest of Holy Family Parish and Dean of Limbe Deanery, warmly welcomed the Bishops and Christians to Limbe, a town he described as the “Town of Friendship.” Fr. Chikeze expressed pride in hosting the esteemed gathering, emphasising the honour and blessings it brings to the parish and the town.
He also praised his Bishop, His Lordship Michael Bibi, for his unwavering commitment to truth and resilience in the face of challenges, likening him to a boat that withstands any storm. His words drew loud applause from the congregation.
Limbe City Mayor, Paul Efome L.M Ngale welcomed the Bishops, describing their presence as a historic moment for the town. He highlighted Limbe’s role as a symbol of peace and unity, noting that people from all corners of Cameroon coexist harmoniously in Limbe.
Paul Efome also commended the efforts of the Head of State in restoring peace to the region, saying the Bishops’ seminar was the “icing on the cake” for these achievements.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, shared his joy at being in Limbe with his fellow Bishops. He revealed that Holy Family Parish holds a special place in his spiritual life, as his family home is just a ten-minute walk from the church.
The Archbishop encouraged his brother Bishops to enjoy Limbe, which he described as clean, vibrant, and a hub for hospitality and leisure.
The Bishops visited the Limbe Botanic Garden’s Commonwealth Burial Ground and were also shown a particular plant which according to research, kills HIV but is poisonous to the human system. They also visited the Limbe wildlife Center where they saw different spicies of animals.
Speaking shortly after the event, Fako Senior Divisional Officer, Viang Mekala expressed joy for welcoming the Bishops of Cameroon in Limbe, Fako Division and prayed that subsequently the Bishops should choose Limbe for their upcoming annual seminar.
On his part, the Dean of Bota Parish and Priest of Holy Trinity Parish Bota, Rev. Father Namongo Bangole Peter, appreciated the Bishop of Buea, Michael Bibi for givung him and his peer (the priest of Holy Family Parish Rev. Fr. James Chikeze) such an opportunity to host the Bishops of Cameroon. “I think, I’m not going to have this kind of opportunity again for the second time in my lifetime” Rev. Fr. Namongo Bangole said.