Skip to main content




BAMENDA EPISCOPAL TRANSITION: NKEA TAKES CROSIER AS ESUA RETIRES



BY MILDRED NDUM WUNG KUM



Cornelius Fontem Esua passed possession of Bamenda Archdiocese to his successor. The sacred moment to induct Andrew Fuanya Nkea as third metropolitan of Bamenda Archdiocese ignited jubilation, leaving imprint on the archdiocese's history as the time of episcopal transition.



The high point was presentation of the bull of appointment, the handing of the Crosier and the cathedra. This was witnessed by hundreds including bishops, priests, religious, consecrated men and women, civil, political and religious leaders who all turned out at the St Joseph Centenary Piazza, 22nd February 2020.



It took place during a Holy Mass in the presence of His Grace Julio Murat, the Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea representing Pope Francis, while Cameroon's president was represented by Paul Atanga Nji, Minister of Territorial Administration.



At the ceremony, Andrew took the crosier, a symbol of his pastoral ministry being Chief Shepherd. He was handed the cosier from Cornelius in the presence of the Nucio.



Andrew then sat on the cathedra, the chair made from furniture that symbolises his teaching role.



At the accomplishment of the rites, bishops and priest at the event come in fraternity kissing the ecclesiastical ring of the most Reverend Andrew Fuanya Nkea. This is followed by a mood of conviviality with the newly installed archbishop blessing each and every segment of the crowd witnessing the occasion.




Andrew aided by the Nuncio takes the crosier from Cornelius


His Lordship George Nkuo, bishop of Kumbo Diocese enjoined the new Archbishop to his call "The purpose of a bishop is to be a father to his people, a brother to his Priests and consecrated men and women and wife to his witness of Jesus to the world. That is the duty entrusted to Andrew as he assumes duty as Archbishop of Bamenda"


The incoming Archbishop in a statement to the press pledged commitment to the needs of his flock "I am going to do everything within my powers so that the hatred, the killing, the violence should stop"

As he signed out from the office of Archbishop, emeritus archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua thanked the people for their collaboration. He also called on the flock to support his successor whom he described as young, dynamic and wise.  

Andrew Fuanya Nkea takes over from Cornelius Fontem Esua as the third chief shepherd of Bamenda after his predecessors Cornelius Fontem Esua and late Paul Verdzekov.  

He assumes ministry in a diocese erected on 13th August 1970 by St Pope Paul the sixth.

The Diocese is currently being plagued by a socio political crisis diffused into the Church from the country’s unjust social and political trend.

All eyes are raised to His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea as he comes into the embattled Archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of Bamenda is conterminous with five divisions of the Northwest region; Boyo, Mezam, Momo, Menchum and Ngoketunjia. It has an area of, 11000000 square meters, a population of 1.5000000 persons with about 600,000 Catholics.

There are about 156 diocesans and religious priests, currently saving across the parishes of the archdiocese.


It has the pastoral, presbyterial, laity, health and education councils.

There are fifteen functional commissions in the archdiocese, 330 primary schools, 15 secondary schools, a university and seven health care centers.


THE EVENT IN PICTURES



Comments

Editor's Picks

PRESS BRIEFED ON FREE COMMUNITY OFFERS AT COMINSUD: HEALTH, JOB AND PSYCHE RELIEF  BY MILDRED NDUM WUNG KUM COMINSUD offers freely to the public a range of services to ease impacting costs borne by the Cameroon Anglophone crisis.  The NGO known as Community Initiative for Sustainable Development COMINSUD recently presented it's offers to the press in a session that was dubbed press launch; the aim to involve the media in sensitization of COMINSUD's activities. PRESSMEN At the the NGO's office located just opposite Ni John Frundi's junction at Ntarikon Bamenda, available are the counseling service for those going through stress. There are also services that ensure -Sensitization on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health to the population. - Providing dignity kits to women and girls. - Providing kits to Pregnant women and girls. - Providing food assistance to affected persons - Promotion of a culture of peace within  and ...
  COVID-19 Campaign Day 8 Go to the nearest district hospital or health center for vaccination Go to the nearest district hospital or health center for vaccination. COVID-19 would come back if we fail to put up a strong defense mechanism. Vaccination is the only way out for lasting protection. This prevents a sixth wave which experts say could be catastrophic. #EndCovid22 #StopCovid23 #MINSANTE 
KUMBO BISHOP SETS FEB 21 TO  PRAY FOR NGARBUH VICTIMS BY MILDRED NDUM WUNG KUM The Bishop of Kumbo Diocese His Lordship George Nkuo has set February 21 as a day of prayer for some twenty four Cameroonians attacked in the locality of Ngarbuh Ntumbaw in the wee hours of February 14th 2020. The prelate’s appeal comes 96 hours (four days) after a massacre on Ngarbuh inhabitants.  In the call for prayers to be said for victims of the incident, the communiqué carries words of compassion from Bishop Nkuo “I hereby declare Friday 21st February 2020 as a day of prayer and mourning in the entire Diocese of Kumbo for the Victims of the Ngarguh disaster. In this way, we shall vehemently say yes to life and No to dead in solidarity with the recent message of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon... A requiem Mass should be celebrated in all our churches and where possible an ecumenical service be organised to implore God for an end to this socio political crisis that has plu...