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

Rapid ID Card Production with 500 Establishment Posts to take effect in Cameroon  By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum  The new process of producing a National Identity Card in Cameroon shall be instant, just like the production of passports which is a forty eight hour procedure.  Five hundred more production posts shall be created throughout the country for facilitation. These reforms in the production of National Identity Cards that would go operational, was announced by the Delegate General for National Security - Martin Mbarga Nguele, at the Second Biannual Governor's Conference that took place from 12th to 13th December, 2022 in Yaounde, chaired by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul. Martin Mbarga Nguele said the challenges currently encountered in the production of IDs is partially caused by constraints inherent in the payment of debt with Thales, the Identify Card service provider which hinders the acceleration of the CNI reform process.  The Secu...
OPINIONS DIVERGE ON RECONSTRUCTION OF CAMEROON'S NW, SW  BY MILDRED NDUM WUNG KUM The over 89 billion FCFA project for reconstruction works in Cameroon's Northwest and Southwest regions has ignited public debate. It has split public opinion, giving birth to diverse views with the pros, the cons and the neutral each on separate stance. Some feel it is time for a peace page to open in the light of reconstructing the regions that are still wallowing in conflict, others are emphatic that all tension should first and foremost be squarely laid to rest yet others think that  reconstruction may fan the flames of war. While National Reconstruction and Development Commission continues mission of awareness creation in Bamenda, Info Trends culled reactions of the layman and key stakeholders directly involved.  In this edition, the hope of mayors versus the skepticism of the lay man is compiled. Menyong Lawrence - Mayor of Nwa "It is very difficult to get to my mu...
MEJU HONOURS ELITES, RESOLVES ON RELAUNCH OF MENCHUM VOICE NEWSPAPER. By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum   Menchum Journalist Union MEJU, which is a union, grouping together journalists of Menchum descent has embarked on a journey to bring back Menchum Voice Newspaper. The Union has also paid tributes to elites of Menchum Division. This was the main activity that featured during it's 2022 general convention under the leadership of it's president Victor Bama Cham. MEJU handed notes of recognition to the elites for strides made in development in varried fields. Those recognized include Senator Buh Sule Tegha, Mih Bibiana Mbei Dinghambong, Fon Ndecham Chefon II, Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly, Prince Divine Kwansuh and Late Fon Kum-A-Chuo II Kawzu Albert.  Professor Kelly Mua Kingsly was honoured as "Most forensic expert of financial forensics" Mih Bibiana Mbei Dinghambong was honoured as "most committed, consistent iconic woman peace crusader" Prince Divine Kwansuh was hon...