PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FIVE CAPUCHIN BROTHERS MARKS CELEBRATION AT BAMBUI

Bambui, June 29, 2024

A momentous occasion unfolded at the Capuchin Friary of Bambui as five brothers – François Djorwe, Philip Mbungai, Rene Mbakou, Fabrice Awembom, and Michel Tiague- were ordained to the priesthood, bringing immense joy to the Capuchin Custody of Cameroon and the wider Church.

About the ordinations in Bamenda of four friars (François, Philip, Rene, and Fabrice), the ceremony, conducted by Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, commenced with a solemn Holy Mass at 9 AM, at Saint Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral Bamenda, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Alongside the four Capuchin brothers, two Jesuit priests and one Conceptionist were also ordained. Notably, Father Bernadine Gam, the newly ordained Conceptionist, had spent three years at the Capuchin Friary of Bambui during his theological studies at the Major Seminary of Bambui.

The ordination ceremony also included eleven deacons, among whom two were destined for the Archdiocese of Bangui in the Republic of Central Africa, and nine for the Archdiocese of Bamenda.

In his insightful homily, Archbishop Nkea underscored the significance of Saints Peter and Paul as co-founders of the Church of Rome, emphasizing the unity of the Catholic world under the leadership of Pope Francis. He quoted Saint Augustine, highlighting the Church as the mother of all believers and stressing the importance of fidelity to the Holy Father in Rome for authentic Catholic identity.

Archbishop Nkea exhorted the newly ordained priests and deacons to dedicate their lives to the service of Christ and His Church, emphasizing the primacy of proclaiming the Gospel and administering the sacraments to the faithful worldwide.

Following the solemn ceremonies in the Cathedral of Bamenda, festivities continued at the Friary of Bambui, where a celebratory feast honored the four newly ordained brothers amidst a spirit of jubilation and communal rejoicing.

Meanwhile, in Douala, Brother Michel Tiague was also ordained on the same day, adding to the blessings received by the Church on this memorable occasion.

Looking forward, the brothers continue to offer prayers for Brothers Elvis Tadzenyuy and Gotran Tata, who are set to be ordained priests on August 16th, 2024, at Saint Theresa Parish in Sop, within the Diocese of Kumbo.

As the Capuchin Order and the Church in Cameroon celebrate these ordinations, the community remains united in prayer and support for the ongoing vocations within its midst.

            Gideon N. WIRSIY.