Bishop Michael Bibi with newly ordained priests
The Diocese of Buea has been strengthened with the ordination of eight new priests, as His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi called on them to embrace a life of humility, service, and total dedication to God and humanity.
The ordination Mass which took place on April 9, 2026, at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral, Molyko, brought together government officials, clergy, religious men and women, families, and hundreds of faithful who gathered to witness what the Bishop described as a gift to the Church and the nation. Among those present were the Governor of the South West Region, the President of the South West Regional Assembly, and the Mayor of Buea.
In his homily, Bishop Bibi reminded the newly ordained that the priesthood is a vocation of service, not a position of power. Drawing from Scriptures, he emphasized that their calling is divine and requires full commitment. “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God,” the Bishop said, urging the ordinandi to remain humble and faithful in their ministry.
He challenged them to dedicate their lives to God’s vineyard, stressing their mission to heal the brokenhearted, promote reconciliation, and serve as instruments of peace and justice: “My dear sons, always study the Word of God and teach the Gospel according to the norms laid down by the liturgy,” he said. “You are not masters, but servants entrusted with the spiritual well-being of God’s people.”
Newly ordained priests in group picture with concelebrants
The Bishop further encouraged the new priests to remain rooted in prayer, adhere strictly to liturgical principles, and continuously deepen their understanding of Scripture. He also highlighted the importance of their public identity, urging them to maintain proper clerical dress as a visible sign of their vocation. “A priest must be identifiable wherever he is,” he noted. “There are people who may need spiritual guidance at any moment; therefore, your identity must reflect your calling.” He also called on senior clergy and the wider faithful to support the newly ordained, encouraging a welcoming environment that would enable them to grow in ministry.
Speaking after the ceremony, Bishop Bibi expressed joy that the ordination took place during the Easter Octave, a period celebrating the resurrection of Christ. “We are rejoicing today because God has blessed us with the gift of eight new priests,” he said. “Our prayer is that they will become ministers of reconciliation, justice, and peace, helping to bring Cameroonians together for a better future.”
One of the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Victor Suliy Banseka, described the moment as the fulfillment of a long journey in formation. “This has been a 10-year journey, and today feels like a dream come true,” he said. “It has not been easy, but God has been faithful. I ask the Christian community to continue to pray for me so that I may become the kind of priest God wants me to be.” Family members and relatives also joined in the celebration, expressing joy and gratitude for the milestone, describing the occasion as a moment of deep thanksgiving and fulfillment.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Clifford Zong Che, Rev. Cyril Nke Foguh, Rev. Victor Suliy Banseka, Rev. Evans Njuabe, Rev. Serge Ngassa, Rev. Evaristus Mukong, Rev. Karl John Kili, and Rev. Augustine Ebot.
With their ordination, the Diocese of Buea now has 141 priests, marking a significant boost to its pastoral mission in the region. The celebration ended in an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving, with a renewed message that the priesthood is a call to service, unity, and spiritual dedication to the people of God.
