By THT
His Excellency, Jose Avelino Benttercourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea has used the ceremony to Re-dedicate the St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral in Mankon, Bamenda to salute the resilience of the Faithful in realising such a magnificent project among others during challenging moments. The Nuncio who arrived Bamenda last Thursday, November 13 also visited Pax Higher Institute of Science and Technology, Ndop and Our Lady of Fatima College Ntaafi where he inaugurated the infrastructures of the institutions.
Mankon Metropolitan Cathedral
The re-dedication ceremony was witnessed by Fai Yengo Francis, personal representative of the Head of State, Minister Felix Mbayu, Balungele Ebune Confiance, Director of Cabinet at the PM’s office, Okie Johnson Ndoh, General Manager of CSPH, Prof Therese Akenji, Vice Chancellor of the University of Bamenda among other local civil and traditional authorities.
The re-dedication mass was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio with nine Bishops and over a hundred priests concelebrating.
In his homily, H.E. Jose Avelino Benttercourt recalls the apostolic journey of the Archdiocese of Bamenda and the re-dedication marks a new point in the life of the archdiocese that is celebrating the 55th anniversary as an Archdiocese. Recognizing that 2025 is a special year for the Archdiocese, His Grace Avelino Benttercourt said as the church also celebrates this year as jubilee of Hope. “Hope can be a profound source of change, hope is genuine trust, brotherhood and energy to build the future together…the archdiocese of Bamenda was working hard in the spirit of hope.
Bamenda is to be congratulated for its contribution to the church in Cameroon, and to the church throughout the world. I recognise at a time your archdiocesan church has been called even to sacrifice itself in order to serve the universal church…His Grace Andrew Nkea is an important member of the Synod Council in Rome. There are many other positions that he sacrifices his time and energy.”
He went further to thank the Archbishop of Bamenda, Andrew Nkea for his generosity and zeal for the church. He also thanked the faithful for their prayers and support for their archbishop, while also recognizing the priests and religious for their dedications to the apostolate in the remotest areas.
The Re-dedicated Cathedral
According to Civil Engineer, Akumawah Julius Magheni who supervised the entire renovation process of the Cathedral, the Big Mankon Cathedral is built on a surface area of 3200m2, measuring 48mx68m.
The magnificent new look cathedral has the following striking features; a three-metre-wide walkway, above the parapet wall, supported by 26 reinforced concrete pillars, each weighing an impressive 40 tons (40,000kg).
The 4,000 seats House of Worship with a two-metre thick wall commenced renovation in February 2024, with an average of 75 workers laboured diligently each day to meet the 20-months deadline. As a beacon of hope and spirituality for generations to come, Engineer Akumawah said 80% of the materials used were sourced locally.
The ceremony in the Cathedral was graced by award of Papal Recognition to some of the workers who distinguished themselves in the different levels of realization of the project.
Pax Higher Institute
On Saturday, November 15, the Apostolic Nuncio, accompanied by the Archbisop, Andrew Nkea and the Governor of the North West Region were in Ndop, Ngoketunjia Division for the inauguration of Pax Higher Institute. An institute, which the Nuncio said represents the church’s vision and contribution to the present and future generations of Cameroonians and Ndop in particular. Archbishop Avelino Benttercourt said the blessing of the Pax Higher Institute is a call by Jesus for us to be anew, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
“Let us respond to the word and make Pax Higher Institute one of the prides of our archdiocese, one of the prides of our city, one of the prides of our Region and our Nation. It is in our hands and Yes, we can do it,” the Nuncio concluded. The ceremony was marked by the matriculation of the pioneer batch of students in agriculture, ICT and biomedical sciences.
Reacting, the pioneer Rector, Rev Fr John Berinyuy Tatah said the day was very memorable especially to the populations of Bamunka-Ndop. He assured them that Pax Higher Institute is a great gift, which many would have long to have. “The people of Bamunka-Ndop have been gifted this university in a time of crisis and uncertainty so that they should have hope even in times of crisis to war, they should always run to God.” Said the Vice Chancellor of Pax. The inauguration ribbon was cut in the company of the SDO for Ngoketunjia and President of the North West House of Chiefs.
Our Lady of Fatima College The Nuncio’s pastoral visit to the Archdiocese of Bamenda was concluded at Our Lady of Fatima College, Ntaafi, Mendankwe with the inauguration and blessing of the school buildings. It was also an opportunity for the students of the institution to show-case some of the rich African culture during the liturgical celebration and the civic reception.
