Kikaikom, Cameroon. Saturday 24th November remains a historic and a special day for the Church in Kumbo Diocese and for our Claretian Congregation in Cameroon.

It is a day made by the Lord, we rejoice and are glad. Saint Paul’s Parish Kikaikom which since its creation in 1928 was for 30 years an outstation in Shisong Parish; 40 years as an outstation in Kumbo Parish; 12 years as an outstation in Mbveh Parish, was canonically erected as a Parish by His Lordship, Mgr George Nkuo, Bishop of Kumbo Diocese in Cameroon. At the request of the His Lordship, the Claretians came into the Diocese of Kumbo in the year 2012. Last year Saint Paul’s mission station which had long been a Eucharistic Centre since 1972 was handed over to us.

In his homily, the Bishop stressed on the importance of erecting a parish, and on the duties of the Prelates and the Lay Faithful. In the course of the Mass, the pioneer parish priest, Fr. Damian Amanfo, cmf made a solemn profession of faith and was officially handed over the various parts of the church like the Bell, the Church Keys, the Confessional, the Baptistery, the Tabernacle and the Altar.

The speeches that followed after communion expressed the satisfaction all and the willingness to work. On his own part Fr. Michel Archange Tigui, cmf, the Major superior encouraged our confreres working in this parish to adapt to the receiving culture and to make our charism felt by the witnessing of their lives.

The joy of all those present was reflected in the colourful liturgical celebration with many clergy and uncounted number of lay faithful out of which less than a quarter could remain inside the church building. The wonderful and hilarious songs and dancing portrayed the inner happy feelings that filled the arena. After mass, reception followed with traditional and cultural displays, spiced with eating and drinking.

Thank God for the nice and welcoming climate.

From left to rigth: Fr. Zawas inocentes, CMF; Fr. Michel Archange Tigui, cmf, Mgr. George Nkuo, Fr. Damian Amanfo, cmf