Yaoundé, Cameroon. In a solemn ceremony held at Saint Charles Lwanga parish in Nkolbisson, Yaoundé, five Claretian Missionaries made their perpetual commitment to their missionary calling on 10 August 2023. Claretian Students Albert Pascal Embolo, Alphonse Marie Ekra, Norbert Doulani, Simon Armel Essomba, and Wilson Tim joyfully and willingly professed their vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience during a Eucharistic celebration led by the Major Superior of Claretian Missionaries of Cameroun, Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh, CMF.

The ceremony was marked by an atmosphere of devotion and reflection, as friends, family members, and fellow missionaries gathered to witness this significant step in the lives of these young men. The message delivered by Fr. Jude during his homily resonated deeply with the congregation. Drawing inspiration from the vocation of the prophet Elisha, he emphasized the importance of courage and diligent work in the religious life. He underscored that a religious vocation is not a means of advancing socially, but a profound commitment to selfless service.

Fr. Jude’s words echoed the sentiments of Pope Saint John Paul II, who emphasized that the pursuit of the Kingdom of God requires a complete conversion of heart. He stressed the urgency for religious individuals to repent from laziness, a destructive force that not only hampers personal growth but also impedes the progress of the community. “Laziness,” he proclaimed, “is like a poison to religious life.”

The young missionaries were encouraged to model their lives after the tireless work ethic demonstrated by Jesus Christ and the apostles. The example of Saint Paul, who diligently worked to avoid being a burden on the community, was highlighted (1 Thessalonians 2:9). The legacy of the congregation’s founder, Saint Anthony Mary Claret, was also invoked as a testament to the power of hard work and dedication.

Source: Fr. Melvin Ngwakongnwi Neba, CMF, Communication incharge, Claretian Missionaries, Cameroun.