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From Fides ServiceJune 8, 2009
"The visit of Pope Benedict XVI is still very much felt in
Cameroon, as evidenced by the strong participation of the faithful at the Mass
celebrated in Yaounde one year after the Holy Father's visit to our country,"
Fides learned in an interview with Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka, National Director of
Pontifical Mission Societies in Cameroon.
Pope Benedict XVI visited Cameroon, March 17-20, 2009. "The Holy Father's visit
has led to reaffirmation and strengthening of the good relations between the
Church and the State and showed the face of a Catholic community that is very
active and growing," says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka.
"The growth of the Catholic Church in Cameroon is demonstrated by the increased
number of dioceses, 24. The last, Kribi, was erected in 2008. Of the 24 bishops,
21 are Cameroonian. The other three are a Belgian missionary bishop, and two
Polish “Fidei Donum” bishops," says the National Director of the PMS in
Cameroon.
"The Cameroonian Church has a strong sense of the duty of the mission. From the
bishops to the individual faithful, everyone is personally committed to
spreading the Good News to the world. This is also reflected by the donations
and offerings to the PMS, "says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka. "In Cameroon, there are
still several foreign missionaries, but at the same time, there are also
Cameroonian priests who are sent on missions.
The dioceses of Cameroon have established an exchange program for priests, to
help address the shortage registered in some areas of the country. Moreover, the
Churches of the central African sub-region have embarked on a fruitful
missionary collaboration. In this context, Cameroon diocesan priests carry out
their mission in Chad and Gabon," said the Cameroonian National Director of the
PMS.
"The Catholic Church also carries out a meritorious labor in human development,
especially through the extensive network of Catholic schools. The Catholic
school is very appreciated in Cameroon, because of the quality of education
offered. In the north, where there are many Muslim children who attend Catholic
schools and attend activities at the Catholic parish, with respect for their
religion," says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka. "Also, the Catholic University of Yaounde,
with its four faculties (philosophy, social sciences, canonical studies, and
management) is very revered."
"In May, Cameroon celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. For the
Catholic Church, it has been an opportunity to reflect on the collaboration
between Church and State and the progress made in this period. In 2011, there
will be presidential elections. The hope of all is that they may take place in
peace and consolidate the peace that has reigned in the country for decades,"
concluded Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka.
