By Prof. Theresa Nkuo-Akenji
It rained heavily three days preceding a historic visit of some Douala-based CWA members to Kooh fishing port. For those not sea-friendly, their hearts were deeply troubled. There was, however, no turning back because a great evangelisation mission awaited them - a mission that had to be accomplished at all cost.
The young Kooh CWA branch has 16 members. The majority are Nigerians as there are only two Cameroonians. These women form part of the Kooh Catholic community, which is one of the out stations of the Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish in the Douala Archdiocese. For several years, CWA members in this island have looked forward to being dedicated into the Association, but there were some pending issues that first had to be cleared.
In December 2007, the Douala Archdiocese CWA chaplain, Rev. Fr. William Egedegbe MSP, met the women for the first time and was immediately won over by their simplicity, humility and strong faith. Several of the women were living in irregular marriage situations and were encountering difficulties in convincing their partners to have their marriages blessed.
For many, having their marriages blessed had become an impossibility. But with God everything is possible. Rev. Fr. Egedegbe was able to convince the men concerned, thus setting the stage for what has turned out to be a unique experience and a wonderful manifestation of God's love. On Friday, July 4, 2008, five Kooh CWA women were all smiles as they arrived at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, accompanied by their husbands. Fr. William had initiated the visit. For these men to have sacrificed a clear bright day, excellent for fishing, to honour Fr William's invitation was already an indication of their consent to receive the Sacraments.
Some of them had not been baptised, but they were very active in church. After a meeting between the Parish Priest of the Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Fr. Clement Djewel, the Douala Archdiocese CWA chaplain, Fr. Egedegbe and the CWA Diocesan President, a written authorisation was signed for Fr William Egedegbe to administer the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Matrimony to some Kooh villagers on Thursday, July 10. The villagers had prepared adequately to receive these sacraments.
True to their word, three Kooh fishermen, two who later received the Sacrament of Matrimony that day, arrived at Holy Trinity Parish to ferry the Douala-based team to Kooh. Six Douala Archdiocese CWA members namely: Theresa Akenji , Rita Akumchi, Aurelie Assen, Jeanette Ngonga, Julie Ngen and. Emilia Pandap, accompanied Fr. Egedegbe, on this special evangelisation mission. At the Douala Naval Base where the team set sail, a large canoe was found anchored as close as possible to dry land. The fishermen had brought their canoes for the trip to Kooh. By 10am, the team started out in an engine propelled canoe.
A prayer by the chaplain helped the women to relax and enjoy the 40 minute ride. As the canoe approached the village, the team was welcomed with a beautiful song led by the choir ladies dressed to suit the occasion. Facing the sea and surrounded on its sides by thatched mud houses, is the St. Stephen Chapel, the lone building with a corrugated roof.
To the left of the chapel is a simple, though significant grotto of Our Lady painted in blue and white. The entire environment was clean and welcoming. Rev. Fr. Egedegbe, immediately set to work. The catechist presented the candidates for the Sacraments. After confirming that the candidates were ready, Father held a brief meeting with the couples for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Confessions then followed. Mass began at 12:45pm. After baptism and confirmation, the long awaited marriage rites began. The ladies looked gorgeous in their fairy styled white laces and the men resplendent in their new suits. The joy of the entire community following the marriage rites was indescribable. Both men and women rocked the church with fantastic melodies of praise which got everybody dancing for close to 30 minutes none stop.
The spirit of sincere community worship touched all those present. Mass ended at 3:45pm ushering in the day's last activity. In no time the area in front of the church was transformed into a ceremonial ground. There was dancing and feasting. At 4:55pm Fr. William and the other visitors were escorted to the waiting boat. A prayer was said before the team embarked on the return journey. On Saturday, July 19, the first batch of Kooh CWA members will be dedicated along with 75 members from Douala. Close to twenty Kooh CWA members have within the last month regularised their marriage situation ahead of the dedication thanks to Fr. William.
The Douala Archdiocese CWA is extremely grateful to Fr. William MSP who has taken time off his already tight schedule to ensure the spiritual growth of the CWA at every level. As Fr. Egedegbe MSP leaves Cameroon at the end of July 2008, the hearts Douala CWA members are indeed grieved.
By Prof. (Mrs.) Theresa
Nkuo-Akenji
CWA Diocesan President,
Archdiocese of Douala
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