L'Effort Camerounais (English Version)

Editorial: Talk is cheap!

By Ireneaus Chia Chongwain
The 43rd edition of the National Youth Day, like others before it, has come and gone, and with it a barrage of what can be qualified a catalogue of lofty but unfulfilled promises. True to the political philosophy that persuasive communication should focus on the positives or what has been effectively achieved, than on the negatives, the reality on the ground usually undercuts such a philosophy.

Pontiff's Programme for Africa Trip announced

Source: Zenit.org

Benedict XVI will focus on the preparation of the special synod for Africa, relations with Islam and the promotion of the woman during his 7-day trip to Africa in March, reports the Vatican.

First Papal visit of Benedict XVI to Africa(Part One)

By Rev Fr Clemens Ndze

Pope Benedict XVI this year will be setting foot in Africa, south of the Sahara. Together with other preoccupations, His Holiness will celebrate the Centenary of the coming of Christianity in Angola, a one-time Portuguese territory in the continent. "When he comes shall he find faith, yet, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?"

CATTU determined to obtain Anglophone Advanced Teachers Technical College

By Emmanuel F. Sanosi

The Cameroon Teachers Trade Union, CATTU, has promised indefinite public demonstrations in the country if the government fails to create an advanced teachers technical college for Anglophones, a second cycle for ENS Bambili and a North West Region Anglo-Saxon University.

Dossier: The Catholic Church and the family

The ideal of a Christian family does not only have to be defended, but also affirmed so that it can be promoted to the secular world. Although many ignore it, the Bible offers solutions to many problems families are facing today. The Universal Church has just commemorated the 6th World Meeting of families where experts described the family as nurseries for the planting of seeds of human and Christian values. Find out what different family apostolates are doing to keep these values alive in some dioceses in Cameroon. Read on

The Bamenda Family Life Ministry may yet save mankind from moral suicide

Interviewed by Emmanuel F. Sanosi

Have you wondered why a certain family in your neighbourhood strikes you as  ideal. You perhaps have been wondering about a family that has reaped or continues to reap the  benefits of the Family Life Ministry, which is run by Director Couple William and Gracemary Nforba of Bamenda Archdiocese Family Life Office. The couple speaks of what the ministry entails, their daily tasks and clarifies several controversial issues like artificial contraceptives, euthanasia, and several other aspects of Natural Family Planning, Pro-Life, Marriage Enrichment, Marriage Encounter, Marital Counselling, Christian Family Movement, which are all part of their ministry. Excerpts:

“Where there is no family, there is no Church” says Kumbo Leader Couple

Interviewed by Livinus Tal Bam

The catalogue of problems faced by various families in the society today can  hamper the  Church’s growth if not properly redressed. This explains why the Catholic Church has set up Family Life Apostolate groups at all levels to carter for the needs of the families. L'Effort Camerounais caught up with the Kumbo Diocesan leader couple Ephriam and Theresia Lukong of the Family Life Apostolate and they pointed out measures that have been put in place to promote and defend Christian values in the families. Excerpts: 

"Destroying the family is destroying the world and the Church", president Leader couple, Immaculate Conception Parish Tobin, Hilary Bello and Victorine.

Interviewed by Emmanuel Wirndzerem Verdzeka

The Family Life Apostolate has remained unbending in its constant response to the spiritual and social welfare of families in  Kumbo Diocese. L'Effort Camerounais spoke with the president couple of the Immaculate Conception Parish Tobin, Hilary Bello and Victorine to evaluate what the Family Life Apostolate is doing in Tobin. Excerpts:

“The Family has failed in its mission” says the Diocesan coordinators of Family Apostolate Douala

Interviewed by Grace Ongey

Everyone is or has been part of a family, but defining the boundaries of a family is difficult. The family constitutes the basis for the identity of the person and of society and remains the principal institution of aid and solidarity. Without solidarity within the family, there can be no solidarity beyond the family.  Family crises are not just  problems of morals. They go much deeper.  The Douala Diocesan Family coordinators Mr and Mrs Irénée Kola,  explain what their centre is doing to consolidate Christian Family values. Excerpts:

St Paul's College Nkwen celebrates feast day

By Emmanuel F. Sanosi

January 25 may have been just an ordinary Sunday for most people in Bamenda as they went to Church and later followed their usual routine, but for Christians of St Paul's Mission Station, Nkwen, the day had a special significance as it was the Feast of their Patron - the Apostle Paul.