Views sampled by Sylvestre Ndoumou and Ireneaus Chongwain Chia
Mgr. Samuel Kléda, NECC vice President and Douala Co-adjutor Archbishop
As pastors, bishops are sent to different dioceses and with the charisma we have, we try to do everything to preach the Good news. One thing is very important; everything we do is to make Christ known. I appreciate everything Mgr. Joseph Atanga has done in Bafoussam Diocese to make Christ known and to lead God’s people in the Church in Bafoussam. That is why the bishops present here today (September 19, 2009) and even those absent, share in all what Mgr. Atanga has realised in Bafoussam over the past ten years. The rest is up to God. We admire what has already been realised.
Mgr. Dieudonne Watio, Bishop of Nkongsamba
The 10th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of Mgr. Joseph Atanga is an occasion of great joy for us, a moment to appreciate the work Mgr. Joseph Atanga and God’s people in the Church which is in Bafoussam have been able to realise, with God’s Grace, for the building of the church through Mgr. Atanga’s pastoral sollicitude. With God’s Grace and the support of people of goodwill, he has tried to build a harmonious church, a church that is becoming more and more beautiful and resplendent. As he says himself, it is God who has given him the strength to do this work. We pray that God should continue giving Mgr. Joseph Atanga the grace to do His will.
Mgr. Pierre Vital Nkenglifack, Apostolic Administrator Batouri Diocese
I can only give thanks to God for what we have just witnessed. Even though we are far from Bafoussam Diocese, we were happy to discover that a lot is going on to advance and develop the church in this diocese. What impressed me most was the fervence and communion existing between Mgr. Atanga and his faithful. It is a good example which shows that Mgr. Atanga is not alone, and that his priests and laity support him. Priests and the laity in Bafoussam have shown that they are united with their bishop. Is that not a reason to be satisfied? That is what is normally supposed to be in the church. Communion among God’s people is very important, especially communion between the lay Faithful and their bishop. That is all God demands of us. We can only pray and give thanks to God that this communion remains strong. It is only through witnessing for Christ that we can be considered His disciples. I, however, regret the tendency a certain media has to present things in a negative way. This should not be encouraged. What should be encouraged is what L’Effort Camerounais is doing, that is, noting and presenting what is good, for it is all about building not destroying.
Sr. Adèle Gatsi, Daughter of the Congregation of the Holy Family, Bafoussam
Mgr. Atanga is a very dynamic Pastor. He knows how to rally, listen and advise people. As concerns evangelisation, Christians are realising more and more as the days go by that the Church accompanies them in their pain and joy. This explains why the turn out for this 10th Episcopal Ordination anniverary is so impressive. The joy of Bafoussam Christians is that Mgr. Atanga is a father to all. There is a remarkable growth in Christian Faith and a strong desire to know Christ more thanks to the work our bishop is doing.
Véronique Tonleu, CWA Bafoussam Diocesan President
We give thanks to God for the ten years we have spent with our bishop, Mgr. Joseph Atanga. With God’s guidance he has been able to lead this diocese and we feel that God has really given us a good Pastor. Catholic women are always beside the bishop to support him in his pastoral activities and he prays and encourages us in our engagement in the church. May God give him the strength to continue his pastoral mission.
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