By Jude Abanseka
Thousands of Christians from Buea Diocese and beyond, priests and religious, gathered at the Buea Co-cathedral project site on Sunday, February 14 to raise funds to construct the 4000 sitting capacity edifice.
In his homily during the Mass that was said on the occasion the Bishop of Buea, Immanuel Bushu, said poverty is not a sin but a gift from God who knows all and decides how each person should be to complement the other.
As a sign of providence it rained on the event eve, so those present did not have to bother about the dusty plot bulldozed for the occasion. On the day of the event the weather was also good and everything would have gone hitch free, but for frequent power failure.
A fundraising, which provided some Christians of goodwill an opportunity to showcase their largesse, followed after the Eucharistic celebration. The managing director of TELCAR COCOA Company, Douala, Kate Kai Fotso, who was the chief launcher, opened the launching with FCFA 22 million. The director of Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr. Amos Namanga donated FCFA 12 million. The Mayor of Buea Rural Council, Charles Mbella Moki donated FCFA 5 million.
Others contributed in kind. Considering that not only big but also little stones are needed to construct a house, thousands of Christians made little, though significant donations, even if they were not made public. Generally, it was a successful and happy event confirming the adage there is more joy in giving than in receiving. It could be deduced this was one of those projects in the diocese Christians had been waiting for. It would therefore not be long before the Co - cathedral is completed.
Talking to L’Effort Camerounais after the ceremony Bishop Bushu explained, “We call it a Co-cathedral because it is of the same standing like the one in Soppo. There is just a difference of space and time.” The Bishop added that if things go well, either within three or a maximum of five years, work would have been completed. He described Christians’ response to the project as excellent and said he was very grateful.
The Chancellor of Buea Diocese and project coordinator, Fr. Denis Ndang, said he was pleased and grateful to God for choosing him as the project coordinator. He explained construction will begin almost immediately as somebody to supply building materials had already been designated.
The new Cathedral shall be built on a 5 hectare stretch next to the Molyko Stadium along the Bokova Road. When completed, it will solve the over-crowding and multiple Mass problems on Sundays in the Molyko St. Charles Lwanga and Sts. Peter and Paul University Parish churches.
Mill Hill Missionaries built the Buea, Small Soppo Regina Pacis Cathedral 81 years ago, precisely in 1928. It was considered large then, but has become very small now with a growing Christian population.
The Bishop also said for Christians to lead meaningful lives they must trust Christ who is the only person who can satisfy them. “This means we must understand daily who we are, where we come from and where we are going,” he said.
He added Christians have to accept the challenges and difficulties they confront daily for they bring them closer to God. Mgr. Bushu urged Christians not to trust in earthly things but to assist each other on their heavenly journey. St. Anthony Buea Parish choir sang during the Mass.As a sign of providence it rained on the event eve, so those present did not have to bother about the dusty plot bulldozed for the occasion. On the day of the event the weather was also good and everything would have gone hitch free, but for frequent power failure.
A fundraising, which provided some Christians of goodwill an opportunity to showcase their largesse, followed after the Eucharistic celebration. The managing director of TELCAR COCOA Company, Douala, Kate Kai Fotso, who was the chief launcher, opened the launching with FCFA 22 million. The director of Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), Dr. Amos Namanga donated FCFA 12 million. The Mayor of Buea Rural Council, Charles Mbella Moki donated FCFA 5 million.
Others contributed in kind. Considering that not only big but also little stones are needed to construct a house, thousands of Christians made little, though significant donations, even if they were not made public. Generally, it was a successful and happy event confirming the adage there is more joy in giving than in receiving. It could be deduced this was one of those projects in the diocese Christians had been waiting for. It would therefore not be long before the Co - cathedral is completed.
Talking to L’Effort Camerounais after the ceremony Bishop Bushu explained, “We call it a Co-cathedral because it is of the same standing like the one in Soppo. There is just a difference of space and time.” The Bishop added that if things go well, either within three or a maximum of five years, work would have been completed. He described Christians’ response to the project as excellent and said he was very grateful.
The Chancellor of Buea Diocese and project coordinator, Fr. Denis Ndang, said he was pleased and grateful to God for choosing him as the project coordinator. He explained construction will begin almost immediately as somebody to supply building materials had already been designated.
The new Cathedral shall be built on a 5 hectare stretch next to the Molyko Stadium along the Bokova Road. When completed, it will solve the over-crowding and multiple Mass problems on Sundays in the Molyko St. Charles Lwanga and Sts. Peter and Paul University Parish churches.
Mill Hill Missionaries built the Buea, Small Soppo Regina Pacis Cathedral 81 years ago, precisely in 1928. It was considered large then, but has become very small now with a growing Christian population.
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