Faith
Maryvale Training
In 2019/2012 postulants received Maryvale catechetical training. Sr Elizabeth reported that the candidates had deepened their faith and been enriched by the program. “The postulants now have a sense of deep conviction in the Christian faith through teaching and practice of their various apostolates. Many of them have influenced the lives of those around the area where they are found and have taught or are still teaching catechesis especially during their field work in the communities.”
In previous years, we contributed £2000 per year towards the direct purchase of ‘Echoes packs’ – the educational material used on the ‘Maryvale courses’ in Bamenda to train the catechists.
Bamenda Funds also sponsored 1 priest from Bamenda to study at Maryvale UK for 3 years.
Pastoral Centre Accommodation
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The centre is income generating and will therefore be able to sustain itself in due course.
The centre was opened and blessed by Archbishop Cornelius in 2012 and provided a very comfortable stay for 25 delegates from Portsmouth for the 40th anniversary celebrations in Feb 2014 |
Pastoral Formation Team
(Fr Anthony Banksi, Sr Colette and Ephraim)
St Peter & St Paul Church Ndop (Father Cosmas Ndang - PP)
The span of this huge church roof was considered unsafe and needed to be rebuilt. Unfortunately the old Zinc was also considered unsuitable. £9,000 has already been contributed from Bamenda Funds. With the financial help from the Portsmouth Bamenda Committee and the enthusiastic support of the local community, who supplied some materials and labour the church is now nearing completion.
Ntenefor Church (Cathedral Parish)
Despite 15 years in the making, this church has struggled to progress. Historically, the 1st roof collapsed, the 2nd was not strong enough and then the pillars required reinforcement. The community then faced the dilemma of a rapidly growing local population for which the church would be too small. They found it helpful to have us there to facilitate a discussion between them. The parishioners were becoming understandably demoralised by their efforts not coming to fruition.
They decided to break down a large part of the construction in order to build a larger church for the future. Ground works have been proceeding and they are now making good progress.
Monies from the Portsmouth Cathedral Lenten appeal (2011) were forwarded. £4000 has been acknowledged by the community and progress is now being made.
Akossia Church (Bambui Parish)
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Previously this church had been prioritised by Parish Priest as the alternative parish church was not being worked on. Now both churches are in progress (see below). Akossia has received £2000 of Bamenda Funds. They report that they spent the money on flooring. Local contributions have made the benches and they require further funds to put in windows and doors.
St Sebastian’s Parish Batibo
Plans are in hand to complete the sanctuary area and quality benches are being added regularly (as donations come in). Unfortunately, the roof rafters, before erection, were not treated against infestation – this is now becoming urgent. |
The Family Life Team
 There are new personnel in the Family Life Office: Augustine and Regina Banksi (brother of Fr Anthony) have replaced the previously longstanding couple William & Grace Forba. The team’s work includes conducting Couple Counselling; natural family planning and HIV education; family life apostulate; and marriage preparation programmes. They suggest they face challenges of ‘modernism’.The team receive some financial support from Aid to the Church in Need for training and previous applications have been submitted for establishing family commissions and communication equipment. The current staff report their main problem as that of transport for getting around to parishes. |
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Catholic Women’s Association
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The Bamenda Town Schools’ Mobile Catechetical Unit is led by one of the Sisters of St. Anne, based in Bayelle who continues to coordinate a large team of volunteers (catechists, 3rd order Dominicans, etc.) who reach out to thousands of youths in the many non Catholic secondary colleges in the Bamenda urban area. This is crucial and impressive work.
Njinikom Parish
Bamenda Archdiocese recently celebrated 100 years of Christianity. The parish at Njinikom are planning to build a shrine in honour of six pioneer Christians who were buried there.
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St Therese Parish Esu
This parish has existed for 14 years and has 10 outstations but the construction of the Church building in Esu has been halted for years due to lack of funds. It is described as an area of primary evangelisation – with many people holding onto traditional beliefs. War in the area 6-7 years ago left many children as orphans. Electricity came to the area recently. A Social Welfare Commission group has been set up in the parish. The local community are contributing well and have the support of some “elites” (previous members of the community living abroad). A parish twinning has been suggested by the Archbishop with a parish in Detroit USA. |
St Mark’s Parish Baba 1 Main mission station
(Fr Francis Muelemanns – currently away sick) – Fr Norbert (Mill Hill Fr) in residence.
Visited in 2012 but no current application or project being supported.
Cathedral Parish – Mankon
The Catechist’s House Complex’ is a parish project aiming to provide apartments for the catechist, visiting priests, other pastoral agents and for rental to generate income. It is being financed by the parishioners, loans from Archbishop’s house and some assistance from “Mission Sunday Collection Rome”. Additional fund raising days are being arranged.