Fr. DUFE’S 25 years of Priestly Ministry

Fr. Dufe Joseph Ndzelen celebrates 25 Years of Priestly Ministry

While the Order of Capuchins in Cameroon celebrates the Perpetual entry  of seven young men, the same Order celebrates an elderly friar who has faithfully minister to God’s people for 25 good years (28 April 2000 – 28 April 2025).

What does Fr. Dufe say about himself after 25 years of ministry?

I feel like I am between the axe and the anvil – being asked to examine myself! This is a challenge, and I would not say the biggest in the priesthood. The priesthood is a life filled with challenges. And so is all of life. At one time you think that you are finishing with one, then another one pops up. But the good thing is that life goes on – and the priesthood goes on, because they good Lord is always with us. The priesthood is a grace from God, bestowed on those he has called to the ministry or service, and who answer “yes”, as Our Lady did. I answered a definitive “yes” to this call on April 28, 2000, the Great Jubilee Year. Today we are in another Jubilee Year, the Jubilee of Hope. Before this definitive “yes”, inside me I had heard the Lord calling, and doing so through the local Shisong community that embraced me in the faith and nourished it in me. Of course, I would not have heard the call unless my parents and families kept encouraging me in the faith – and this, they did enormously. I therefore owe much gratitude to them and to the Christian community of Shisong. It was while this flame kept burning inside me – sometimes strongly, sometimes almost going out – that the Capuchins arrived in Cameroon in 1982. From the moment of my encounter with them, the flame remained brighter than ever before and even till today. If I am a Capuchin priest today, it is thanks to them. When I opted to join them – as a response to the call – I did not have a clue of their formation program; so, from 1991, till today, life has become for me a series of discoveries – discovery of friends, discovery of the mission, discovery of places and tasks, discovery of needs, and discovery of God. When I look back at my formation days in the seminary of Bambui, and in the Capuchin community, and consider what I have in hand now, I just have to be grateful to the formators.

In 2000, when I was being ordained, there were rumours that the world was coming to an end. One pious lady wondered why a young man would allow himself to be ordained a priest in a world that was about to end – as if it was going to end only for me and not for her. Here we are today, and the world has not ended, and it will not end. It is not about hope, but it is about reality. Each person’s world ends when they die, and then another door opens for them, but life goes on for those who remain behind. And how many people have I accompanied towards this new opening. If I am celebrating 25 years, I am not celebrating myself, I am celebrating the people who have influenced by life and vocation, and who whose lives and vocations I have also greatly influenced – that is walking together, that is synodality, that is fraternity, that is community, that is the family spirit. My further formation in Rome, from 2004 to 2006 empowered me with the knowledge of moral principles that guide life and faith. These principles impinged something deep in me, the respect for the dignity of the human person, and since then, I look at life differently. Through these principles, I have come to know myself more, and to know others more as well, as sons and daughters of the one God, brothers and sisters of Christ. I am applying this knowledge currently in Loreto, where I encounter fragile human being inside the confession – which is a serious school of formation for me, as formation never ends.

I started my priestly ministry in St. Theresia’s Parish Sop, moved to Rome for studies, taught in the seminary for 12 years, proudly forming young priests, and within these 12 years, I moved to Bafoussam where I lived in the little community, sometimes assisting in the St. Charles Lwanga Parish of Ngouache, then I moved back to Sop, where my dream of becoming a parish priest got fulfilled. It was during my 5 years in Sop that I was appointed the first Vicar for Religious of the Diocese of Kumbo, and before I could enjoy this function, I was moved to Bambui again. As the second year in the Bambui students’ house was coming to an end I was moved to the St. Bernard’s Parish Big Babanki, from where I was catapulted to Loreto after another 2 years. All these places have served me as the seed-ground for pastoral engagement. I call it seed-ground because I have left much in the hearts of people which they are encouraged to let blossom and bloom. They have also planted much in my heart. Much still lies ahead, and I hope that God will continue to give me the strength to continue ploughing on. The harvest surely awaits the many that will feel my impact, but all honour goes to God. I would like to thank everyone who has been part of the fabric of my life, and wish them lots of sunshine and God’s blessings.

Novices get set for First Profession

Novices get set for First Profession

After 12 months of discernment into the Franciscan Capuchin way of life , Brothers Lidwin Ndzedzenyuy Venban, Brandon Njoke Nchang, Ginoel Keliewoh, Brendan Wiyfengla and Albert Kilofonyuy, get set to pronounce their first vows in July 14, 2024 in Saint Theresa’s Parish Church Sop at 10:00AM. As they get set for this great day in their life, may Saint Francis and Saint Clare, intercede for them.

Les Aspirants à Toket

 LA SESSION DES ASPIRANTS CAPUCINS A TOKET (DU 7 AU 9 JUIN 2024)

« Venez et voyez. Ils vinrent donc et virent où il demeurait, et ils demeurèrent auprès de lui ce jour-là » Jn. 1 :39

La session des aspirants capucins du Cameroun s’est tenue du 7 au 9 juin 2024 à Bafoussam, précisément à Toket. A cet effet, huit (08) jeunes, venus des différents coins du pays ont assisté à cette rencontre : Bovra Jérome (Yagoua), Gejung Brandon (Bamenda), Ambrose Nyuykighan (Kumbo), Bole Bibou Bienvenu (Yagoua), Zogning Thomas d’Aquin (Bafoussam), Priestly Liynuy (Kumbo), Fonkeu Remi (Yaounde), Chin Priestly (Yaounde).

Durant cette session qui a débuté le 7 juin 2024 à partir de 17heure, plusieurs activités ont été menées. Ainsi donc, le vendredi a été une journée consacrée à l’accueil et présentation des différents assistants. Par ailleurs, le programme de la rencontre toute entière a été aussi présenté par le Frère Cedric Verbe après avoir prononcé son mot de bienvenu. Après cette présentation, le frère Christophe chargé des aspirants souhaita à son tour la bienvenue à tous les participants. Et la journée fut clôturée par la prière du couché.

La journée de samedi 8 juin fut pour sa part déterminante pour la session, car elle a connu le déroulement de la plupart des activités. C’est ainsi, après s’être resourcer de la grâce matinale via la messe, nous nous entamions avec le premier entretien conduit par le Frère Cedric. Il nous a entretenu sur le thème : « La Fraternité, un grand don Franciscain ». De cet entretien, il ressort que le don est quelque chose de gratuit, donnée sans aucune exigence, et la fraternité, comme un grand don aux franciscains à travers la personne de Saint François d’Assise, renvoie donc à la vie en frère.

Suivant les explications, le Frère a présenté les valeurs de la fraternité franciscaine : la prière commune, le repas commun, les chapitres qui désigne les rencontres fraternelles dans le but de programmer, exhorter, corriger, évaluer les uns les autres ainsi que les activités de la fraternité ; le travail, le partage, les sorties communautaires, la récréation/sports/moment des divertissements. Il a mentionné aussi la dimension fraternelle des vœux de pauvreté, chasteté et obéissance. Pour donner le sens ou enrichir cette vie en frère, certaines valeurs sont importantes à cultiver : le respect mutuel, le pardon mutuel, la confiance, la tolérance, la présence effective. En somme, il a souligné que nous devons toujours penser, parler et agir communauté (always think, speak and act community)

Après cet échange, nous avons entamé une autre phase : les rencontres personnelles et les travaux communautaire. A 15h :30, nous avons repris avec une autre conférence, présentée par le frère Christopher : Pourquoi voulez-vous devenir Capucin ? la réponse permettra donc de déterminer le degré de l’amour que l’on a de vouloir adhérer cette vie.

Suite à cet entretien, nous avons effectué une marche à la paroisse Saint Charles Lwanga de Ngouache. L’hors du repas, pour conclure officiellement la session, nous nous sommes échangés les mots des remerciements. Le dimanche, dernier jour de la session fut ouvert par les laudes suivie de la messe. Après le petit déjeuner, les frères sont rentrés chacun à sa destination.

Bovra Jérome et Chin Priestly

FIVE FRIARS ORDAINED PRIESTS

PRIESTLY ORDINATION OF FIVE CAPUCHIN BROTHERS MARKS CELEBRATION AT BAMBUI

Bambui, June 29, 2024

A momentous occasion unfolded at the Capuchin Friary of Bambui as five brothers – François Djorwe, Philip Mbungai, Rene Mbakou, Fabrice Awembom, and Michel Tiague- were ordained to the priesthood, bringing immense joy to the Capuchin Custody of Cameroon and the wider Church.

About the ordinations in Bamenda of four friars (François, Philip, Rene, and Fabrice), the ceremony, conducted by Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, commenced with a solemn Holy Mass at 9 AM, at Saint Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral Bamenda, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Alongside the four Capuchin brothers, two Jesuit priests and one Conceptionist were also ordained. Notably, Father Bernadine Gam, the newly ordained Conceptionist, had spent three years at the Capuchin Friary of Bambui during his theological studies at the Major Seminary of Bambui.

The ordination ceremony also included eleven deacons, among whom two were destined for the Archdiocese of Bangui in the Republic of Central Africa, and nine for the Archdiocese of Bamenda.

In his insightful homily, Archbishop Nkea underscored the significance of Saints Peter and Paul as co-founders of the Church of Rome, emphasizing the unity of the Catholic world under the leadership of Pope Francis. He quoted Saint Augustine, highlighting the Church as the mother of all believers and stressing the importance of fidelity to the Holy Father in Rome for authentic Catholic identity.

Archbishop Nkea exhorted the newly ordained priests and deacons to dedicate their lives to the service of Christ and His Church, emphasizing the primacy of proclaiming the Gospel and administering the sacraments to the faithful worldwide.

Following the solemn ceremonies in the Cathedral of Bamenda, festivities continued at the Friary of Bambui, where a celebratory feast honored the four newly ordained brothers amidst a spirit of jubilation and communal rejoicing.

Meanwhile, in Douala, Brother Michel Tiague was also ordained on the same day, adding to the blessings received by the Church on this memorable occasion.

Looking forward, the brothers continue to offer prayers for Brothers Elvis Tadzenyuy and Gotran Tata, who are set to be ordained priests on August 16th, 2024, at Saint Theresa Parish in Sop, within the Diocese of Kumbo.

As the Capuchin Order and the Church in Cameroon celebrate these ordinations, the community remains united in prayer and support for the ongoing vocations within its midst.

            Gideon N. WIRSIY.

Celebrating the “Cook”

23 YEARS BY FIRE

  Mr Laisin Edwin, the friar’s long serving cook in the custody (23years) is appreciated by Shisong Fraternity as he quits his noble profession as COOK. This ceremony of thanksgiving took place in the Sacred Heart Fraternity (Shisong) on Sunday  14 April 2024.

While thanking God for such a figure “Ta Lai” (as called by many friars) who had served different generations of friars, the House Guardian of Shisong, Br. Felix Afoni,  implored the Most High’s blessings upon him and his lovely family for good health, peace and harmony.

Celebrating Fraternal Proximity

Fraternal proximity

            On Sunday 31^st of march 2024, Easter Sunday, the fraternity of Shisong entered the Novitiate Fraternity Sop. This was a moment to celebrate ‘fraternity’, to celebrate ‘brotherhood’ in the context of Jesus’ victory over death through his Resurrection.  This fraternal moment was spiritually filled as brothers all gathered for vespers. From the chapel, all proceeded for supper where the Guardian of Sop, Br. Cornelius B. Wirsiy welcomed all the friars, expressing to each, showers of Easter wishes and blessings.

This fraternal moment continued the next day with prayers, mass, works, lunch to share the Easter Joy as brothers. The fraternal joy was heightened with the birthday celebration of some friars (Br. Cornelius, the Guardian and Br. Gui noel).

An Easter Football Encounter  between the Postulants and the Novices spiced this moment of fraternal proximity. The day ended with another great fraternal touch: the GREAT TOMBOLA. 

Oh! What a joy when brothers live together. And the Lord gave me brothers.

ministries in bambui

RECEPTION OF MINISTRIES IN BAMBUI FRIARY

 FEBRUARY 12, 2024.

Today, February 12, 2024, St. Francis’ Capuchin Friary Bambui, Cameroon, lives another great event and moment in the life of nine friars who received the ministry of lector (Brs. Keflet Aseni, Gideon Nyuyshiyi, Magloire Demaya, Melchizedek Kpudzeka, Dimitri Mbombo, Herbert Yenika, Mbimenyuy Bongli, Achilis Ntumnyuy, and Emmanuel Fang) and four other friars, who received the ministry of Acolyte (Brs. Zachaeus Ntumnyuy, Steven Italo, Adolf Baba, and Anicet Njutapvoui).                   

This celebration began at 5:30pm with vespers in the Fraternity chapel, followed by the Eucharistic celebration, animated by friar students, officiated by the Custos, Br. Kenneth Ayeni Kinyuy, and concelebrated by all the other Friar formators of the fraternity.

In his homily, the custos dwelt on the word: Scroll, which appears a number of times in Holy Scripture, and holds the content of divine revelation. He focused more in the book of the Apocalypse (5:6) where we read that the scroll had seven seals and only Christ could break it or open it. Therefore, this seal must be continuously opened and this can only be realized when people give up everything and avail themselves as ministers and servants of the Scroll breaker, who himself is the Word. The Custos underlined that if today, people fail to persevere in the faith, resolve to embrace violence and other forms of evil, then we, as ministers and servants of the Word, need to ask ourselves if truly we are breaking the seals of the scroll and planting them in the lives of the people. Therefore, as Franciscans, with the gospel being our rule of life, our intellectual, moral, and spiritual influence should create positive marks in the society.

To the Lectors in particular, the father custos exhorted them to explore the Wisdom of God found in Sacred Scripture, in fact, to become Scriptures for others to read through their life of witnessing. To the Acolytes, the custos made reference to the book of Daniel (5:1-25), where Belshazzar took the sacred vessels from the temple in Jerusalem and drank fromthem together with his noble men and concubines, and immediately a hand appeared and wrote on the wall declaring the ruin of his pride, and the end of his reign. Consequently, the Acolytes were called upon to show reverence to the sacred vessels, for their care of these sacred vessels would portray the place God occupies in their lives, the reverence they have for the Holy. To crown it all, the preacher, reminding all friars that they are all vessels that still require the infilling of the Holy Spirit, urged that we all pray and work to avoid externalism and truly serve faithfully the Lord in the ministries in which we have all been called.       

Feelings of Brothers after the reception of Ministries     

FRIAR THADDEUS ESOPE (OFM CAP)

12/02/2024 

Visit to the novitiate

MOTHERS VISIT THEIR CHILDREN

VISIT OF CWA, SOP PARISH TO THE NOVITIATE FRATERNITY,

FRIDAY- FEBRUARY, 9 2024.

   
It was at about 12:25 PM that a large crowd of Catholic Women Association (CWA), dressed in their marian uniform stormed the friary and all settled around the fount of Our Lady, singing Marian songs. This was an occasion for these mothers to express their joy for the presence of the Capuchin Friars in Sop Parish. The Divisional President of the CWA, Mme Cornelia Liydzeka, speaking on behalf of the mothers, expressed her joy for the presence of the friars, reminding them that their tradition of visiting the Novitiate Fraternity and bringing them some food stuffs as mothers, has not and will never be forgotten. On his part, the Fraternity Guardian, Br Cornelius Bamenjo expressed his heartfelt thanks to the mothers, for always coming to their assistance, spiritually as well as materially.   

Emmaus Center

Emmaus Outreach Centre Bamenda – Caring for the MENTALLY DISABLEDhttps://www.emmausoutreach.org/

WHERE IS YOUR BROTHER?

Where is your brother?

The Capuchin Friars of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon, from Sunday the 7^th of January to Saturday the 13^th of January 2024, gathered in the Dominican Nunery, Bambui, for their annual retreat, preached by Br. Author Nga Abanfegha. This spiritual exercise, had as anchor,  the question by God to Cain in the book of Genesis (4:9): Where is your brother (Abel)? Where is my brother? Br. Author, the retreat director, helped the friars to reconsider the place of FRATERNITY in the life of a disciple of St. Francis of Assisi, who rejoiced in his Testament saying: “And the Lord gave me brothers.” The preacher stressed we all are  members of the same family as friars, infact, that we are all in the same boat where, what affects one, affects all.

Biblical personages were examined in line with the brotherhood such as: Esau and Jacob (Gn. 25:27-34), whereby the conflict between the two brothers brought about their separation especially at the moment Jacob received the blessings of his brother Esau. The page on Joseph and his brothers in Gn. 37 was another opportunity to examine how brotherhood could be shattered; where the brothers of Joseph (all sons of the same father) cultivated hatred for Joseph because he was so loved by Jacob more than the others, he came reporting his brothers to their father (Gn. 37:2), above all, his dreams injected jealousy into the life of his brothers; the consequence being their hatred and desire to eliminate their own brother. Another picture of brotherhood brought for meditation was the story of the Lost Son – the younger brother. At his return, his elder brother refused to welcome him. These stories were therefore seen as realities that a fraternity like ours could undergo, where a brother could fight to be at the place of the other through fraud as in the case of Jacob, where out of hatred and jealousy, a brother could desire to eliminate the other as did the brothers of Joseph and even reject a brother as did the eldest son in the parable of the Lost Son. But in the case of Andrew and Simon, we see a brother who works for the other’s good. Andrew sees Jesus, then goes to bring his own brother to Jesus.

Brothers bringing each other to Jesus

As a result, the retreat director, Br. Author, therefore asked each friar to bring the other friar closer to Jesus, to have the good of each other at heart, avoiding all that destroys, harms or shatters fraternity. This would help us avoid the response given by Cain to God: “I do not know, Am I my brother’s guardian?” (Gn. 4:9)

Twins Speak (paroles aux jumeaux)

Paroles aux Jumeaux

(Twins Speak)

“And the Lord gave me brothers” (Saint Francis of Assisi). In gratitude to God for the richness in vocation for the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon (4 final professed friars and 9 Capuchin deacons), the wish is to hear these friars tell us their feelings, and their motives for accepting to make such steps into the Order. What do they wish for the Order, the Church and God’s People? We shall listen to some of them speak to us. Over to you brothers?  

Final Professed and  Deacons

Br. Adolph Baba

Br. Adolf is happy to give himself to the Order and for the Order accepting him .

Deacons

Br. Rene Mbaku 

Brother Rene is grateful to God for his love and mercy, for having looked upon him, by raising him to the ministry of the Word, a ministry which is not for export, a ministry that carries a message he has to propose to others and to impose on himself, since he has to read the Gospel, believe in it and then, put it into practice. 

Br. Elvis Tardzenyuy

Before the ordination, I was cogitating on the word Reverend. After ordination, many will be calling me Reverend. So, I asked myself if all would end only at that calling. I therefore told myself : “Elvis, that calling of Reverend should be in perfect harmony with your acts.” Truly, I am happy to be ordained a Deacon for the Order and for the Church. I am happy because God has given me this wonderful gift of ministering to His people. This is something wonderful for me. I do not merit it, but his love has made me who I have become. So, my duty and task is SERVICE. Having been ordained, I even asked to know what had changed in me. I am still Elvis, right? But then, something more has happened to Elvis, something spiritual has taken place in me. So, 1Tim. 4:13 is a text that has inspired me in accepting this call to be a minister of God : “Devote yourself to reading, preaching and teaching until i come.” This phrase of St. Paul sums my mission: one who reads (the word of God), preaches (more by deeds) and teaching (according to the mind of the Church).  I therefore pray to be a faithful deacon, a faithful servant of God for the rest of my life.

May God give me this single grace. 

Br. Esope Thaddeus Moseu

I thank God Almighty for this grace to share in this ministry, it’s a great joy, I thank my parents for accepting that I follow God’s call, I thank my formators from postulancy till date, I pray for continues grace to be a good and fruitful minister of the word, and to be part of the goodness of God in and for our custody.                     “Your word Lord is a lamp for my feet”. This is the phrase that leads me into the ministry. Sometimes in life, it is difficult to predict which path to take or steps to make, but I came to realise that at the moment of confusion, the answer is the bible, that is, God’s Word. In it, I gain consolation for my worries. The above word of action  has been a source of comfort and guidance to me, I have seen, I still see and will stil see God’s hands in my life and vocation. In fact, His Word serves as a source of illumination in the darkness of my journey, providing clarity and wisdom, peace and fulfilment, knowledge and truth and hope.

Despite all, God’s faithfulness still leads me on to a place of purpose and fulfilment.

Br Michel Laubryl Tiague 

I thank God for having called me to serve at his altar as a deacon. I’m very happy for this great gift to me and to the Order at large. Before the Ordination I chose as Motto 2Tim 4:2 to preach the Word at all time, welcomed or unwelcomed… because the world is fast changing and the tendency is to please the people and not say what the Word of God demands of us. So I resolutely take upon myself to proclaim it with boldness and therefore live accordingly. I sincerely thank the Community of Bambui and the Custody for making that day a wonderful day.  May God continue to bless and strengthen us in this path of life.

Br. François Djorwe

After the ordination I was very happy and at the same time challenged by what I had brought myself into. This is due to the fact that, today we live in an era where the world is proposing ideas that are very appetizing, ideas which even contradict the Gospel message. So, I chose as motto: Let thy will be done not mine. (Lk 22:42b), as a reminder, that l have been ordained to always search, know and do the will of God. In fact, this is not only a motto but a prayer. Consequently, my vision has always and remains, being a happy and a faithful servant of God wherever I find myself no matter the circumstance.

Br. Fabrice Awembom

I feel very happy and grateful to God for my ordination on this day. I have done nothing to merit this grace and can only express my gratitude to the one who had ordained this from the beginning of time. I equally feel grateful to all who have been journeying with me and have contributed in one way or the other to bring this day to it’s realization. May God himself be their reward.                                                                                                    We are merely servants…”(Lk. 10:17). God’s call, is always a call to loving, humble and selfless service and not to self-glorification. Such is the ministry of the diaconate to which he has called me. I therefore find in this verse in Luke’s gospel a true reflection of what Jesus expects of me as a deacon in the church of which he is the head and it is my wish to commit myself to it with an undivided heart: humble, loving and selfless service in the name of Christ.

Br Philip Nyuysemo Mbungai 

I, Br Philip Nyuysemo Mbungai, OFM cap, feel so happy as I see myself continuing on my vocational journey. I’m glad for God’s call and for His Grace that have led me this far. I chose as my motto: Do to me according to your word (Lk 1:38) this is supported by Psalm 51:11, “Do not cast me away from your presence nor deprive me of your Holy Spirit.” All of these, remind me of the one who has called me and whose will I have to carry. It is for me to be a true servant, dedicated and ready to go out to serve my neighbours, knowing that it is in His will and spirit that I act.

Beloved brothers, may the Lord of all goodness, bring to fulfilment the good work started in you.

May St. Francis and St. Clare intercede for you.

TWINS IN BAMBUI

TWINS IN BAMBUI

Final Profession and Diaconal Ordination

Great things we have promised God, greater things has he promised us, says Saint Francis of Assisi. Saturday,  2^nd December 2023, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins (OFM. Caps), Custody of Saint Francis of Assisi in Cameroon, was graced with a twin celebration, that is, the Final Profession of four friars (Zachaeus Ntumnyuy, Italo-Steven Lele, Adolph Baba and Anicet Ariel) and the Diaconal Ordination of 10 friars (9 Capuchins: Brs. Francois Djorwe, Esope-Thadeus Moseu, Phillip Mbuhngai, Ignasius Kenso, Rene Mbaku, Elvis Tardzenyuy, Michel Tiague, Gotrand Tata and Fabrice Awembom and an Augustinian, friar Michael). This twin event took place in the capuchin friary of Bambui. The Holy mass was presided over by Mgr. Angelo Pagano, Apostolic Vicar of Harar-Ethiopia, the ordaining minister; while the Perpetual vows were received by Br. Kenneth Kinyuy, Regular superior of the Capuchin Brothers in Cameroon.

May the Lord bless these our brothers in the various steps undertaken, to be witnesses of His love amongst His people. 

Pax et Bonum

Br. William Kongnyuy

A Domus Ordinis in Buea? What a blessing!!!

The official blessing & opening of the Capuchin friary in the  Diocese of Buea as a Domus Ordinis by the Provincial Minister Angelo Borghino on the 29^th September 2023

One of the greatest fruits of the Extraordinary Custody Assembly convoked by the General Curia animated by the General Councillor fra. Kilian Ngitir, who providentially is the second  Cameroonian Capuchin friar,  accompanied by Fra. Akilu Petros from the Solidarity office of the Order and the Provincial  Minister  fra Angelo Borghino held from the 25^th – 26^thof September 2023, was the official opening of the Capuchin friary in Buea.

   The Occasion commenced with a Pontifical high mass presided over by fra Kilian Ngitir, concelebrated by Fra Kenneth Kinyuy (Custos), fra cyril Kerla (Guardian of the said fraternity) and the Provincial Minister. Furthermore, in attendance was the august guest, fra Akilu Petros and fra Theophile Seka, a member of that fraternity.

The blessing proper of the sacred vessels, the Lectern, the liturgical books, the Cross of Saint Damian and the general blessing of the house graced the Capuchin presence in the Diocese of Buea with a Domus Ordinis a Landmark in the administration of fra. Kenneth Kinyuy and his council,  the first  indigenous Major superior of the Capuchins in Cameroon as the Custody celebrated her 40th Anniversary (1982- 2022).

Immense thanks go to the mother Provincial for her love, accompaniment, and sacrifices. Immense thanks equally go to Fra Nestor Nyamnjo, the project coordinator for his ingenious and meticulous follow up of this noble project till this stage. We cannot forget our benefactors especially Mr. Divine Feh a great and God-given Contractor, for his untold contributions.

 The story began on the 18^th May 2021 with the pecking of the foundation, then the digging and casting of pillars. In the twinkle of an eye the first decking. Then, came the second and third floors. God has been faithful till this blessing and opening of the house this 29^th September 2023, feast day of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel & Raphael.

Fra. Theophile Seka ofmcap

A Summary of the Custody’s Assembly

CUSTODY’S ASSEMBLY- DOMINCAN CONVENT-BAMBUI

September 25-26, 2023

A summary of the discussions at the Custody’s Assembly, held in the Dominican Convent (Bambui)

Monday, 25 September 2023

The assembly doors opened at about 9am (Monday, 25 Sept. 2023), with 63 participants. Br. Kenneth Kinyuy, the Custos, welcomed all the brothers present. He expressed gratitude for the presence of the brothers especially the presence of  Br. Kilian Ngitir (General Councilor for Africa), Br. Wachamo Aklilu Petros (from the solidarity office in the Curia), and the Provincial Minister, Br. Angelo Borghino, for making it for the Assembly. The Custos, Br. Kenneth, basing on the word “rapprochement”, indicated that the assembly would be a moment of verification, whereby information received by the Curia and the Provincial has to be verified and clarified so that we all, as friars, move on the same footing and to the same direction.

Br. Kilian intervened after the Custos. He expressed the General Minister and his council’s worry about Cameroon concerning the postulancy project and other projects of the Custody. He acknowledged the fact that the postulancy had been an urgent project for the past 9 years, a project which is being realized today in Mbohtong. He indicated that this giant project was happily welcomed by the Curia even though, along the lines, the project has undergone some misunderstandings, reasons for their presence at  Assembly, an opportunity for clarity to be made on the Postulancy project and to see together the steps to take for the realization of this noble project so dear to the Custody.

After the intervention from the Curia, through Br. Kilian, the Provincial Minister spoke up. He spelt out that the assembly is convened because of the need to enlarge our reflection as a custody, on the custody and its future. Moreover, pointing to the numerous projects of the custody as a major concern, the provincial explained that the fundamental question is not on the mistakes made about these projects not discussed or clarified with him, but on the mentality behind these projects. He even enquired to know if it was important to build people or the walls. He further highlighted the place of authority as service. In his presentation about the animation of the custody’s life by the council, two points were looked into: firstly, that the Custos and his Council ought to animate spiritually, pastorally, and fraternally the life of every fraternity and brother. He stated that in all the superior does, he must ask himself how what he does is of help to the brothers to faithfully respond to the call of Jesus Christ.

Secondly, that listening to the brothers is of prime importance in animating the brothers and of great value or service to fraternal life.

Moreover, Br. Borghino, the Provincial Minister, gave guidelines on how to animate the custody based on his own experience as councilor and provincial.

• The need of the custos to visit brothers in their fraternities and in their functions such as bursars, guardians etc.

• The need to create active commissions to assist the council.

• Giving more accent to formation of brothers in the custody and that a healthy relationship exists between the superiors and the formators.

        After the Provincial’s interventions, brothers went into constituted groups of 7 to evaluate the Custody’s activities. This evaluation was guided by the following questions:  

QUESTION ONE

Approximately five months after the celebration of the custody chapter, how do we evaluate the significant events and moments, as well as the problematic ones? For those who did not participate in the chapter, what perception or feedback could they have gotten? What effect did I have within the various fraternities?

QUESTION TWO

At the custody level we can reflect on these elements: =how do we live the relationship with the custody? What feeling of real belonging do we live and express? Do we feel like active members, who live responsibly, or passive members, who use the custody for their own projects? How do we evaluate our personal commitments in the life and activities of the custody? How is the quality of our communication with each other and with those in charge and service of authority? How do we use forums and social media? To what extent are they constructive and unifying instruments rather than a source of division? What real openness do we experience with respect to the national territory, starting from vocational animation? What are our expectations for the future of the custody? Are our current activities and commitments helping us achieve these goals? How do we live the relationship with the province, what are the expectations? What can and should we grow and improve on?

QUESTION THREE

At the initial and ongoing formation level: how do we evaluate the initial formation path in the custody, what are the strong points and what are the weak ones? What evaluation do we give to ongoing formation? What opportunities can we avail ourselves of and what are the lacks?

The feedback from this workshop was a great help to the brothers to see what has been done, what needs to be improved and how to move on as a Custody.

TUESDAY: 26 September 2023

The second day of the Assembly had as vision, to tackle the projects of the Custody and to bring out solutions to the uncompleted structures. Br. Wachamo Aklilu (from Ethiopia), working in the solidarity office in the Curia, being the first to intervene for the day, briefed the brothers on the following points.

Firstly, he expressed his joy of being present in the custody, indicating it was his second time of coming to Cameroon since 2009 with the inauguration of the Cardiac Center. Then, he presented to the brothers the structure of the solidarity office. He further explained the difficulty of assisting the brothers of the Custody in their projects as a result of the financial crisis that undergoes the Curia.

After his presentation, the brothers went into groups to continue reflecting on the life and projects of the custody through the following questions:

• At the level of projects how do we evaluate the strong commitment sustained in the construction projects still underway? What sharing took place within the custody

• At the ecclesial level we can ask ourselves: What participation do we experience in the events of the dioceses in which we are inserted? What is our contribution to the journey of the local church with our own charism? What is our involvement and our communion with the bishops, with the priests, with other men and women religious? How do we evaluate bishops’ relationships with our superiors?

• Sharing general observations: joys, worries, fears, hopes etc.

After the interventions from the brothers in response to the questions, Br Tobias then greeted the brothers, informing them of his departure for mission to America, precisely in the province of New Jersey.

From his intervention, came closing remarks. The first closing remark from the Custos, Br. Kenneth, who said that what had provoked the Assembly was a mistake in the construction of giant structures in the custody; a mistake God has used to reunite us and to help us reunite our ideas for the good of our Custody. The Custos appreciated the Provincial Father for having a critical eye on him and on our custody. He concluded by thanking the Provincial for being always a father who leads the custody into the “promised land”.

The remarks of the Custos were then followed by those of the Provincial, who in the first place, thanked the brothers for making the Assembly a fruitful one through their frankness and sincerity. He acknowledged being hard on the brothers, yet underlined he has a responsibility before the province to respond to each member of the province.  About the construction of the postulancy, he pleaded that each brother of the Custody sacrifices something in view of the structure. Lastly, he acknowledged the fact that the Custody needs to move towards autonomy, knowing there are modalities to be arrived at. Consequently, there is a need to start reflecting on such modalities.

Br. Aklilu Petros, on his part, equally expressed his joy of meeting the brothers and sharing with them. He appreciated the hard work of the brothers, and encouraged all to keep striving always for the good of the custody, which one day, shall be raised to a Province.

Finally, came the words of Br. Kilian, who articulated his satisfaction for the spirit of collaboration amongst the brothers, exhorting them to continue to strive for perfection, valuing each other as a gift. He added that brothers do away with their differences and learn better ways of handling them. This will then foster unity amongst the brothers and in the custody as a whole.

We thank God for having led us throughout this family gathering.

Pax et Bonum

Br. Cedric Verbe Kohyen

Custody Assembly in the Dominican Nunery – Bambui

Monday, the 25 September 2023, the Capuchin Brothers of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon, in their numbers ( around 59), in the presence of the Curia (represented by Br. Kilian) and in the presence of the Provincial Minister (Br. Angelo) gathered for an assembly in the Domincan Nunery in Bambui. This assembly has as goal, reuniting all friars of the Custody, evaluating the life, projects and activities in and of the Custody, five months after the Custody Chapter. The fruits of the Chapter shall be published in the next hours.

Silver Jubilee celebration

25 Years of Religious Life

Silver Jubilee 2023

Already 25 years (07/09/1998-07/09/2023) since Brothers Vitalis T. Nyuysever, Donatus M. Wirkom, Francis B. Dor and Cyril Kerla vowed their Yes to God. This anniversary was hectically celebrated in Shisong Sacred Heart Parish (Kumbo Diocese), on Saturday 09-09-2023. It was a moment to thank God for his faithfulness and love; a celebration prepared for through a spiritual retreat in St. Mary of the Angels’ Fraternity Sop, preached by Fr. Andrew Ngah Solii (a priest from Kumbo Diocese). He invited the brothers to look back at the years past, and then, thank God for the 25 years of witnessing as friars. Furthermore, he indulged them to beg from God, forgiveness for the moments of poor witnessing. This would permit them to start afresh the life they had embraced, following the invitation of St. Francis to the friars as he neared death: “Let us begin again for until now we have done nothing.”

Before this great celebration, the Custos, Br. Kenneth Kinyuy, in his circular of August 30, 2023, had addressed the brothers saying: “Dear Brothers Vitalis, Donatus, Francis and Cyril, I humbly beckon you to strive and persevere in your Religious Franciscan-Capuchin vocation in such a way as to become a vivid response to God’s injunction in Leviticus, ‘The Jubilee will be a holy thing for you.’ (25:12). Holiness is the universal target we must never lose sight of. The jubilee is an opportunity to bring back to mind this reality.”

Dear Jubilarians (Brothers Vitalis, Donatus, Francis and Cyril), may God, through the intercession of St. Francis and St. Clare, through the maternal intercession of Mother Mary, continue to bless, guide and lead you in this noble and happy vocation.

Bayon s’occupe ses jeunes

Bayon s’occupe ses jeunes

En vue d’occuper les enfants de Bayon durant cette période des vacances, la Paroisse Sainte Famille, sous la direction de son curé (fr. Felix Ayuvea) et son vicaire (fr. Valery Tukov), avec l’assistance des frères René, François et Nestor, a organisé un camp des jeunes dans lequel ont participé les jeunes de la Paroisse Sainte Famille de Bayon ainsi que les jeunes de Melon 2 (accompagné par le frère Nestor de la communauté des Frères de l’Emmanuel Melong 2). Ce camp des jeunes de Bayon avec les jeunes de Melon 2 a eu lieu à l’enceinte de l’école catholique de Bayon du 11 au 16 août. Ce camp s’est tenu sur le thème “ne vous laissez pas égarer par toutes sortes des doctrines étrangers”, avec un effectif de 70 participants. Les thèmes suivants ont enrichis le séjour des jeunes: Que personne ne méprise pas ta jeunesse (les défis actuels qui menace la vie des jeunes), les risques et les effets néfastes des pratiques sexuelles dans la vie des jeunes, les jeunes face aux défis de la société : la nécessité d’une bonne formation de la conscience morale, et, La Vierge Marie: modèle pour les jeunes.   En plus des thèmes développés pour la formation ou la culture des jeunes,  les activités spirituelles (messes quotidiennes, confessions, écoute, exposition sur la vie des saints…) et les activités récréatives (le sports, la soirée culturelle) ont  meublées leur présence à Bayon. 

Que toute gloire soit rendue à Dieu Père, Fils, Esprit Saint; à notre Mère la Vierge Marie, nos saints patrons, nos anges gardiens, à toutes personnes de bonne volonté de nous avoir assisté tout au long de ce camp de jeunes à Bayon. 

les jeunes après la messe

l’équipe organisatrice

Brothers fetch water for the children

la détente 

Fishing for the Custody and for the Order

Fishing Vocations for the Custody and for the  Order

The first two weeks of July 2023 in Bafoussam Diocese, i.e., from the 5^th – 9^th of July and from the 12^th – 16^th of July 2023, were great moment of fishing vocations for the Custody and for the Order in Bafoussam Diocese. For Kumbo Diocese, this same experienced was made from the 25^th – 30^th of June 2023. These moments permitted the Franciscan Capuchin Charism to be sold to the young who gathered for various vocation camps. 

La joie de la jeunesse

May the Holy Spirit, through the intercession of St. Francis and all Franciscan Saints, help the young, touched by the Franciscan charism,  respond positively to God’s call into the Order.  

Holiday Program in Bambui: Hotcake for children

Holiday Program in Bambui: Hotcake for children

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt. 19:14)

Bambui Fraternity organises and hosts a special holiday program for children. This program under the chairmanship of the House Guardian of St. Francis of Assisi Fraternity Bambui, Br. Terence Sahven is aimed at helping kids in and around Bambui develop skills in variant domains of life such as reading and writing, computer elementary, playing of musical instruments such as the piano and the guitar, the fabrication of rosaries and bangles, and the production of liquid soap. Moreover, sports such as football, and other games form part of this holiday program for learning without playing makes Jack a dull boy. The various lessons are dispensed by the Capuchin students (Brs. Esope, Ignatius, Fabrice, Elvis, Augustine, Anicet, Keflet, Gideon, Immanuel) under the umbrella of brothers Terence, Jude, Martin and Aloysius.

This program which started on the 18^th of July, and shall run till the 29^th of August 2023 every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00am to 12:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:00pm to 5:00pm in the Capuchin friary Bambui, with free registration. The very first day of the session that took place on Tuesday, 18^th of July 2023, recorded about a hundred and fifty-six children (156 children), ranging from the ages 5 to 19. This number is due to a great sensitisation by the friars, the desire of the parents to have their children occupied during this period in order keep them from idleness, in fact, to help them avoid being the devil’s “workshop” and above all, the desire of the children to learn and develop talents or treasures hidden in them.

 Making of rosaries/bangles/liquid soap with Br. Anicet           Reading and writing with Br. Augustine

Computer lessons with Br. Gideon                                   Piano classes with Br. Elvis                                

Guitar classes with Br. Ignatius                                                                    Sports/games with Brs. Esope/Anicet/Immanuel

Hence, while we pray and hope for the best as this program unfolds for our children, who at the end should be each proud to say: “I was there”, we equally are open to welcome suggestions and free donations (material/personal skills/financial) to assist this maiden holiday program for our children.

May St. Francis and St. Clare intercede for us.

 Br. Esope MOSSEU Thaddeus (OFM Cap)

Vows Refreshed

Vows refreshed

The Constitutions of the Capuchin Lesser brothers, paragraph 23,4 states: “Formation in our Order is implemented in two phases: initial and ongoing. Initial formation includes intitiation into consecration according to our form of life, lasting until perpetual profession.”

Therefore, brothers in initial formation after the novitiate experience, are bound to renew their vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience, following the formula approved by the Holy See for the Franciscan First Order and for the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis (cf. Constitution, par. 21).

As a result,  brothers, who, in July 15, made their First Profession, are bound to renew those vows until  the day they become perpetually professed or permanent member of the Order.

Brothers listening to some admonitions 

Through this renewal, a brother continues to examine his call into the Order and verifies if he can fully embrace and live the life as it ought to be lived.

May God continue to assist you with His Holy Spirit and through the intercession of Francis and all Franciscan Saints to remain steadfast to you call brothers.

A Time to Cross-Over

A time to cross-over

There is a time for everything. A time to begin and a time to end. The Order celebrates his brothers who move-on to other stages of formation. Postulants making a step into the novitiate (July 14, 2023); and novices making a step out of the novitiate through their embrace or Temporary profession of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience (July 15, 2023).

Postulants getting set to cross-over into the novitiate 

The reception of the probation habit

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The novices pronouncing their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience inorder to embrace the Capuchin life as Lesser Brothers

Brothers Godlove, George and Sergius make their triumphal entery into the Order

Brother George MBUYE, before crossing-over to a new stage of life as a friar in Temporal vows , makes a flashback to his dreams as he prepared to enter the novitiate as well as share his experiences in the novitiate. 

A POSTULANT’S DREAM FOR THE NOVITIATE

            Every postulant’s dream at the end of the Postulancy is to put on the habit of probation. It is a sign of progression into the life from one stage to another stage but this is just the surface of what the Novitiate can impart on us and so there is need to go deep and have mature expectations or dreams for the Novitiate. To begin,

            I dream to be a Holy Friar; a good capuchin brother and to follow the path of St. Francis of Assisi. I hope during the 12 months, it will help mold and build me to be God’s best friend.

            Secondly, I expect to interiorize the Franciscan values, learn the capuchin way of praying and working which has given the Order and the Church many capuchin saints and blessed.

            To go further, I hope I get to be a fraternal brother who can make his community livable and loving.

            All in all, I expect to be initiated into the Franciscan Family, the capuchin brotherhood, so that I can be of value to the community and to the world. I pray to be a good example of Saint Francis, loving God and his creation always and everywhere.

Brother George, at the end of his novitiate year, desires to share his novitiate experience. Have his novitiate dreams been realized? He tells us more?

MY EXPERIENCE AS A NOVICE IN THE CAPUCHIN NOVITIATE FRATERNITY

In the first place experiences shape each and every one. God speaks through events, He daily communicates to all who seek his face on how particular assignment(s) should be carried for the benefit of Heaven and earth. John Main in his book “The Joy of Being” says “the church cannot effectively proclaim a past experience. It can only proclaim what it is actually experiencing. It can only proclaim what it is. Therefore, if the gap between what we believe and what we experience makes us inauthentic, our message can convince no one until it has so convinced us that we are transformed by it”. We vow to live obedience, chastity and poverty.

It is in this connection that one who is a novice and has embraced the depths of intense initiation into the truth that the capuchin spirituality and charism holds to it members, should make them all authentic in living fraternal life and observing the rule which is the gospel. In fact, fraternal life is built on prayer, manual work, recreations and visitation of the sick which helps me grow in total consciousness of the presence of God. This is to ascertain that life not based on prayer, a church that is not spiritually founded, a world that is not prayerfully sophisticated, cannot be a world, a church or life that is fully alive. Consequently, for me to be fully alive, as a novice, the foundation stone is prayer without which I am inauthentic in everything that a capuchin novice should be. Novitiate is a decisive stage in the capuchin life where one gets deep into his call to follow Christ in the footsteps of Saint Francis.

As a matter of fact, the novitiate helped me to make the longest journey of my life which is the journey of myself to my inner self. The gospel, that is, the good news I listened to at every Eucharistic celebration made me good and new as well as the journey to my inner world throughout this one year of experience made an authentic change of goodness and newness in my being. I underline this aspect because once in the novitiate, one is called to a spirit of the Holy Scripture where one doesn’t just read to digest its fundamentals but also to listen to Christ who speaks and instructs.

In a nutshell, my experience as a novice is the experience of myself which revealed to me the light that lies hidden within and the darkness of my very person which calls to total surrender of my being to the true identity of who a capuchin is and should always be.

By Mbuye George

The Novitiate Year draws to a close

In few days from now, the novitiate year will end for some and begin for others. Infact, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins in Cameroon, will soon put to birth three children in the persons of Br. Godlove Lendzemo, Br. George Mbuye and Br. Sergius Yovla through their temporary profession, marking an end to their novitiate/canonical year. 

May St. Francis, St. Clare and other Franciscan Saints pray for you and for us all brothers. 

Happy Birthday to the Capuchin Order

July 3, 2023, the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchins celebrates their 495th anniversary of existence. It was in July 3, 1528 that, through the good offices of Catherine Cibo, Duchess of Camerino, the Capuchin reform was approved by Pope CIement VII in a brief Exponi nobis given at Viterbo  and on the same day officially “sealed,” that is issued in the form of a bull beginning with the words: Religionis Zelus. 

To mark this celebration, the Provincial Father of the Friars of Lombardia, Fra. Angelo Borghino addressed the sons of Francis in the following words:

Dear Brothers

Today, July 3, marks the anniversary of the approval of the bull Religionis Zelus. This circumstance offers an opportunity to be reminded of that spirit of “reform” which characterized our beginnings and which continually challenges us as a proper dimension of our journey, both on a personal and fraternal level.

With this we are once again invited to refocus our lives in the following of Christ, obedient, poor and chaste, in order to take on his “form” more and more, through that path of conformation to Christ and to his sentiments towards the Father, which constitutes the ‘heart’ of our life of consecration.

The beauty of following Christ, according to that particular form to which in freedom we have been delivered, will become increasingly persuasive for us and a witness to those who meet us to the extent that the desire for conversion and change in our hearts remains alive and awake.

The anniversary of July 3 comes at the time when the Provincial Council meets again in view of the “List of Appointments and Transfers.” All this is part of that journey of continuous reform to which our very choice of life always leads us back and which, as provincial minister and council, we are called to accompany and support.

May the Immaculate Virgin, patroness of our Order, St. Francis, St. Clare and all our saints, especially Blessed Innocent of Berzo and Blessed Arsenio of Trigolo, accompany our renewed commitment to follow in the footsteps of our Lord Jesus Christ and to serve the Kingdom of God according to those circumstances and ways to which we will be called.

Fraternally

Brother Angelo Borghino

Minister Provincial

The Curia’s Formation Team in Cameroon

Br Jaime Rey,  Secretary of formation from General Curia visits Cameroon. He arrived Cameroon on Wednesday 24 May 2023 and quits for another mission on Wednesday 31 May 2023. We thank God for his presence and for the impact his presence has had and will have in the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon as far as the formation of brothers is concerned.

Congratulations to Br. Gioacchino

GOLDEN JUBILEE

50 YEARS ALREADY!!!

Br. Gioacchino Catanzaro warms-up to celebrate 50 years of  Priestly Ministry

Gioacchino.aigd

Br. Gioacchino Catanzaro, we celebrate you for your 50 years of service as a Priest and a faithful servant of God in His vineyard (27 May 1973 – 27 May 2023). This celebration will be marked by a solemn mass celebrated in the Bambui Conventual Chapel (Bamenda) on Saturday 27 May 2023 at 11 am.  We cease this occasion Abba, to thank you for dedicating almost half of your priestly ministry (i.e. 22years from December 2000 till date), for the people of God in Cameroon. May our Good and Holy God, who began this good work in you, bring it to fulfilment.

Forty-six, confirmed Soldiers for Christ in SAPCCCOL-Mbohtong

Confirmation in SAPCCCOL Mbohtong-Sunday, May 7, 2023

Saint Anthony of Padua’s Catholic Comprehensive College (SAPCCCOL) Mbohtong is a co-educational institution; i.e. general education and technical/commercial education. Presently, this beautiful institution hosts over 150 students (both borders and day students) from different areas and different cultural backgrounds, giving a stupendous environment for both intellectual work and human/moral integration. In SAPCCCOL, students learn to accept, love and help one another.

 On Sunday the 7^th of may 2023, the Bishop of Kumbo, Mgr. George Nkuo, paid an august visit to this fabulously decked city of wisdom. This visit, after seven years since his last visit to the school, was an occasion for 46 of the students to receive the sacrament of confirmation in the presence of their fellow students, parents and teachers.

The Bishop was over-joyed by the ambiance created by the members of the entire SAPCCCOL family, and in his Homily, encouraged the students, as well as each and every Christian to be a true witness to the faith, and a valiant soldier of Christ. He affirmed time and again, that SAPCCCOL is a school like no other, and a place to be. He equally exhorted the parents to do well to send their children to Saint Anthony, and for those whose children are still out of home, to bring them back home, where education is not only qualitative, but equally affordable and accompanied by moral upbringing. Let us all join hands to give a good name to Kumbo.

No one present at this event, could succeed to hide the joy that enveloped the atmosphere. Parents, teachers, students and invitees were all thrilled by the beauty of the event.

Students welcome the Chief Shepherd
 

The Bishop with the entire christian community of Mbohtong present at his august visit

Students enjoying their beautiful campus

Br. William Kongnyuy

From Mbohtong, Sunday 7th of May 2023. 

The Chapter Experience – MELONG II

The Chapter Experience at Melong II

The Custody’s 11^th Chapter experience which took place from the 18^th to the 22^nd of April 2023 at the Retreat Center of the Frères Franciscains de l’Emmaunuel in Melong II, ended with a great success. This is due to the fact that almost every Cameroonian friar, leaving in or out of the Cameroonian territory, made it for this beautiful Family time. Within this period of the Chapter, a series of reports were presented such as: The Triennal report of the Custos, Br. Kenneth Kinyuy, a report on the state of finances in the Custody from Br. Aloysius Ngonbi, a presentation on Economy and Custody life: a determinant of fraternal relations by Br. Author Nga and Br. Aloysius Ngongbi, a presentation on the Ratio Formationis of the Order by Br. Kilian Ngitir (General Councilor for Formation in the Order), and a report on the situation of the Custody’s websites (www.emmausoutreach.org / www.capcameroonofm.org)  by Br. Cedric Verbe. These reports gave to all friars a general view of what the Custos, Br. Kenneth Kinyuy and his Councilors (Br. Peter Ghani, Br. Author Nga, Br. Aloysius Ngonbi, Br. Martin Dikwa) had realized within their 3-year mandate of shepherding.

Having gone through these reports, there was need to elect the new shepherds of the custody, which took place on Friday 21^st April from 9 am to about 11:25 am. The following brothers accepted to serve their brothers in the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon for three years:

Custos: Br. Kenneth Kinyuy

1^st Councilor: Br. Peter Ghani

2^nd Councilor: Br. Aloysius Ngongbi

3^rd Councilor: Br. Cyril Kerla

4^th Councilor: Br. Derick Ajende Ajende

May they be led by the Holy Spirit in this holy mission to the brothers.

Before the official close of the Chapter, there was a need to listen to experiences from brothers in Collaboration: Br. Mark Ndifor and Br. Siver Kibuh (from Kenya), Br. Tobias Wirmum and Br. Mbuh Bertrand (from Gabon), Br. Frederick Bohtila Njumferghai (from Zambia), Br. Calvin Nshalai and Br. André Litika (From Equatorial Guinea), Br. Br. Kilian Ngitir, Br. Joseph Dufe, Br. Peter Tar, Br. Valentine Fuhnui, and Br. Nji Noël (from Italy). Closing remarks were then given by Br. Angelo Borghino, the Father Provincial, who in persona, had presided over the Chapter. All ended with a mass of thanksgiving on Saturday 22^nd April 2023, after which all friars departed to their various fraternities.

      The

Finally in Melong II, living the Chapter Experience

Finally in Melong II to live the Chapter experience

Tuesday 18^th April 2023, the Capuchin Friars of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon (those resident in the country and those coming in from other mission territories such as Italy, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia) started arriving Melong II (the Retreat Center of the Emmanuel Brothers) for a 3 days study and evaluation of the Custody’s affaires within which, new shepherds will be chosen to watch over the friars of the Custody for a period of 3 years. This is a joyful moment, a time of meeting to share with one another. The Custos, Br. Kenneth Kinyuy welcoming all the brothers, did acknowledge the fatherly presence of the Provincial, Br. Angelo Borghino, the Custos for Tchad / Central Africa, Br. Martial, and the presence of the 13 friars, participating for the very first time at this Custody’s Chapter. 

In fact, how beautiful it is when brothers meet each other.

Brothers in a fraternal moment

The hall, well disposed for work

How beautiful it is meeting each other. The joy of meeting a brother

A gradual match to Melong II for the Elective Chapter

As the day for the Chapter draws nearer, brothers in and out of the Country are warming up for their 11th Custody Elective Chapter. At this chapter, 13 brothers will be making their entry for the First Time (Brs. Anthony, Junior, Valerie, Gerald, François, Thaddeus, Philip, Ignatius, Rene, Elvis, Michel, Gotran, Fabrice). May the Holy Spirit accompany all the friars before, during and after this family gathering.

Hymn for 40yearsexc

The custody’s Elective Chapter fast approaches (18 April – 22 April 2023). Brothers are approaching already the Chapter’s residence: Emmanuel Brothers’ Retreat Center Melong II. May the Holy Spirit lead us safely into this holy ground, accompany us throughout our deliberations and empower us in the mission to be carried out after the Chapter. May St. Francis of Assisi and the college of Franciscans in heaven, intercede for us.

Aspirants of the Ruby Jubilee

Fra Christopher Shiyghan, coordinator for Aspirancy, encounters Capuchin Aspirants from different regions of the country.

His first encounter took place in the Our Lady of Angel’s Novitiate House Sop (Kumbo Diocese) from the  27^th to the 29^th  December 2022 with six (6) aspirants, all from Kumbo. This encounter was enriched with talks such as: Vocation in the Bible, presented to the young aspirants by Br. Peter Ghani. Then, the second talk was on Vocational Discernment, presented by Br. Christopher Shiyghan. This period of encounter permitted the young and vibrant aspirants to have a taste of the life of the Capuchin Friars Minor in Cameroon through their actuosa participatio in fraternal activities: Prayers, Work, Meals and fraternal recreation.

Fra Christopher, according to the call to proximity, proceeded with his august visit to the aspirants from Bafoussam, Bayon, and Buea. This encounter took place from Friday 17^th – Sunday 19^th of March 2023, in the fraternity of Balengou, under the guardianship of Fra. Emil Nyuyki. These aspirants, seven in number, that is, 3 from Bafoussam, 1 from Bayon, and 3 from Buea, equally enjoyed some fraternal moments with the brothers: prayers, meals, work and individual sharing with Fra. Christopher. They were drilled on the topic: Vocational Discernment, a topic geared at helping them make informed choices for their future, choices that would enhance their lasting happiness.

His last proximate encounter (still to be announced) will be in Bambui, with all aspirants of the Capuchins in and around Bamenda.

Sunday Reflections with Fr. Dufe Joseph

2 Sam. 7:4-5, 12-14, 16; Rom. 4:13, 16-18, 22; Matt. 1:16, 18-21, 24

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the BVM

Fr. Dufe Joseph OFM Cap.

This year the Church has shifted the celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph from 19 March to this Monday so as not to interrupt the Sunday liturgy and thus preserve the Lenten journey that we have been observing. The father figure of Joseph keeps coming to mind at an era where the same figure in our society is being put into question, especially by some modern medical technological measures whereby a lady can just walk into the hospital and ask to me made pregnant through seminal injection, with sperm gotten from someone whom they do not care to know, and whom the child will never know. Furthermore, Joseph stands as a figure of defence in the same society which offers death of woman and/or child as the solution to what has commonly become known as “unwanted pregnancies”. In the first case, no one cares to know the father of the child. In the second case, the father is known but his identity is hidden, so the elimination of the child becomes the immediate solution.

A journey through the bible tells us that not so much is said about this man, Joseph. In fact the gospel of Mark has just no mention of his name at all. John mentions the name only 2 times, and in doubtful negative situations: “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth’” (John 1:45-46). This means that Joseph cannot have such a son. In the second instance they are actually admitting that Jesus is the son of Joseph but doubting the son’s divine nature. The Jews “were saying, ‘Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know” John 6:41-42. On the other hand Matthew mentions Joseph’s name 7 times and Luke 5 times. Even as such, none of them gives any details. There is no mention of his place and date of birth, and worst of all, he is not said to have ever mentioned a word – one retreat mistress has said that “Jesus” is the only word of Joseph.

The members of the great association known as the Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) great each other thus: “St. Joseph, man of honour, pray for us”. This greeting is drawn from the Gospel text of today, which is one of the references of Matthew. There are 6 qualities that make Joseph a man of honour, and which we are invited to imitate: 1) Sparing other people’s publicity. There is a strong tendency in us to rejoice at talking about the faults of others thus exposing their faults to the world; 2) Listening to God: many of us find it difficult to obey God in the face of social pressure such as the one that Joseph found himself in; 3) Obedience: after listening to the word of God, the big challenge is to put it to practice; 4) Putting the word of God in practice: Joseph dutifully gave the name that the angel instructed when finally the child was born; 5) Responsible Parenthood: Joseph remained close to his wife and child, especially during the flight to Egypt and when Jesus got missing in the temple. Many men feel that fatherhood ends at reproduction; 6) Silent Listening: so many of us talk so much that we find it hard to listen to our interlocutor, especially when we have taken a few cups of alcohol. Talking too much cheapens the value of words because in the end, supply is always more than demand.

These qualities, and more, made Joseph to stand out as a shining example of an honourable man. Yes, honour is earned and not bought nor inherited; this happens when we live a virtuous life. As man of honour, Joseph was a man of virtue; he put together all the theological and cardinal virtues and lived them: he loved, lived in faith and hoped; he was prudent, just, temperate and courageous, and went just for what matters, the details. The name Joseph means “God adds”. Through his cooperation with the divine plan, God added another person into humanity, the person who was to change the history of the world. A man wrote a book and gave the title: “How to change your wife in 30 days”. By the end of one week he had sold 2 million copies. He later on discovered that he had made an error. He decided to correct the title: “How to change your life in 30 days”. For the next one month he sold only 3 copies. When it comes to changing other people’s life we are experts. But when it comes to changing ours it becomes a problem. Joseph would have loved to change the life of his wife, were he in our shoes, but he rather changed his own life and his plans to suit that of God, and took Mary into his home. This is a great act, it is his own “Yes” which perfectly married the great “Yes” of his wife, and which changed the course of history. Each and everyone of us can change others, we can change the whole world, but only if we each change our lives. Let us pray, on this solemnity of St Joseph, that God may give us a little of the spirit of Joseph, this great man of honour.

4th Sunday of Lent Year A

1 Sam. 16:1-13; Eph. 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

Fr. Dufe Joseph OFM Cap.

God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart. What a challenge to us! This is the message from the first reading, which leads to the anointing of David as the king of the people of Israel. This message makes us appreciate the reason why Jesus did not allow himself to be defeated by the tricky question of the disciples concerning the blind man – as to who sinned in order to have provoked blindness in him. Even after being cured, the controversy did not stop. There were doubts right from his own neighbours as to whether this was the same man who was blind or this was another person. People had believed that since he was born blind he was destined to live and die blind – a kind of compartmentalisation that most of us are guilty of. This is how man thinks, yes, and not how God thinks. In fact, the controversy even included Jesus, as to whether he could be from God or was he some kind of sinner, infringing on the Sabbath – this was the confusion among the Pharisees to whom the cured man was taken.

In a way, the Liturgy of the Church, on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, known as the Laetare Sunday (Joyful Sunday) invites us to retrace one of the fundamental dynamics of our baptismal rebirth, which is the passage from the darkness of sin and error into the light of God, which is the Risen Christ. This is the experience of man who suddenly finds himself cured of his blindness. Already in the Old Testament Revelation, as seen in the anointing of David, the Lord God had shown the People of Israel how much the Creator’s judgment was deeper and truer than the thoughts of the creature. The Lord had thus indicated what the only true criterion for judging a man was, and where man could meet God’s gaze and enter into relationship with him. This place is the heart. By “heart,” of course, the Bible does not mean the center of the innermost drives or the organ that regulates blood flow in the organism-man, but man’s “sacrarium,” his conscience, where he is given the possibility to listen to the very voice of God and recognize it, and so produce the effects of the light which are complete goodness and right living and truth – no matter what others think.

However, unable to remain faithful to what is truest in him, man reverts back to his own petty criteria, producing every wickedness, injustice and falsehood, in order to govern himself, obtaining what, from time to time, he decides to be his good, and hoping to become thus “like God”. God, however, does not give up. He comes to each of us in the twofold way narrated by the Gospel. First, he does so through sacramental signs just as in the ritual performed by Jesus on the blind man. He cleanses us and then places us on the second pedestal, which is that of mission. Siloam is a pool which name means “sent”. We are not sent until we have been made clean. The cleansing process is a very difficult process, but we must go through it if we are to be who we are called to be, not blind people but people of light. Christ, sent by the Father, takes upon himself all our sins, even to the ultimate consequences of our blindness, right to the point of allowing himself to be stripped naked, crowned with thorns and nailed to a cross, rejected by his own people and abandoned by his closest friends. This unheard-of love of Christ can only definitively, in time, overcome all fear of our limitations, for there is nothing about us that can prevent him from loving us.

May it not surprise us that suffering humanity and suffering individual human beings could sometimes become objects of human experimentation. Did the disciples not use the blind man as their specimen for the determination of sinfulness! “Who sinned”, they asked. And did the neighbours of the man not use him as a specimen of identity and finally take him to the experts of human degradation, the blind Pharisees! “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” they wondered. And did the Pharisees themselves not use Jesus as the specimen for their religious hypocrisy! “This man cannot be from God: he does not keep the Sabbath… How could a sinner produce signs like this”! And only the man who had benefitted from the healing could tell his personal story, even if he was to know the complete version only a short while later.

We are always on the way, but sure that one day we will reach. This is the virtue of hope. Even until now, like the man whose eyes were opened, we may not claim to have known Jesus fully; at least we do have some knowledge of him, based on what he has done for us, and this makes us bond to him. It is precisely this indestructible bond, based on his love and faithfulness to us that encourages us to seek to know him the more. Let us ask, through Mary Most Holy, the grace to be faithful to the truth, to the facts of our lives, grasping the hand that, in every circumstance, Christ extends to us; let us, thus, be shaken out of the torpor or inertia that always undermines us, in order to live totally by Christ, the crucified and risen Love, in this life and in eternity.

Explore the talents of Capuchin Friars in Cameroon

Fra Joseph N. Dufe, in one of his most recent compositions, honours our Mother Mary with a beautiful Magnificat in the “NSO” dialect called “Lamnso”.

Fra Fredrick Njumferghai Bohtila, a writer, in one of his opuses, gives the world ways to work towards perfection.

Where can one find true and lasting happiness? Where can one get true peace? 

Fra Fredrick Njumferghai Bohtila invites you to read on and find it out for yourself 

The rise in suicide cases and mental challenges stem from a lack of self-acceptance and the nature of human beings to search for happiness in the wrong places, a Cameroonian Catholic Priest has said.

Fr. Fredrick Njumferghai Bohtila says that the more the world develops technologically with people amassing more material wealth, the more they continue to search for happiness which they hardly ever find. When this happens, individuals find life meaningless, the Priest says.

“Suicide cases are on the rise all over the world because people are not happy. Many feel deceived even in relationships. This is because they are questing for joy in wrong places and never find it,” Fr. Bohtila told ACI Africa in an interview Monday, June 14.

The Franciscan Friar of the Capuchin Priest who is based in Zambia has authored a book, “The Spiritual Perfection of the Human Being” which he says is an invitation to find happiness from within.

The book draws teachings from St. Augustine of Hippo’s book, Confessions, which bears one of the Saint’s most popular invocations, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

According to Fr. Bohtila, St. Augustine of Hippo is the model for people looking for internal peace, those who wish to know about themselves and to realize that they were created in the image of God who makes their joy complete.

“A human being today is always out of himself, is always distracted,” the 45-year-old Cameroonian Priest tells ACI Africa ahead of his book launch slated for June 22.

He adds, “Most of the time we are absent minded. We are far, we are pulled by the fascinating world around us and we don’t have that self-acceptance.”

The 100-page book published by the Pauline Publications Africa is divided into three chapters. In the first chapter, the Priest talks about the human being created in the image of God as a call to perfection.

“The perfection we are talking about is coming back to ourselves and discovering who we are,” Fr. Bohtila says, and adds, “Human beings have ventured far and even travelled to the moon. But we believe that the most important journey for a man is when he goes back to himself and realizes who he really is. Only then do we discover the greatness of our mind and the greatness of God in us.”

“Through travelling back to ourselves, we come to discover that the God or the greatness we are searching for is still within us,” the Priest says.

The second chapter addresses the consequences of sin and goes back to the fall of Adam and Even. The Capuchin Priest says that the two who wanted to be like God provide lessons for the society today where not many people are satisfied with who they are.

“Adam and Eve wanted to rejoice in a power that was greater than their own. They wanted to become like God. A creature cannot take the place of God,” the Priest says, adding that the conduct of Adam and Eve is “a fundamental problem today.”

“Most of the time, the human being doesn’t accept himself the way he is. We want to become someone else. And that’s where our sadness begins,” he says.

He further says that his book is aimed at helping people to arrive at self-acceptance, and to know their rightful place in creation so as to live fulfilled lives.

The book also addresses the issue of the divided will and the challenges that people encounter as they make life choices. This, according to the Cameroonian Priest, is the struggle that St. Augustine experienced when he talks about being “divided in himself.”

Fr. Bohtila says that many times, people are divided and that in making choices, many are “prompted by egoistic motives and distorted emotions.”

“We have distorted desires. And so that one blurs our reasoning faculty and our intellectual faculty,” he says, and adds, “We need to be clear in our rationality, in what we are choosing. But now because we are moved by emotions, passions, sometimes our choices are wrong. And those wrong choices don’t help us to grow.”

In the third chapter, the Priest author talks about the healing power of the grace of God. It is this power that St. Augustine of Hippo discovers when he realizes that “he has been moving out of himself and leaving all the good inside.”

Fr. Bohtila says that the world, especially today, needs the message of St. Augustine of Hippo who is honored as a great doctor of the Church.

The Saint is described as one of the Latin Fathers of the Church “and perhaps the most significant Christian thinker after St. Paul.”

The contribution of St. Augustine of Hippo to Christian teaching has been said to have created a theological system of great power and lasting influence.

His numerous written works, the most important of which are Confessions and The City of God are said to have helped lay the foundation for much of medieval and modern Christian thought.

Fr. Bohtila says that he has always looked up to St. Augustine of Hippo and started writing the book that is pegged on the Saint while he undertook his research in Rome.

“I think that the human heart today, despite all the things that we possess even in the advancement of material things in technology, that human being keeps searching for happiness somewhere,” the Priest says.

He adds, “The more we possess things, the more we want more things, which means that the human heart is not satisfied by the things we possess. This is what St. Augustine implies when he says that our hearts will remain restless, until they come to rest in God.”

Fr. Bohtila says that the fundamental relationship stressed upon in the book is to come back to oneself and to realize that the true meaning of life is found within.

Shisong Fraternity joyfully welcomes Fra. GiamPaolo Beghi, the Provincial Bursar

Fra. GiamPaolo Beghi, the Provincial Bursar, visits the Sacred Heart Fraternity Shisong. 

He arrived Shisong on Friday, March 3, 2023 and left for Bambui, on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The joy flowing from his visit to the fraternity inspired the House Guardian of the Sacred Heart fraternity Shisong, Br. Felix Afoni to say: “To have a provincial bursar amongst us is something very important”. His visit, as a consequence, has permitted him to see the reality of our suffering people, to encounter brothers in their reality and to evaluate some projects undertaken by the Custody  to mark their 40 years of presence in the Cameroonian soil.

May God in his goodness, grace his presence amongst us.

Pax et Bonum

Lerone-Alex Bole Nfonba, we love you

Lerone-Alex Bole Nfonba, we love you

Lerone-Alex Bole Nfonba, Feb. 26, 2023 made you 6 years of age in the heavens above (Feb. 26, 2017 – Feb. 26, 2023). In March 3, 2017, the earth from which you were created, opened its mouth to swallow you. We continue to thank God for your life; we miss you; we love you. In the context of the  Ruby Jubilee celebration of the Franciscan Capuchin Way of Life in the Cameroonian soil, know, you have left us a mark, your immemorable mark as the first Cameroonian Capuchin friar to inaugurate that journey of no return. May you continue to rest in peace brother, for you have become “an elder yourself”. Pray for us your younger brothers who daily battle to win ourselves from the rage of Satan, so that when our own time of departure from this pilgrim world reaches, we joyfully match to meet the Lord for whom we had earnestly served.

Lerone-Alex, you were a very talented friar: a composer, a poet, a pianist; in sports, you excelled beautifully. We miss those beautiful moments with you Bro. But know, you remain special.

We love you Br. Lerone-Alex, we miss you.

A gradual move towards the 11th Custody’s Elective Chapter: The Phase of Guardians and Bursars of the Custody

A gradual move towards the 11^th Custody’s Elective Chapter:

The Phase of Guardians and Bursars of the Custody

On Monday, the 27^th day of February, 2023, at 9:00AM, all the Guardians and Bursars of the Custody of St. Francis of Assisi in Cameroon (in number, 12), gathered in the Capuchin Fraternity of Bambui in Assisi Hall, for a meeting, directed by Fra. GiamPaolo Beghi, the Provincial Bursar, on how collaboration between the Guardians and Bursars be enhanced for a smooth running of the Custody especially with regards to the administration of custody goods.

It should be noted that the first economic visit to Cameroon of the Provincial Bursar was done in 2015, and the second in 2023. The Provincial Bursar exposed to the brother Guardians and Bursars that being guardians and bursars is a service rendered to the brothers, to the fraternity, to the Custody, to the Order and to the Church, a service by which a brother proves his own witness to the Gospel life.  As a matter of fact, the Provincial Bursar did highlight the fact of collaboration between the Guardians and Bursars, where he stipulated that when tension arises between these two services, the fraternity enters into a crisis. Moreover, he indicated that the Guardians and Bursars help their fraternities renew the spirit of poverty, evaluate their variant means of transportation which at times weigh on the fraternity, encourage brothers to work in order to sustain life in the fraternity, to be joyful in living their life of austerity, return to the community the fruits of their apostolates, trust in divine providence, and to avoid financial and material waste. And for a fraternity to run well, it was stressed that fraternal budgets be drawn and evaluated by its members. Above all, that brothers in spending what they have, should always think too of the future. From here, he encouraged that brothers be genuine, truthful and faithful in the accounts they render, for this contribute in making a healthy fraternity. It was equally noted that some brothers may use fraternal goods like cars to render fraternal services and the fruits from those services never reach the fraternity; things to watch against for they murder the fraternity. Furthermore, it was spelt out that it is the role of Guardians to ensure the administration of fraternal goods (i.e., our structures…). And to the Bursars, their need to keep a day book, have a balance sheet which help to project their honesty and transparency. The Provincial Bursar, rounding up his presentation, proposed that the Bursars in the custody from time to time, take up formative courses to help them improve in their running of financial matters in the custody.

This encounter with Guardians and Bursars ended up with these last words from the Provincial Bursar at about 4:45PM: that as the Custody helps or supports the different fraternities of the custody, so too, different fraternities of the custody should take as task to help, defend and support the custody.

We thank the Provincial Bursar for all the sharing and the Province of Lombardy in general for all they have been and remain for our beloved custody of St. Francis of Assisi. May our Good and Loving God continue to watch over us as we prepare our hearts for the upcoming elective chapter. 

Pax et Bonum

Nécrologie: A nous revoir frère François Tabe Akono

Frère François Tabe Akono, Ministre Régional OFS francophones, conduit vers sa demeure.

La famille (OFS) Ordre Franciscains Séculier du Cameroun, conduit leur frère François Tabe Akono, Ministre Régional OFS francophones, à sa demeure. Il rendit l’âme le 14 janvier 2023.

16 février, une grande veillée sans corps eût place dans son domicile. Et le lendemain, la levée du corps et hommages à Soa le 17 et inhumation à Akonolinga le 18 février.

Avant son dernier soupir, il demande que son corps soit habillé et transporté jusqu’à sa tombe par la Grande Famille Franciscaine. Que saint François, sainte Claire et les autres franciscains en haut t’accueillent et te présente au Père Céleste papa François.

Requiescat in Pace frate 

Formation of Brothers in the fourth year of Post-Novitiate

The 4th Year of Post-Novitiate

The brothers in the fourth year of Post-Novitiate, gathered in St. Francis of Assisi’s Friary Bambui, under the umbrella of Br. Martin Dikwa, the brother in charge of this stage of formation, for their second session of Post-Novitiate, i.e., from Sunday, 12th February to Saturday, 18th February 2023. It saw the participation of all the six brothers in the fourth year of experience in the life after the Novitiate. The brothers in this stage of formation are: Br. Romaric Koumetio, Br. Jude Thaddeus Fonsi, Br. Boris Berinyuy, Br. Andrew Ndzewiyi, Br. Bill Collins Formonyuy and Br. William Kongnyuy. These brothers make their experience of the life  in the fraternities of Sop, Mbohtong and Bayong.

Primordially, their second encounter of formation had as objective: To lead the brothers into a living relationship with Christ, to be more conformed to Him and to find their identity in Him (Const. No 32, 3). This explains why the formative session was animated by different presentations and discussions on topics inspired from the reality of religious life in today’s society. It was equally an opportunity of a “one-to-one” encounter with the Br. Martin Dikwa, the coordinator of the fourth year Post-Novices. What was on the menu for these six young men?

On Monday 13th February, discussions were on  human formation; friendship with persons of the opposite sex and the use of the mass media, a formative subjet matter of  our time, presented to them by Br. Divine Etimbi.

On Tuesday 14th February discussions were centered on the VIII Plenary Council of the Order: On the grace of working, handled by Br. Martin Dikwa. It was noted summarily that work is grace because it puts us in contact with ourselves, with brothers, with people, with creation, and most importantly with the creator (God).

On the third day of the session, that is on Wednesday 15th February,  the session was on the Capuchin apostolate with Br. Amos Bamenjoh as the resource person.

The presentation of the document: The gift of fidelity, the joy of perseverance of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life was the object of Thursday, 16th February. Issues treated from this document included: Gazing and listening, Enkindling awareness and separation from the Institute and Juridical norms.

On Friday, 17th February, the last day of the second session, we were graced with the presence and intervention of Br. Aloysius  Ngongbi, who drilled us on:  Christ in the Franciscan experience.

Having been nourished throughout the week with such enriching teachings, brothers, on Saturday, 18th February, returned to their fraternities to make visible in their lives what they had digested within the formative week in Bambui.

May the Holy Spirit continue to enlighten you all brothers in this process of discernment.

In memory of Father Magic

Today, February 15, 2023, marks the 5th anniversary of departure of Fra. Roberto Pirovano, popularly known as Father Magic. We pray he enjoys the Beatific Vision and from there intercede for our Order and particularly, for the custody of St. Francis in Cameroon, where he served for a good number of years.

We thank you Fra Roberto, for having participated in sowing the the jewel of Franciscan Capuchin Brotherhood in our land.

Father Magic, continue to rest in peace.

The New Provincial and his council

Today, Wednesday 15 February 2023, the New Provincial and his council were elected.

The Provincial Minister: Fra. Angelo BORGHINO

The Provincial Vicar: Fra. Daniele REBUZZINI

Second Councillor: Fra. Paolo BOTTINELLI

Third Councillor: Fra. Agostino VALSECCHI

Fourth Councillor: Fra. Giorgio PERACCHI

²  

May the Holy Spirit enlighten you and lead you brothers in your mission.

PROCLAMAZIONE DELLA ELEZIONE MP e Consiglio (1)

Pax et Bonum

Capuchin Organic Farm

Visit Br. Cyril Kerla in the Capuchin Organic Farm-CIG to get quality products

Saint Anthony of Padua’s College Mbohtong

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Comprehensive College Mbohtong – Shisong is a co-educational boarding and day school in the Diocese of Kumbo, under the proprietorship of the Capuchin Friars Minor (Custody of St. Francis of Assisi). It is located 3km from Shisong Catholic Hospital up the plateau above the Hospital and opposite the Kumbo Council forest. The school enjoy variant facilities: firstly, a very calm environment that favours studies and meditation, secondly, beautiful and spacious classes, a spacious chapel and hall; thirdly, quality teachers with brothers intervening in practically all domains.

SAPCCCOL 2023 2024

Contact the Principal for more information

Br. Joseph Mengven

Tel: +237 678 171 838 or +237 672 899 530
For the school is 681722162

Emmaus Outreach Center (EOC)

The Emmaus Outreach Centre (EOC), Bamenda, is a centre that caters for the mentally impaired and homeless persons. It reaches out to those who have been marginalised by their families and by the society, in most cases because of mental disabilities. It is a place of welcome, friendship and support. It stands as a witness to the Gospel values that we preach. Remember that Jesus reached out continually to people in need, some of whom were mentally disturbed like the man living in the cemetery in the country of the Gerasenes (cf. Lk 8:26).

Our society largely neglects, rejects or scorns the mentally impaired persons, even to the extent of blaming them for their own conditions. Unfortunately such non-Christian attitudes abound in our society. The EOC helps to break down these non-Christian attitudes.

Brief history of the EOC

The EOC was initiated in the year 1997 by a Saint Patrick missionary priest, Reverend Fr. Byrne Brian, living and serving in the Archdiocese of Bamenda in fulfilling the Catholic Church’s mission of evangelization. After formally proposing to the then Archbishop Paul Verdzekov (of Blessed memory) his project of setting up an Emmaus Outreach Centre – Bamenda, the Archbishop accorded his consent and approval for setting up such a centre to fulfil the Gospel of Christ by meeting the needs of the homeless and dejected persons of the society. This Centre is for Christian Charity not a profit making organization. With the help of his Mother house back in his country, he ran the EOC till August 2005 when he was transferred from Bamenda Town to Bafmeng. He then solicited the help of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins (OFM Cap.) living and working in the Archdiocese of Bamenda to take over the charitable apostolate. The OFM Cap. willingly accepted to continue with this apostolate because it was in line with their main charism – to welcome the lepers of our time – as St. Francis of Assisi our Founder welcomed and embraced the lepers of his time.

The EOC project was a personal initiative of Fr. Brain Byrne, but upon taking over from him by the OFM Cap. and being also in accord with the then Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Paul Verdzekov, it was made clear that the EOC is a project of the Archdiocese of Bamenda under the direct care of the OFM Cap.

This project started in rented houses till the time of the handing over from Fr. Brain to the OFMCap. Since the population did not want these people to live close to them, and the cost of renting houses kept increasing as a way of exploitation of the situation, we then turned to the government for help and we were given this land that is outside the residence of the population and not far from the town, for these people love going out to the streets in town. In 2007 with the help of our missionary brothers and some benefactors mostly from Italy, the centre was constructed in the new site above GBHS Down-Town Bamenda, where we are presently.

The mentally impaired persons living in EOC are called Residents and those staying and helping them are called Assistances. Presently, we have 20 Residents, with two Assistances, 3 workers and the Director, a Capuchin Brother, Fr. Pascal Fomonyuy OFMCap.. In the centre we assure the feeding of the Residents, they have their rooms to sleep, they have good water supply and there is a psychiatric nurse who follow each case. Many have come here in the past years and were healed and went back home. Some have gone and come back again since Psychotic disorders are so complex and you cannot claim to treat it once and for all. Some are off and on. It takes a very long time and some are for life. Some of the residents were brought here by charity groups with no information about their family background. These ones have become permanent members of EOC because they have nowhere to go after their treament. Some have even died in the centre. We buried some and some families took back their relatives to bury. Some families bring the brothers or sisters to us who are sick, we also invite some that we see on the streets or we provide them with something to eat on the streets. Some sick persons come by themselves.

The EOC, is a complex reality that live only from charity. For now we have no income generating activity to support the EOC. Thanks to our Missionary Brothers for their help and support through their benefactors abroad who are very much interestd with the idea of the centre. With the passage of time, the missionary brothers are getting old and the number coming to Cameroon has greatly dropped. The funding of this charitable activity has greatly dropped. This also is due to the current COVIT 19 pandemic and the socio-political crisis in the North West and South West Regions (Anglophone crisis) of Cameroon.

With the current Anglophone crisis, many people have been calling the centre with so many traumatised cases. There is also so much drug abuse amongst the young and calls keep coming for more help and a place to keep these affected brethren.

Our major setback for now is the presence of the DDR centre very close to the EOC. The ex-combatants are very free and so, some of the Residents turn to follow them and sometimes, smoke. We need a strong fence that can keep the centre very secured.

We have a big land for farming and so we have engaged ourselves in farming so as to support the centre with fresh food from our farm. We intend to extend the farm and even to keep some animals. Some of the Residents are willing to work and others are not just ready to do anything. Our vision now is to buy less vegetables and to cultivate much using natural manure and less chemicals.

Because of insecurity around the Town of Bamenda now due to the anglophone crisis we prepared some personal batches for the Residents to help them as they move around in town.

The water situation of the centre is relatively stable. The centre is enjoying a constant water supply from the hill of the centre. Some maintenance work is needed to be done in the water catchment areas. Our neighbours depend on us for water and so if there is no strict control it may not be enough for us and for them. Our sources of water have greatly reduced and the demand from the outside community is really high. We are looking forward to work more on our water sources for next year. The demand this year is really high. The population around the centre is depending on us for water during the difficult moment of the dry season.

Other foreseen works to be done in the EOC are:

• the road at the main entrance to the centre is very bad and needs serious repairs at the beginning of the raining season.

• Levelling of some places and planting of flowers and grass in the centre to make the place beautiful, welcoming and a good place to live in.

• The beds and the rooms of the Residents need to be arranged. Lots of repair works is needed.

• The centre is in need of a good car for running its activities.

I render thanks to all the Capuchin brothers especially in the missionary centre in Milano and the benefactors who have been helping us all this while in the centre. May God bless you.

Br. Pascal FOMOMNYUY OFMCap.

Tel: 654 785 224

Director Emmaus Outreach centre

CAPUCHIN BROTHERS RECEIVE NEW MINISTRIES AT THE CAPUCHIN FRIARY BAMBUI

The Installation of fourteen Capuchin brothers into Ministries at the Capuchin Conventual Chapel in Bambui.

Installation of Five Capuchin brothers as Lectors Brs Tumnyuy Zachaus, Italo Steven, Baba Adolf, Augustine Tardzenyuy, Anicet Njuptavieu and nine other brothes as Acolytes: Brs François Djorwe, Thaddeus ESOPE, Philip Mbunghai, Ignatius Kenso, Rene Mbaku, Elvis Tardzenyuy, Michel Tiague, Gotran Tatah, Fabrice Awembom.
On the 3rd of November 2022, feast of St. Martin de Poress, at the Capuchin conventual chapel of Bambui-Bamenda, during a solemn evening Mass that began at 5:45pm, the Regular Superior of the Friars of Cameroon custody installed 14 brothers who are studying theology in the St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Bambui to the minor ministry of lectors and acolytes, the mass was concelebrated by the other brothers priests of the community. In his homily, the preacher (Superior), called on the brothers who are to receive the ministry to strive daily to carry out the function the church is entrusting to them, for the lectors, to always carry the word of God on their lips and their heart, and that they are called to deliver this words to the ignorant. For the acolytes, he admonishes them to pay attention in serving Christ, not only on the alter, but also to those who are poor, the marginalized and to be victims, for Christ came not to be served but to serve. And he finally told us all to be faithful in carrying out our various functions with alot of enthusiasm and care, for it is not our call but Christ’s. Finally he ended by telling us to love the Church like St. Martin de Poress and to be selfless for the sake of Christ whose word we proclaimed. There after, those to be installed lectors came forward and each was given a Bible which is the appropriate gesture of the installation, and likewise the acolytes were given the chalice.
After the mass, there were some photos, then the celebration continued in the friars refectory with the cutting of the cake and then common recreation that those who received the ministry invited all the members of the community, the occasion ended with the compline.

Fra. Esope Thaddeus
Ofmcap.Mbunghai, Ignatius Kenso, Rene Mbaku, Elvis Tardzenyuy, Michel Tiague, Gotran Tatah, Fabrice Awembom.
On the 3rd of November 2022, feast of St. Martin de Poress, at the Capuchin conventual chapel of Bambui-Bamenda, during a solemn evening Mass that began at 5:45pm, the Regular Superior of the Friars of Cameroon custody installed 14 brothers who are studying theology in the St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary Bambui to the minor ministry of lectors and acolytes, the mass was concelebrated by the other brothers priests of the community. In his homily, the preacher (Superior), called on the brothers who are to receive the ministry to strive daily to carry out the function the church is entrusting to them, for the lectors, to always carry the word of God on their lips and their heart, and that they are called to deliver this words to the ignorant. For the acolytes, he admonishes them to pay attention in serving Christ, not only on the alter, but also to those who are poor, the marginalized and to be victims, for Christ came not to be served but to serve. And he finally told us all to be faithful in carrying out our various functions with alot of enthusiasm and care, for it is not our call but Christ’s. Finally he ended by telling us to love the Church like St. Martin de Poress and to be selfless for the sake of Christ whose word we proclaimed. There after, those to be installed lectors came forward and each was given a Bible which is the appropriate gesture of the installation, and likewise the acolytes were given the chalice.
After the mass, there were some photos, then the celebration continued in the friars refectory with the cutting of the cake and then common recreation that those who received the ministry invited all the members of the community, the occasion ended with the compline.

Fra. Esope Thaddeus
Ofmcap.

Fra Felice Trussardi a.k.a Father Jesus

A TRIBUTE TO FRA. FELICE TRUSSARDI LUIGI

Padre Felice Trussardi a missionary franciscan capuchin worked in Cameroon for so many years especially in the Areas of formation in Shisong, Sop And Bambui & he equally served as major superior for several mandates. He died in italy his home country. He contributed a lot in formation material and in administrative documentation.
He is remembered today as a very prayerful friar, deligent in his work, a good reader & writer, a spiritual master, spiritual director, confessor Counsellor and his love for children as well as the less privileged was heroic. He was a very detached, simple & jovial friar. He had a mastery of virtually any subject. He worked tirelessly for the franciscan Capuchin Custody of St. Francis in Cameroon.
Fra Felice Trussardi Luigi of Jesus
Rest in Peace as we pray for you especially during this month of November.

Fra. Théophile Seka
Ofmcap.

Rest in Peace Padre Roberto Pirovano a.k.a father Magic

TRIBUTE TO FRA. ROBERTO PIROVANO AKA FATHER MAGIC

Fra Roberto Pirovano was a missionary franciscan capuchin brother who served in cameroon and worked in Parishes such as Shisong and Big Babangki as well as in the formation of young brothers. This month of November when we remember & pray especially for the dead. we thank God for his services and missionary zeal, love for children and care of the less privileged.
May his gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord. Continue to rest in the Lord.
We remain grateful for your passage amongst us.

Fra. Theophile Seka
Ofmcap.