“Embrace the cross of Jesus Christ with love”: Apostolic Nuncio to Newly Ordained Claretians in Cameroon

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He encouraged them to remain in close communion with Christ through prayer, liturgical celebrations, devotions, and a life fully dedicated to Him.

Archbishop Bettencourt invited those he was about to ordain to live an extraordinary life of service, echoing the eternal and unchanging doctrine of the Church. 

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“Remember, the doctrine of the Church remains unchanged, as Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are called to be perseverant, faithful, and generous in your service,” the Apostolic Nuncio in Cameroon said.

He reassured the Deacons not to be afraid  despite the challenges he said lay ahead of them.

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“We are aware of the many tribulations the Congregation has endured throughout its history,” the Archbishop said.

He continued, “We remember how your predecessors gave holy witness to Christ, persevering and enduring even to martyrdom.”

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“Do not be afraid, for the Lord is with us. He does not forsake us. The Scriptures remind us that His presence is the eternal voice of God,” the member of the Clergy of Canada’s Ottawa-Cornwall Archdiocese said. 

The Archbishop congratulated the families and communities who nurtured the vocations of the three Deacons, expressing gratitude for their role in their spiritual formation.

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Archbishop Bettencourt implored, “May the Priests and Deacons renew their commitment to the Church and Christ, and may the faithful baptized commit to supporting the ministry of the ordained. May the Claretian Congregation continue to be a flame of testimony and love in the world.”

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Also speaking during the August 10 Eucharistic celebration, the Major Superior of Claretians in Cameroon, Fr. Jude Thaddeus Langeh expressed profound gratitude to the Nuncio for his support and recognition of their missionary work.

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Fr. Langeh said the ordination of the three Priests was a significant milestone for the Claretian community in Cameroon. 

He congratulated the newly ordained Priests, emphasizing that such celebrations are not just occasions for giving thanks but also moments to reflect on the journey so far and to plan for the future.

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"A celebration like this is not only an opportunity to give thanks, but it also offers us the chance to reflect, with a view to re-examining our direction, so as to clearly chart the path that should be followed and to make resolutions for the future," he said.

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Fr. Langeh implored, "May the Lord, to whom this work belongs, give us the grace and strength to hold the banner of the Gospel high, in His name and for His name."