New leadership of Catholic Women in Cameroonian Archdiocese Urged to “be bold in mission, sacrifice for others”

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“Some people only seek power, criticizing others while offering little of value themselves. We must not be like that. Let us support and love one another,” the Cameroonian Catholic Priest said.

He emphasized the missionary aspect of the CWA’s role in the Church, urging the women to see themselves as active missionaries in their daily lives and families.

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“A great servant is one, like Jesus Christ, who accepted to give His life as a ransom, as a sacrifice, not counting on His own dignity,” Fr. Kum said. 

The CWA Chaplain said, “None of us are God, yet we are called to emulate Him through sacrifice for others, just as Jesus did.”

The new CWA leadership in the Archdiocese of Douala. Credit: ACI Africa

He continued, “If you are given the responsibility to serve, remember, that authority does not belong to you; it belongs to God and His people.”

The newly elected CWA leadership, led by Mme Vera Ngu Sielatshom, was encouraged to continue the work of their predecessors and to face the challenges of their time with faith and resilience.

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“From this moment, a new CWA will emerge in Douala. We have vibrant women who will face challenges together and lead our society forward,” Fr. Kum said.

Fr. Kum also emphasized the need for the CWA to engage with the youth, noting that young people in Cameroon are in dire need of guidance and support. 

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He called on the Catholic women to prioritize youth ministry as part of their mission, saying, “If you are not working with young people, I am not with you.”

The Catholic Priest reminded the women that their mission is not only to serve the Church but also to help transform society, especially by addressing the struggles of the youth.

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He urged Catholic women to serve others with humility, love, and dedication, always putting God first in their leadership.

“If you want to be the first, you must be the servant of all. Serving others means loving them as Jesus loved you,” he said.

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Fr. Kum continued, “Don’t count on worldly greatness or relationships—they can lead you astray. Instead, trust in God, who uses the humble to achieve great things. Avoid pride, for it leads to downfall.”

“Love one another as Jesus loves you. We should not seek the first place in heaven but simply do our work faithfully,” the Cameroonian Catholic Priest said.

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Fr. Kum who also serves as the Chaplain for Catholic Youth and the St. Jude Apostolate in Douala Archdiocese told the CWA new leadership, “As leaders, you must be willing to make sacrifices. Leading the CWA comes with challenges, but it is a sacred responsibility. When difficulties arise, remember that you are part of something greater. This community is not about luxury, but about service. We are building a new future, and with God’s guidance, we will succeed.”

“If one of us is wronged, we will stand together in unity. May the Lord bless you for your dedication on this Mission Sunday,” he said.

Mme Vera Ngu Sielatshom, President CWA Douala Archdiocese. Credit: ACI Africa

The October 18-20 CWA Congress brought together thousands of Catholic Women to reflect on the theme “CWA Women for the Sanctification and Holistic Development of the World.”

Addressing the Catholic women, CWA President, Mme Sielatshom urged members to embrace unity, deepen their faith, and prioritize service as they embark on a new mandate.

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“We need to love ourselves. We need to look into each other’s eyes, face to face, and speak the truth for the well-being of our association,” she said. 

She urged members to remain committed to the association's statutes and bylaws, assuring them that her leadership would be open and communicative to avoid misunderstandings and misinformation.

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A key aspect of the new mandate, according to Mme Sielatshom, will be the strengthening of the members' faith.

Mme Sielatshom also outlined the association's plans for the construction of a center that will support vulnerable children and generate income for the CWA.

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The project, she noted, has the potential to significantly reduce costs for the association and become a source of revenue. 

“It is a center that will not only welcome children from the streets and the poor but will also allow us to save money… It will also provide us with income,” she explained.

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The new president recognized the heavy responsibility on the chaplain in caring for the Archdiocese’s youth, emphasizing that the CWA must offer its support. 

“Our chaplain bears a heavy burden in the Archdiocese of Douala, and we must assist him in caring for the thousands of young people. He cannot do it alone,” she said.

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She implored, “We pray for a smooth journey during this mandate, as we continue to work hand in hand for the good of our association.”