Catholic Bishop in Cameroon Calls on Christians to be Builders of Peace, Work for Harmony During Advent

He also expressed his grief at the killing of two Catholic Priests in the Diocese, whose deaths he described as tragic. 

He said, “We… mourn the tragic loss of our dear brothers Ana Abel and Christophe Komla Badjogou, who were cowardly murdered. Their loss leaves us in grief, and I share your sorrow.”

Fr. Komla, a Togolese Catholic Priest incardinated in the Catholic Diocese of Yagoua was shot and killed by suspected criminals on the night of October 7 in Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé.  Fr. Komla, who has been the Parish Priest of Sts. Peter and Paul Zouzoui Parish of the Diocese of Yagoua was shot three times by his assailants.

In the month that followed Fr. Komla’s murder, the Diocese of Yagoua announced yet another passing of Fr. Ana who was serving as Parish Priest of Our Lady of Peace Djougoumta. According to a communiqué from Bishop Hourgo, Fr. Ana died on September 5 following a family dispute that escalated into a mass confrontation.

In his November 27 Advent message, Bishop Hourgo challenged the people of God in the Central African country to reflect on the respect for life, and to be bulders of peace in what he described as “uncertain times”.

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Making reference to the Priests’ killings, he said, “These violent events should prompt us to reflect deeply on respect for life, peace, and justice in our communities. In these uncertain times, we are called to be builders of peace, to work for harmony and brotherly love, and to denounce all forms of violence.”

He added, “In these difficult times, it's essential to remember that God is always with us, even in the darkest trials. He is our refuge and our strength, and we must unite in prayer and fraternal action to overcome these challenges together.”

Advent, he said, is a “season of hope and joyful anticipation for the birth of Christ.”

He encouraged Catholics, in particular, to use the time of Advent for spiritual renewal, deepening their faith, and reaching out to those in need.

“As Christians, we are called to bring the light of Christ to the darkness that surrounds us. Let every gesture of solidarity towards the most vulnerable be a reflection of our commitment to living the Gospel,” the Local Ordinary of Yagoua said.

Bishop Hourgo further urged families and communities to come together in prayer, offering intercessions for those affected by the floods, for peace in the Diocese, and for strength to overcome challenges.

“During this Advent season, I invite you to come together as families and communities to pray for those who suffer, for families affected by the floods, and for peace in our diocese. May every prayer rise to heaven as an offering of hope,” he said, and continued, “In this time of preparation, let us not forget that our call is to live as disciples of Christ, putting others at the center of our concerns. May we be instruments of his peace and love.”

“May our anticipation of Christmas be marked by concrete actions of solidarity, by the restoration of hope and by the recognition of God's presence in our midst. Let us pray that this Advent season will transform us and prepare us to welcome Christ into our hearts, and above all, to recognize him in the faces of those who suffer around us,” Bishop Hourgo said.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.