He noted that Bishop Bushu initiated the construction after recognizing that the existing Regina Pacis Cathedral could no longer accommodate the growing Catholic community, and the ceremonial grounds at Small Soppo were unsuitable for worship.
Over the years, the initiative hit financial challenges that required renewed fundraising efforts, Bishop Bibi said, and recalled, “When I assumed office on 2 January 2020, one of the first files handed to me was for fundraising to resume work on the Co-Cathedral.”
Having launched his first fundraising initiative for the project during his inaugural Mass on 12 January 2020, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Cameroonian Bishop further recalled that his relentless pursuit of financial support earned him a nickname that he “gladly accepted”.
“Because of the fundraising, levies, and my determination to seek resources, I was called 'Bishop Money’. I gladly accepted it, knowing I would continue to seek funds to build God’s house,” Bishop Bibi, who has been at the helm of Buea Diocese since December 2019, first as Apostolic Administrator, and since February 2021 as the Local Ordinary, said.
He attributed the realization of the Co-Cathedral to the unwavering generosity of various stakeholders, including the Clergy, women and men Religious, and Laity, including significant financial contributions from families.
Bishop Bibi also acknowledged with appreciation the support of Cameroon’s Minister of Finance, whose assistance was instrumental in the roofing of the structure.
In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of the dedication, Bishop Bushu said, “I am thankful to God that the project at last after so many years has been completed. I am very satisfied with the work that has been done.”
The Co-cathedral which sits in Molyko Deanary occupies a 1-hectare land and can host about 5000 worshipers.
The dedication Mass of the Co-Cathedral also marked the opening of the 48th Annual Seminar of members of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC).
In his address during the Eucharist celebration, NECC President, congratulated Bishop Bibi and the people of God under his pastoral care for their contributions to realization of the Co-Cathedral.
