In the May 23 press conference, Bishop Ntep said the decree of the Holy Father “will further seal the links that exist between the Diocese of Edéa and the Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo and for the people of Edéa Diocese.”
Credit: Courtesy Photo
The Catholic Bishop of Edéa Diocese since December 2004 recognized in Baba Simon two virtues: respect and perseverance.
“Baba Simon did not sweep away Northern Cameroon traditional beliefs but he respected them and tried to understand them and work with them,” he said.
Bishop Ntep added, “Baba Simon took time to know the Kirdi peoples, to respect them, to love them. He did not abolish traditional religions but he enlightened them with the Gospel.”
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Credit: Courtesy Photo
“If the people gave him the nickname ‘Baba’ meaning Father, it means he was for them a Father. There were many people older than him who called (him) Baba because faith enlightened their traditional beliefs and many without denying their cultures joined Christianity,” the Cameroonian Bishop said about the country’s first Venerable.
Credit: Courtesy Photo
He continued, “It is an example he has shown us. We too must approach traditional religions in order to enlighten them with the Gospel.”
Bishop Ntep implored, “May Baba Simon continue to intercede for us not necessarily so that the miracles should happen in Cameroon but in the Church at large because we are not the only ones praying. There are people who are praying for this cause and through the intercession of Baba Simon outside Cameroon.”
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.