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Parents in Cameroonian Catholic Diocese Urged “not to relent” as Good Role Models, Sacrificing for Children’s Wellbeing

Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of the Catholic Diocese of Buea presiding over Mass for the launch of the 2024/2025 academic year in his Episcopal See. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Buea

Parents and guardians with children in Catholic schools in Cameroon’s Buea Diocese have been encouraged to be positive examples and to persist in making sacrifices for the wellbeing of their children.

Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of the Cameroonian Diocese made the call on Wednesday, November 20 while presiding over Mass for the launch of the 2024/2025 academic year in his Episcopal See.

“Parents are supposed to be role models for the students and children entrusted to them,” Bishop Bibi said in his homily at Divine Mercy Co-cathedral of Buea Diocese.

He called for responsible parenthood, saying, “I would like to encourage you not to relent in all your efforts to see to it that you continue to be true witnesses that these children will look up to you and pick up those good qualities that will help them tomorrow to become responsible.”

“You have made lots of sacrifices, and you are still making sacrifices in order to see to it that these children get the necessary knowledge they need in order to be responsible tomorrow,” Bishop Bibi said at the launch of the academic year that started in September.

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He went on to thank parents and guardians for enrolling their children in Catholic schools. 

He said, “I want to use this opportunity then to sincerely thank all the parents who continue to trust in our Catholic education. I want to thank them for bringing their children to us to continue with the work of formation that they give to the children while they are at home.”

Turning his attention to learners, the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop called for discipline and respect. 

“Our parents sacrifice a lot to ensure we have the basic needs of life. Children must reciprocate by being disciplined, obeying their parents, and ensuring their efforts are not in vain,” he said.

Bishop Bibi continued, “In our own little way, back in the families, we need to assist our parents by also taking care of them and making sure that their joy is complete by seeing that we grow up to be responsible citizens in our nation.”

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“Children who obey their parents will have blessings given to them. Children who obey their parents will be successful as far as life is concerned. Within the context of the school milieu, the members of staff who journey with you and accompany you become your parents,” he said. 

The Catholic Church leader underscored the importance of education stakeholder collaboration, including parents, teachers, and school administrators, noting that the faith formation offered in Catholic institutions complements the moral upbringing at home.

The Local Ordinary of Buea Diocese went to reflect on the value of talent development as part of entrepreneurial formation and urged learners in Catholic schools in his Episcopal See to discover and nurture their God-given talents for personal growth and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

He lauded Catholic education as seeking the integral growth of learners, including the intellectual, spiritual, psychological, entrepreneurial, and pastoral aspects among others. 

Catholic education, the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in March 2017 as Auxiliary Bishop of Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese said, is about “a formation that is holistic, that takes into consideration the human aspect of their (learners’) lives, the spiritual aspect, the psychological aspect, the entrepreneurial aspect, the pastoral aspect, and you can name the rest.”

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“The formation we give the children is a faith formation, enabling them to know God, to put God in the first place in their lives, and to prioritize the human and divine,” he reiterated.

Bishop Bibi further said, “Our Catholic schools are faith communities where the mission of proclaiming the good news continues. The moral virtues we instil should accompany you throughout your years of formation.”

“May God accompany you throughout this academic year, bless your efforts, and guide you to a fruitful future. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of all Christians and Star of Evangelization, intercede for us all,” the Bishop of Buea Diocese implored.

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.