Synodality “criterion for efficiency of our pastoral work”: Catholic Bishop in Cameroon at 2025 Annual Bishops’ Seminar

“We know what synodality is, but we must understand that it serves as a criterion for the efficiency of our pastoral work,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop emphasized.

Cameroon’s Catholic Bishops have convened in the Catholic Diocese of Buea to explore ways of putting into practice the deliberations of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the Synod on Synodality, which Pope Francis officially inaugurated in 2021.

Credit: ACI Africa

The first session of the Synod on Synodality, which Pope Francis extended to 2024, took place from 4-29 October 2023, concluding with a 42-page summary report.

A 52-page Final Document of the XVI Assembly followed the 2-27 October 2024 second session of the Synod on Synodality. The Synod members approved the Final Document on 26 October 2024. On his part, Pope Francis approved its publication; he chose to directly implement it instead of the usual practice of issuing a Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation.

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The Document that was approved by 355 Synod members in attendance outlines substantial proposals for Church renewal, including proposals to expand women’s leadership roles, greater lay participation in decision-making, and significant structural reforms such as a call to strengthen pastoral councils at Parish and Diocesan levels, and having regular ecclesiastical assemblies across all Church levels and heightening ecumenical dialogue.

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In the January 6 interview with ACI Africa, Bishop Bayemi also reflected on the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, which the Holy Father officially launched on the Eve of Christmas 2024 with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”.

The Cameroonian Catholic Bishop described hope as a “profound conviction shared in the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit.”

“This hope helps us understand that, above all, we must desire the Kingdom of God. It is the promise of Christ, shared in us by the Holy Spirit,” the Local Ordinary of Obala since his Episcopal Consecration in February 2010 told ACI Africa on January 6, the third day of the NECC Annual Seminar.

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He added, “The Lord has a project of hope and renewal for us, something new that we must collaborate with Him to bring to fruition.”

Bishop Bayemi spoke to ACI Africa on the day he facilitated the NECC members’ recollection. In his homily, he reminded participants in the 2025 Annual Seminar that God is always present in their lives, inviting us to open our hearts and welcome His presence as a shining light.

“My dear brothers, there is a necessity for us to collaborate with the actions of the Lord,” he said, and added, “We encounter God in the Sacraments, in communal prayer, in our work, studies, families, friends, and even in our leisure."

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The 60-year-old Catholic Church leader called upon Christians to live with the certainty of victory in the person of Jesus Christ, trusting in His power and presence.

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“Let us allow the Holy Spirit to glow in our Church, so that we can be many to inflame the world,” Bishop Bayemi said during Holy Mass to conclude the recollection day of NECC members gathering in Buea Diocese for their 2025 Annual Seminar.

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.