Like in Priestly Service, Live Episcopal Ministry in “communion with Christ”: Archbishop to New Bishop in Cameroon

Referencing the experiences of biblical figures such as the prophet Isaiah and the Apostle Peter, Archbishop Kleda underscored the necessity of divine empowerment in responding to God’s call.

“Isaiah felt unworthy, but the Lord purified him. Peter trembled before the holiness of Christ, yet Jesus assured him: ‘Be fearless. From now on, you will be fishers of men,’” he said.

The Local Ordinary of Douala urged the Bishop-elect to embrace his mission with faith, humility, and love, emphasizing the need for total reliance on God’s grace in shepherding the people of God.

He further encouraged the new Bishop to deepen his knowledge of the Scriptures and to proclaim the Gospel with unwavering dedication. 

Drawing from the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo, Archbishop Kleda noted that a Bishop’s first duty is to nourish himself with the Word of God.

“You must study and meditate on the Word of God daily, allowing it to shape your ministry and guide those entrusted to your care,” he counselled. 

Reflecting on the role of a Catholic Bishop as a shepherd, the Archbishop of Douala described the mission as one of vigilance, guidance, and love. 

“A Bishop must walk at the head of the flock, leading by example. He is called to be a watchman, enlightened by Christ, to proclaim the Gospel with courage,” he said.

Archbishop Kleda also underscored the importance of availability and closeness to the people of God under your pastoral care, and encouraged Bishop-elect Ebengue to be a father to all. 

“We must love all without distinction—rich and poor, healthy and sick. Everyone must find in us a welcoming heart, as Jesus said: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,’” he said.

The 66-year-old Catholic Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in February 2001 as Bishop of Cameroon’s Batouri Diocese called on the people of God to support their Bishop through prayer and collaboration. 

“Let us walk together in faith and unity, trusting in the Lord’s guidance. May the Episcopal Ministry of Bishop Ebengue be fruitful and bring blessings to the Diocese of Yokadouma,” Archbishop Kleda said during the March 1 Episcopal Consecration. 

Pope Francis appointed Mons. Ebengue as Bishop for Yokadouma Diocese on January 11.

Born in May 1970, the Catholic Bishop was ordained a Priest for the Catholic Diocese of Batouri in Cameroon in February 2006.

In his maiden speech during the March 1 Episcopal Ordination, Bishop Ebenguee pledged to serve with humility and dedication.

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He expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for entrusting him with the responsibility of shepherding the people of God in Yokadouma, saying, “Holy Father, thank you infinitely.”

“My ordination today opens wide the doors of a new family, that of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop said.

He called on the people of God to embrace their role in the Church’s evangelizing mission, “We are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love, to live in solidarity, and to work for the glory of God.”

Bishop Ebengue is to serve as the third Local Ordinary of the Cameroonian Episcopal See with an estimated 25,600 Catholics spread across 30,467 square kilometers, according to 2022 statistics.

Erected in May 1991 as a part of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Bertoua, the Diocese of Yokadouma is under the patronage of Mary Queen of Peace.