Catholic Bishop in Cameroon Announces Diocesan Synod on “what kind of Buea Diocese do we want”

Buea, 10 July, 2025 / 4:55 PM

Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi of the Catholic Diocese of Buea has announced the convocation of a Diocesan Synod to be held in May 2026 and called on Clergy, members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (ICLSAL) and the Laity to prayerfully discern the future of the Cameroonian Episcopal See following its 75th anniversary celebrations.

In his July 9 letter addressed to all Clergy, members of ICLSAL, and the Laity in Buea Diocese, Bishop Bibi underscored the importance of unity ahead of the 3-8 May 2026 synod.

“We just completed a year-long celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Canonical Erection of our beloved Diocese of Buea. This was a moment of grace for our Diocese. What we celebrated was the fruits of successive generations of Shepherds working in collaboration with the Priests, Religious and Laity,” the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop says referring to the anniversary celebrations that concluded on May 7 at Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral of Buea Diocese.

Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop recalls, “At the end of the peak celebration of the 75th anniversary of our Diocese, I announced that ‘it has been decided that there is a great need for a Diocesan Synod, especially after celebrating 75 years of evangelization as a Diocese.’”

“It is in this light that I have decided to convene a Diocesan Synod to enable us to reflect on ‘What kind of Buea Diocese do we want after celebrating 75 years,’” Bishop Bibi says, and adds, “This Synod will give us the opportunity to evaluate the life of our Diocese and chart a way forward.”

In his letter, Bishop Bibi directs that Parishes, Diocesan institutions, ICLSAL, and Apostolic groups at the Diocesan level send two delegates each. Other participants in the event to be realized at Bishop Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre are to be appointed in line with Canon 463 of the Code of Canon Law.

Bishop Bibi says that the Preparatory Commission for the Synod is to be officially commissioned on July 11, the Feast Day of St. Benedict, at Regina Pacis Cathedral.

“I call on you all to give them the necessary collaboration to ensure that we have a successful Diocesan Synod,” the Catholic Church leader says.

Underscoring the central role of prayer in the synodal journey, Bishop Bibi directs, “Considering that the secret of the success of the Synod is prayer, I invite you all to say the ‘Prayer for the Diocesan Synod’ daily at Mass before the final blessing.”

“Let us prayerfully entrust this synod into the hands of Our Lady, Regina Pacis, the patroness of our Diocese,” he implores.

PRAYER FOR THE BUEA DIOCESAN SYNOD

Almighty God and Father, we praise and thank you for the gift of the Diocese of Buea for the past 75 years. We thank you for inspiring us to have a Synod in our Diocese. We come before you with humble hearts, seeking your blessings and guidance for the success of the Synod. Help us to discern your will and seek ways to foster the growth of your kingdom in our Diocese.

Lord Jesus, grant the spirit of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to all the Synod participants so that we may listen to your voice and respond faithfully. Instill in us the spirit of openness and unity so that we may continue to work in collaboration for the growth of our Diocese.

Holy Spirit, fall afresh on us, so that this Synod may be a time of growth in faith, hope, and love, and renewed commitment to be your witnesses in the world.

Mary, our mother and Queen of Peace, intercede for us. Amen