At Annual Pilgrimage, Catholic Bishop in Cameroon Encourages Devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary, “bearer of hope”

He also recalled Mary’s fiat, her “yes” to God, describing it as “a courageous act that risked her life under Mosaic law but became the foundation of our salvation.”

“We should not be crushed by our pains, but rather unite them with Christ through Mary,” Bishop Lontsié-Keuné said

“Hope,” he went on to say, “must persist even in a world that feels colonized by sin. It is the Bishop’s duty to speak out against evil, even if it costs him dearly.”

The Local Ordinary of Bafoussam since February 2022 following his transfer from Cameroon’s Yokadouma Catholic Diocese, where he had started his Episcopal Ministry in July 2017 told the pilgrims that their journey to Doumelong had been “more than a physical movement; it was a pilgrimage of the heart, a return to God.”

“Let us hold Mary’s hand not just today, but every day of our lives. Bring your souls to Jesus. Open your hearts to the mercy of God. And let all you do be for the glory of Jesus,” he said. 

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Reflecting on the Presidential elections in Cameroon scheduled for October 2025, Bishop Lontsié-Keuné reiterated the call of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) members on the electorate to rise above challenges and actively participate in the poll. 

“The free and conscious choice of leaders, especially in presidential elections, is a vital responsibility we must approach with reason and full awareness,” he said, and called upon all eligible Cameroonians to register as voters.

He linked voter registration to a “patriotic and spiritual act of love” and added, “Refusing to register on the electoral list is a lack of charity for this country that belongs to all of us.”

The Local Ordinary of Bafoussam also addressed the relationship between faith and politics, insisting that the Church has a duty to speak on political matters in pursuit of the common good.

“Some see the Church’s involvement in democratic processes as suffocating. But Jesus Himself said, ‘Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,’” he said, adding that while the Church and political community are autonomous, they are not mutually exclusive. 

“Jesus intended a distinction, not a separation, between these two realities. Both must serve the common good, regardless of region — West, East, North or South — so that all Cameroonians feel concerned and included,” he explained.

Addressing the challenges of graft, voter apathy, and disillusionment with Cameroon’s political systems from a section of citizens, Bishop Lontsié-Keuné said, “Yes, corruption exists, but that is not a reason to remain passive. Get involved. Participate. Vote. It is your moral and civil duty.”

He called on Christians to let their faith guide their political engagement, saying, “You can be a good Christian and a good politician. Our faith asks us not to do harm, and history knows of African Christians who led with virtue.”

“Let’s not be afraid. Let’s not be ignorant. In the name of love for you and for our country, we Bishops of Cameroon are committed to fair and transparent elections and the education of the people,” Bishop Lontsié-Keuné emphasized in his April 12 homily.

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.