By Bakah Derick
The Archdiocese of Bamenda now has 13 new priests. The priestly ordination took place Wednesday April 7, 2021 at the St Joseph's Metropolitan Cathedral Big Mankon.
Solemn a ceremony as always is, the to be ordained priests answered to their names loud in a near dead silent Piazza to the call of the Roman Catholic Church. Their "Present" response is followed by brief hand clapping and shouting by the Christians an indication of satisfaction with the candidate for ordination. They will then be handed freely to the Church by their parents in a symbolic gesture to say we do give them willingly to serve Christ and the Church.
In a standard Homily for the occasion, the consecrating Archbishop of Bamenda His Grace Andrew Nkea reminded the to be ordained of their duties before expressing the need for them to preoccupy themselves with the things of God.
According to the Metropolitan Archbishop, laziness or idleness should not be part of the life of a priest. Mindful of the current healthand sociopolitical crisis facing his Diocese, the Archbishop encouraged the priests to stay committed to their calling and mission for peace.
"13 priests for the Archdiocese is a big gift but even with this number our parishes and institutions will still be in need.
So we keep on praying for more vocations." Rev Fr Dufe Joseph observes
Priestly ordination is an annual activity in Bamenda particularly in April shortly after Easter Sunday.