For years, Christians living in the center of Nkwen faced a growing challenge as access to spiritual services was becoming increasingly difficult. As the population soared, so did congestion at All Saints Parish Bayelle and St Michael’s Parish Futru Nkwen. Week after week, Christians squeezed into overcrowded pews, stood through long liturgies, and travelled long distances in search of spiritual nourishment.
It was a situation crying out for a solution.
Moved by this growing pastoral need, His Grace Andrew Nkea Fuanya, Archbishop of Bamenda, took a decisive action in 2021. He created Our Lady of Mercy Quasi Parish Mandah Nkwen, not only to decongest existing parishes but also to bring the Church closer to the people. The vision was clear: make worship more accessible, create space for spiritual growth, and ease pastoral administration.
Four years on, the Archbishop’s vision has blossomed into a thriving faith community.
On Sunday, 25 May 2025, happy Christians from all walks of life poured into the Naamoh Parish Church to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Our Lady of Mercy Quasi Parish Mandah Nkwen. The celebrations were marked by joy, gratitude, and reflection on how far the Parish has come in such a short time.
Among the early arrivals was Ayuni Austin Sakah, Divisional Officer for Bamenda III, who joined hundreds of parishioners dressed in radiant uniforms. With songs of praise, dancing, and animated faces, the faithful filled the beautifully roofed Parish Church, a structure that now stands as both a symbol of growth and hope in Mandah.
Leading the anniversary Mass was the Parish’s Rector, Reverend Fr. Beltus Asanji, assisted by Father Jean Marie Lindu, the Vicar. The two priests have been instrumental in shaping the Parish’s development from its inception.
In his homily and reflections, Fr. Asanji thanked Archbishop Nkea for his foresight and support, while expressing deep appreciation to the Christian community for their sacrifices and commitment.
“This Parish was born out of necessity, but it has grown through grace... We have come from worshipping under tents to having two fully roofed churches, St Faustino and the main Parish Church. But beyond buildings, we have built a strong community of faith.” he said
Over the past four years, the Parish has recorded impressive spiritual statistics: 754 baptisms, 271 confirmations, 52 weddings, and 38 funerals. The number of registered Christians has grown by over a thousand, showing the positive impact of localised pastoral care.
Parishioners were quick to testify to the transformation.
“We used to travel long distances and sometimes return without even stepping into the Church... Now, we have a church of our own, and it is not just about the building, it is about the community we have built.” Nsah Frederick, a pioneer Christian of the Parish said
Mr Richard Diom, another devoted Christian, praised the priests for their leadership and called on fellow Christians to “keep building the house of God, not just with cement, but with love, unity, and faith.”
The day’s celebration was guided by the theme “count your blessings, name them one by one,” a fitting reflection on the journey so far.
Fr. Asanji urged Christians to remain grateful and steadfast.
“Let this anniversary remind us that we are walking in blessings. Every Mass, every baptism, every child confirmed is a blessing counted,” he said.
Our Lady of Mercy Quasi Parish Mandah Nkwen is no longer just a solution to a problem, it is a testimony of God’s mercy and the power of a united Christian people.
By Fr. Beltus Asanji
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