Welcome to Hilltopvoices Live from the St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral Parish, Big Mankon, where history is being made today.
From its consecration in 1975, just five years after the creation of the Archdiocese, this Cathedral has stood as a centre of faith, now marking its 50th anniversary.
The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt speaks at the entrance to the St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral to begin re-dedication Holy Mass
Key spiritual message
Rededication is a call to become agents of mercy and missionaries of hope.
Emphasises Romans 5:5: “Hope does not disappoint.”
Invites the faithful to live with compassion, forgiveness and service.
Urges outreach to families, communities and all those in need.
Encourages deepening faith in Christ, the Prince of Peace and head of the Church.
Description of the Cathedral
Built on a surface area of 3,200 square metres.
Dimensions: 48 metres wide and 68 metres long.
New roof installed above the old structure, supported by 26 beams weighing 40 tonnes each.
Accessed through a main tower rising 16 metres.
Flanked by valley structures and marked clearly as St Joseph’s Cathedral.
Seating capacity: about 4,000 worshippers.
Around 80 percent of materials sourced locally.
Granite used from nave to aisles; special cladding on the parapet wall.
Renovation began in February 2024 with an average of 74 workers daily to meet the November 2025 deadline.
Liturgical invitation
Calls the faithful to enter the sacred space with joy and gratitude.
Reminds them that the cathedral is the dwelling place of God among His people.
Invites all to chant Psalm 148 as they process into the church.
Greets the faithful and conveys peace.
Shares that the bishops recently met Pope Leo XIV and brings the Pope’s blessings, prayers and affection to Bamenda.
Notes the recent national pilgrimage to Rome where many walked in the footsteps of St Peter and prayed with the universal Church.
Says the Pope entrusts the people of Bamenda to divine grace and the Holy Spirit.
Affirms the Nuncio’s presence as a sign of the Pope’s special love for the Archdiocese.
Recalls that Bamenda was the first place he visited on arrival in Cameroon in 2023.
Thanks Archbishop Andrew Nkea for the invitation and expresses joy at returning.
Celebrates the rededication of St Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral after major extension and renovation.
Praises ancestors who built the original church and congratulates the faithful for continuing their legacy.
Describes the cathedral as a monument to their zeal, labour and faith.
Draws a connection between this cathedral and the ancient Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome.
Reflects on St Joseph as protector of the Archdiocese, families, workers, refugees and all who feel threatened.
Notes the conclusion of the Archdiocese’s two-year theme on the Church and the recent congress preparing for the rededication.
Recalls the diocese’s history: created in 1970, cathedral consecrated in 1975, elevated to archdiocese in 1982, visited by Pope John Paul II in 1985.
Greets former Archbishop Cornelius Fontem Esua in absentia.
Marks 2025 as a jubilee year and reflects on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Speaks on the power of hope to inspire trust, unity and the building of a shared future.
Congratulates Bamenda for its contribution to the Church in Cameroon and worldwide.
Acknowledges sacrifices the Church in the region has made in service to the universal Church.
Highlights Archbishop Andrew Nkea’s national and international responsibilities and thanks the faithful for supporting him.
Expresses gratitude to priests, religious and lay faithful for their witness and dedication.
Reminds the congregation that Jesus Christ is the centre of the faith.
Reflects on the Gospel teaching on reconciliation before offering gifts at the altar.
Says the greatest gift to God is not a thing but oneself, offered in reconciliation and peace.
Emphasises forgiveness as the heart of Christian life and essential in a world without perfect justice.
Cites Pope Leo XIV’s teaching on works of mercy as authentic worship that transforms believers.
Explains the symbolism of the rites of dedication: holy water, incense, anointing, and Christian dignity.
Announces the placement of the altar used by Pope John Paul II during his 1985 Bamenda visit as a relic.
Calls the cathedral a place of faith, peace, memory and hope.
Acknowledges the heavy toll of the Anglophone crisis on the people: loss of homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
Prays for God to bring wisdom and peace to the region.
Invites the faithful to let the dedication become a moment of reconciliation and renewal.
Affirms that Christ is the way, truth and life, and encourages confidence in God’s protection.
Concludes with Pope John Paul II’s 1985 message on letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.
Encourages all to live as pilgrims of hope under the example of St Joseph.
Thanks the faithful for their witness and service and calls on Mary, Queen of Peace, to intercede for them.
Ends with blessings for the Archdiocese of Bamenda.
Dedication of the Altar and the Cathedral
