St Michael's Catholic Parish, Futru-Nkwen, was filled with mixed emotion on Sunday, 5 July 2026 as hundreds of parishioners, priests, religious, traditional authorities and faithful gathered to bid farewell to Rev. Fr Emilio Calcena, whose 55 years of priesthood and 31 years of missionary service in Cameroon have left a memorable legacy on the Church and the communities he served.

The massive turnout, colourful liturgical celebration, presentation of gifts, traditional dances and joyful songs reflected not only the affection the Christian community holds for the veteran Piarist priest but also the impact of a missionary who arrived in Cameroon in 1995 as a foreigner and leaves as one of the country's own. After completing his missionary assignment, Fr Emilio Calcena has been transferred to Puerto Rico for a new mission.

Opening the thanksgiving Mass, the Parish Priest of St Michael's Futru, Rev. Fr Jason Muluh, reminded the congregation that while they had gathered to honour the remarkable ministry of Fr Emilion, the celebration was first and foremost an act of thanksgiving to God.

"We gather here not only to bid farewell to our brother but above all to thank God for the legacy he leaves behind. Fr Emilio has been the longest-serving parish priest of Futru Parish, and today we thank God for his life, his ministry and his new missionary commission to Puerto Rico."

Throughout the celebration, it became clear that Fr Emilio did not simply work in Cameroon. He became part of the people he came to serve.

That reality was captured in the message of the Provincial Superior of the Piarist Fathers for Central Africa, Rt. Rev. Fr Moses Kongmi, delivered by Rev. Fr Valery Mofua.

Recalling the arrival of FR Emilio Calcena in Cameroon more than three decades ago, the Provincial described him as a missionary who, like Abraham, left behind his homeland and culture in complete trust in God.

"You arrived in Cameroon as a missionary like Abraham, leaving your homeland, your culture and your people, trusting only in God."

But over the years, he said, Cameroon became much more than a mission field.

"You ceased to be simply a missionary in Cameroon; you became a Cameroonian Piarist."

The Provincial praised the unmatched obedience, humility and missionary spirit, noting that even after decades of service, he continued to answer the call of the Church with generosity.

"Even in your later years, when many would have sought rest, you continued to answer the call of the Order with serenity, humility and generosity."

As Fr Emilio Calcena prepares for his new assignment, the Provincial reminded him that he carries Cameroon with him.

"We do not see you as someone returning home. Rather, we see you as a missionary whom our province now sends to Puerto Rico."

Delivering the homily, Fr Emilio steered attention away from personal tributes and back to the Gospel, insisting that the Eucharist exists to glorify God rather than celebrate individuals.

"The Mass is never for the honour of anybody, but for the honour of God and Jesus Christ."

Reflecting on the day's Scriptures, he called on Christians to reject division and embrace Christ's message of peace.

"We form one family of God. Anybody can come from any place and be received. That is the real gift God gives us through Jesus Christ."

He urged the faithful to live according to the Holy Spirit rather than worldly values by constantly listening to and practising God's Word.

"The Spirit of God gives us life. We must hear the Word of God, read it in our homes and put it into practice."

Speaking emotionally about leaving Cameroon after 31 years, Fr Calcena admitted the departure was painful but accepted it as God's will.

"It is not easy after so many years being with you. Many of us suffer. I suffer too much."

He nevertheless accepted the decision of his religious superiors with faith.

"It is not my choice. It is not your choice. It is the providence of God through the will and authority of my superiors."

Entrusting the future to God, he added:

"I know that God is everywhere. Jesus is everywhere. Good people are everywhere."

Rev. Fr Ghani Justin one of the first Cameroonian Piarist Priest who started their journey to priesthood with Fr Emilio as Formation Master paid tribute to a priest whose ministry was defined by his closeness to people rather than titles or achievements.

"You came to us as a stranger and remained as family."

He described Fr Calcena as a true shepherd who knew his flock personally.

"You knew every Christian by name. You carried the stories, the joys and the burdens of each family in your heart."

"In a world that moves fast and often forgets people, you chose to remember. You chose to be present. That is the mark of a true shepherd."

Fr Ghani Justine credited him with accompanying and mentoring generations of young religious while helping to build vibrant Christian communities through simplicity, patience and fatherly love.

The impact of Fr Emilio's ministry extended beyond the Church.

Representing the Paramount Fon of Nkwen, Muma Azehfor III thanked the missionary for strengthening family life and contributing to the spiritual transformation of the community through regular pastoral visits.

He noted that Fr Calcena's dedication inspired numerous priestly and religious vocations and touched virtually every household in Nkwen.

The farewell celebration ended with an emotional presentation of gifts from various groups within the parish and beyond. Traditional dance groups, choirs and parish associations filled the church compound with music and celebration as Christians expressed gratitude for a priest many described as a father, mentor and friend.

Although the occasion marked the end of Fr Emilio Calcena's missionary chapter in Cameroon, speakers insisted that his legacy would continue to shape the Church for generations. His pastoral closeness, humility, commitment to Christian formation and dedication to the Piarist mission have left an imprint that extends far beyond St Michael's Parish Futru.

By Bakah Derick and Binwie Marinette (Intern) for Hilltopvoices web

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