THE BEAUTY OF CONSECRATED LIFE
In our Archdiocese of Bamenda-Cameroon, the celebration of the Day of Consecrated Life took place in two very significant moments: In the Archdiocese from 5th to 6th of February, with the participation of more than 80 consecrated men and women, who arrived in Ndop. The celebration began with games between parishioners and religious. The Vespers were solemnly celebrated and after the dinner, we had the cultural evening which was a very fraternal moment and of great creative participation.
On 6th of February the Eucharistic celebration was presided by Fr. Ignatius Waidim, Vicar responsible for consecrated life and concelebrated by the parish priest of the parish of "Saints Peter and Paul" of Ndop together with the religious (priests) present. The church was full of faithful who came out in large numbers to welcome the religious of the whole Archdiocese.
The Eucharistic celebration was well animated by the parish choir that helped us to participate actively in the liturgy. In his homily, Father Ignatius encouraged us, as men and women religious, to live our choice of life with joy and invited us to remain faithful to the Lord’s call, keeping GOD, the creator of every vocation, as our only wealth and support.
He also thanked the people of Ndop for their warm welcome and encouraged them to pray for religious vocations at the service of the church. He also urged them to help their children to respond generously to God’s call. We warmly thank the sisters of the "Holy Union" who welcomed us and who took care of everything and everyone. For the gifts received we give glory to God!
At the deanery level, everyone organized the celebration when and how they could. In the deanery of Mankon, our celebration took place from 12 to 13 February in Njimafor (Parish of Peace). We started with games to create an atmosphere of joy, the women of the parish played with the sisters while the men played with the religious.
On Sunday 13, the celebration continued with the Holy Eucharist that opened the day. All the members of the parish choirs joined the religious and their young people in formation to animate this Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Ephraim, parish priest, (also the dean of the deanery of Mankon) stressed about the beauty of consecrated life: a special call from God and invited young people to welcome with joy the call of the Lord and to embrace and cherish this precious gift. He encouraged parents to support their children to respond with confidence, fidelity and generosity to God’s call. The pastor asks his parishioners to pray constantly for consecrated persons because they too are human beings with their weaknesses and the devil is around to make them fall.
The celebration continued in the parish hall with the participation of some parishioners. Consecrated persons showed their different talents through traditional and modern dances, fashion shows and sketches. Maria’s cadets also performed choral singing and bailey dancing. After lunch, we all returned to our communities. We thank Almighty God for this wonderful fraternal day.
