Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaounde (Agenzia Fides) – “Along with the entire Church and all the citizens of Cameroon, I wish to thank God for the honor and privilege of being able to host the Pastor of the Universal Church, for the first time in Africa and in Cameroon, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI,” said Archbishop Simon-Victor Tonyé Bakot of Yaounde, President of the Cameroon Bishops' Conference and President of the National Organization Committee for the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, who granted an interview to the “Effort Camerounais” shortly prior to the Holy Father's visit to Cameroon (March 17-20).
How is the Church preparing for Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Cameroon?
The announcement of the news of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Cameroon has caused great enthusiasm among all the people of Cameroon. The Pope will meet with the Catholic community, the Muslim community, with nearly 200 Christians of other denominations, with 700 delegates from the 25 dioceses and 600 religious in the Basilica of Saint Mary, Queen of Apostles. Each group awaits a message of reflection from the Holy Father.
Since January, various groups have been meeting to offer proposals to the Holy Father on the themes that he could touch on.
Not long ago, I received a document from the FUC (Forum of Catholic Universities), that I later sent along to the Holy See, in which the following themes were discussed: the situation of the family in Africa, inculturalization of the message of Christianity, the “Justice and Peace” institution, the specific role of the faithful, and the role of the clergy according to the II Vatican Council.
What are the challenges you are facing?
There are many. First of all, the administrative aspect.
We are expecting the arrival of 52 Presidents of African National Bishops' Conferences, 12 Presidents of Apostolic Regions in Africa, 12 members of the Special Synod of Bishops, as well as delegates from 30 of Cameroon's dioceses.
We have asked all the faithful taking part in the Papal Mass to register in their diocese and come in groups. This kind of mobilization requires careful planning.
We are also placing attention on the message that the Holy Father will give us in response to the problems that he has been made aware of, in relation to the situations of the Church in Cameroon and Africa as a whole.
How is the Church preparing, from a pastoral and spiritual point of view?
The Archdiocese of Yaounde has begun a Prayer Novena on March 7, and there are other similar initiatives taking place in the other dioceses. The Bishops have published a Pastoral Letter in preparation for the Holy Father's visit. The letter highlights the role of the Successor of Peter as Universal Pastor, Vicar of Christ, whose teachings should be considered as an appeal to holiness made to all people. Every believer should honor his baptism with a life of faith, in conformity with the Gospel and with God's Will. The Christian should live in dignity, because he has a compass that guides him all his life, and this compass is the Gospel of Christ.
We should also note that the Pope is coming to Cameroon during the season of Lent, and his message precedes him. This message is centered on fasting, prayer, solidarity. The Pope places a special emphasis on fasting to silence our evil desires and help us fulfill God's Will. In his Lenten Message, the Holy Father has recommended that we take part regularly in Sunday Mass, receiving the Eucharist and going to Confession with frequency. Thus, we have asked all the faithful to carry out concrete acts of solidarity, especially towards the youth. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2009)
