AFRICA/CAMEROON - PMS National Director tells Fides: Church is growing, enlivened by a missionary spirit

Yaounde (Agenzia Fides) – "The visit of Pope Benedict XVI is still very much felt in Cameroon, as evidenced by the strong participation of the faithful at the Mass celebrated in Yaounde one year after the Holy Father's visit to our country," Fides learned in an interview with Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka, National Director of Pontifical Mission Societies in Cameroon.
Pope Benedict XVI visited Cameroon, March 17-20, 2009.
"The Holy Father's visit has led to reaffirmation and strengthening of the good relations between the Church and the State and showed the face of a Catholic community that is very active and growing," says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka.
"The growth of the Catholic Church in Cameroon is demonstrated by the increased number of dioceses, 24. The last, Kribi, was erected in 2008. Of the 24 bishops, 21 are Cameroonian. The other three are a Belgian missionary bishop, and two Polish “Fidei Donum” bishops," says the National Director of the PMS in Cameroon.
"The Cameroonian Church has a strong sense of the duty of the mission. From the bishops to the individual faithful, everyone is personally committed to spreading the Good News to the world. This is also reflected by the donations and offerings to the PMS, "says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka.
"In Cameroon, there are still several foreign missionaries, but at the same time, there are also Cameroonian priests who are sent on missions. The dioceses of Cameroon have established an exchange program for priests, to help address the shortage registered in some areas of the country. Moreover, the Churches of the central African sub-region have embarked on a fruitful missionary collaboration. In this context, Cameroon diocesan priests carry out their mission in Chad and Gabon," said the Cameroonian National Director of the PMS.
"The Catholic Church also carries out a meritorious labor in human development, especially through the extensive network of Catholic schools. The Catholic school is very appreciated in Cameroon, because of the quality of education offered. In the north, where there are many Muslim children who attend Catholic schools and attend activities at the Catholic parish, with respect for their religion," says Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka. "Also, the Catholic University of Yaounde, with its four faculties (philosophy, social sciences, canonical studies, and management) is very revered."
"In May, Cameroon celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. For the Catholic Church, it has been an opportunity to reflect on the collaboration between Church and State and the progress made in this period. In 2011, there will be presidential elections. The hope of all is that they may take place in peace and consolidate the peace that has reigned in the country for decades," concluded Fr. Gaspard Menga Nka. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 08/06/2010)