AFRICA/CAMEROON - Erection of the Diocese of Bafang and appointment of the first Bishop

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - The Holy Father Benedict XVI on May 26, 2012 established the new Diocese of Bafang in Cameroon (from the Diocese of Nkongsamba), making it a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Douala, and appointed Rev. Abraham Kome, current diocesan Administrator of Nkongsamba as the Bishop of new diocese of Bafang.
The new diocese of Bafang (nom. lat. Bafangen/sis/), includes the Departments of Nkam and Haut Nkam. It is bordered to the north by the Diocese of Bafoussam, west with the Diocese of Nkongsamba and east with the Archdiocese of Douala, where he became a suffragan. The parish church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary becomes the Church-Cathedral of the newly erected diocese.
Rev. Abraham Kome was born on July 2, 1969 in Loum-ville, in the diocese of Nkongsamba. After primary school, he attended the Minor Seminary in Melong and the College Saints Pierre et Paul de Loum. He then completed his studies at the Theological Seminary of Nkongbodol, in Douala. He also obtained a Licentiate in Philosophy and Social Sciences at the State University of Dachang, in Cameroon. He was ordained a priest on December 11, 1999 and incardinated in the diocese of Nkongsamba. After ordination, he has held the following positions: 1999-2000: Vicar of the Cathedral and Assistant Diocesan for the Youth and Children; 2000-2003: Prefect of Discipline and Studies of the Minor Seminary in Melong and Diocesan Master of Ceremonies; 2003-2006 : Parish priest of St. Francesco Saverio of Kekem in Bafang; 2006-2011: Vicar General. Since 2011 he has been diocesan Administrator of Nkongsamba. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 28/5/2012)