Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yaoundé (Agenzia Fides) - "There was a clear act of desecration in the cathedral of Bafia in the night between Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August. Traces of blood were found in the cathedral", said His Exc. Mgr. Sosthène Léopold Bayemi Matjei, Bishop of the nearby Diocese of Obala, who was sent to the place by His Exc. Mgr. Kome Abraham, Bishop of Bafang, and Apostolic Administrator of Bafia .
The traces of blood were found on the grave of His Exc. Mgr. Jean Marie Benoît Bala, Bishop of Bafia, whose body had been found in the waters of the Sanaga River on June 2. According to the local Episcopal Conference, Mgr. Bala was assassinated while the authorities said he commitred suicide (see Fides 14/6/2017 and 21/7/2017).
Following the desecration, it was decided to close San Sebastian cathedral to the public, which will only be reopened after purification of the site. "The cathedral is closed to public worship until a penitential rite will be celebrated as prescribed by the Code and the liturgical rite", said Mgr. Sosthène Bayemi. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/8/2017)
