Anna Foncha: 102-year-old CWA Founder Receives Medal on Diamond Jubilee

By Tata Mbunwe

At 102 years old, Mama Anna Foncha, wife of the legendary Southern Cameroons politician John Ngu Foncha, received a medal of honor from the Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 24, for her foundational role in the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA).

She received the distinguished honor in Buea from the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop Jose Alvelino Bettercourt, during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the CWA.

Dozens of Catholic women, Bishops, Priests and Christians attended the anniversary event at the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral in Buea.

Mama Anna Foncha has witnessed the transformation of the CWA from its humble beginnings in Buea, where it started with just nine members, to a flourishing organization boasting over 26,000 members across 25 Dioceses in Cameroon.

Her vision and leadership have played a crucial role in this growth, making the CWA one of the largest and most influential groups within the Catholic Church in Cameroon.

The diamond jubilee was themed, “Mothers of the Church and Mothers of the World,” highlighting the vital role the CWA has played in nurturing the Catholic faith and empowering women.

The Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea, in sermon, highlighted the significant contributions of the CWA over the past six decades.

He lauded Mama Foncha for her foresight and tireless efforts in establishing a platform that has immensely benefited the Church and society.

“We call you mothers of the Church and indeed that is what you have been over the past 60 years,” Archbishop Nkea affirmed.

He praised the CWA for its relentless work in improving the conditions of women and girls, assisting in the formation of priests, and providing education and training opportunities.

While a grand anniversary celebration was staged in Buea, CWA members across the country celebrated in their various parishes with march pasts, dancing and admonition sessions.

With its motto, “To serve and not be served,” the CWA was founded to help women in the Catholic Church achieve spiritual renewal through evangelization, building the domestic church, charitable activities and modeling the lifestyle of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Their activities also include education and training of members in social development aids in enhancing their contribution to family and society.

Pictures used in this article were sourced from the Buea Diocese’s website

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