The Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, has visited inmates of the Buea Central Prison in a gesture of profound compassion and spiritual encouragement. He communed with the inmates on Thursday, December 26, 2024, during the Feast of St. Stephen.
Celebrating the Sacrifice of the Mass with the prisoners, the Bishop urged them to view their current circumstances as an opportunity for transformation and a chance to prepare for a better future in society.
In his homily, Bishop Bibi called on the inmates to embrace love, including for those they perceive as enemies, as a path toward personal growth and societal reintegration. He challenged them to make meaningful decisions that would turn their lives around, emphasizing the temporal nature of their situation.
Recognition of Efforts to Uplift Prisoners
The Superintendent of the Buea Central Prison, Mikondo Simon-Pierre, commended Bishop Bibi’s consistent efforts to improve the lives of inmates. Over the years, the Bishop has promoted educational initiatives by registering inmates for the GCE exams and sponsoring others to further their studies at the Catholic University Institute of Buea.
In a major step to address the prison’s hygienic challenges, Bishop Bibi is spearheading an ongoing water supply project, which the Superintendent lauded as a crucial intervention.
Spiritual Growth and Sacraments
As part of the Diocese’s continued pastoral care for inmates, priests from St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Buea Town have been regularly stationed at the prison to nurture the spiritual growth of prisoners. During the Mass, two inmates received the sacrament of Confirmation, marking a significant milestone in their faith journey.
The Diocese of Buea, through its CARITAS and Justice and Peace services, has maintained a long-standing partnership with the prison to ensure the wellbeing of inmates by providing essential support and services.
Gifts and Cultural Significance
Inmates expressed their gratitude to Bishop Bibi by presenting him with a symbolic gift reminiscent of the means of transportation used by early missionaries in Cameroon. This gesture aligns with the Diocese of Buea’s 75th anniversary celebrations, slated for May 2025.
The Bishop, in turn, offered gifts to the inmates, fostering an atmosphere of joy and togetherness as both parties commemorated the birth of Christ.
Social Activities and Participation
The visit featured vibrant social activities, including dancing and drama, which added a celebratory tone to the event. Members of various groups from the Diocese, including the Catholic Women Association (CWA), Christian Men Association (CMA), CARITAS, Block Rosary, and St. Vincent De Paul Society, accompanied the Bishop to lend their support and solidarity.
