By Andrew Nsoseka
Buea Diocese was on Friday, July 25, enveloped in a festive mood, as His Lordship Bishop Bibi, who shepherds the Roman Catholic flock in the diocese, marked a tremendous 25 years of service to the church as a priest.
Bishop Bibi, accompanied by colleague bishops, administrators, family, diplomats and thousands of Christians from all over Buea diocese and beyond, converged on Buea, not only to celebrate Bibi’s 25 years in the priesthood, but also the various achievements and tasks he has been given by the church, which he has lived up to.
Speaking at the anniversary event, His Grace Archbishop Andrew Nkea thanked Mgr. Bibi for his service to the Church. He thanked Bibi for his demonstrated perseverance and dedication for 25 years as a priest.
In his sermon, the Archbishop said Bibi’s service to the church was so extraordinary that it pleased the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to sign three decrees on Bibi, among which was the naming him Bishop to cater for the Church in Buea Diocese.
“We are gathered her to celebrate God’s choice of Bishop Bibi and not Bishop Bibi’s choice of God”, His Grace Nkea said, while noting that God’s picks from amongst his people those no one expects, and uses them to reveal how close he is to everyone, and how He can use anyone to show mercy to his people. He urged Christians to see the Bishop in Mgr. Bibi, instead of trying to see the man in him, because from the day of his ordination, he took on a new being.
He congratulated Bishop Bibi for serving with steadfastness and love, saying he, Bibi, has lived for nothing else but the Church. The Archbishop noted that under Bishop Bibi, the Church in Buea has witnessed and felt a lot of growth. He mentioned the Co-cathedral project, the multipurpose pastoral centre, modern educational structures, expansion of CUIB, establishment of a microfinance bank, creation of more parishes and deaneries, among others.
Speaking to the press after the anniversary mass, Bishop Bibi expressed gratitude that God has given him the opportunity to celebrate his 25th anniversary in the priesthood. He also thanked all the bishops, priests and the lay faithful, his family and all who travelled far and near to join him to celebrate.
“I render immense gratitude to God for all that he has done in my life, and for choosing me, unworthy as I am, to serve in the church as a priest for 25 years”. The Bishop went on to say it is now a time for “proper evaluation of the ministry to see the areas and which I did well, and the areas in which I had shortcomings and ask God for the Grace that I need so I can continue to work in order to serve the people of God”.
In an emotional speech at the event and on behalf of Bibi’s family, Bibi’s brother described the bishop as a very compassionate but uncompromising person. The priests of the diocese, on their part, pledged to stand by the bishop as he shepherds Christ’s flock in the Diocese.
