Bonadikombo gets independent parish

The Bonadikombo Mile 4 out-station mission which was formerly under the New Town Holy Family Parish is now a full-fledged parish. Under the name Holy John of God, the parish was inaugurated by the Bishop of Buea Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Emmanuel Bushu, on Friday, January 30.

During the sermon, the Bishop emphasised on the fact that it is more blessed to give than to receive, thus encouraging the faithful to give at all times.

According to Bishop Bushu, the same way parents cater for their children, is the same way God cares for his children. He went further to emphasise on the fact that, children of God must be humble and ready to share with those who do not have at all. “If God allows a brother or sister to be poor, it is because he has made others rich to be able to help out” His Holiness said and encouraged the faithful to be examples so that, they will be blessed in return.

Talking on the inauguration of the new parish, he insisted that mile four which is now a new parish has equal rights, power, and capacity like other parishes in existence. “The creation of the new parish is to encourage parishioners to know God’s work and work harder in the Lord’s vineyard”.

Also at the same ceremony, Rev Father Hilary Ngome, was installed as the first priest of Holy John of God parish. The Bishop gave the Rev a series of advice, saying that the priest is the head and as such, should be the example.

He reassured the Christians that the priest is there for them; therefore they too should be there to play their part in the running and growth of the parish. “The priest is the representative of the Bishop and he is available to the Christians at any time”. The Bishop emphasised.

He told the Christians that there is a parish counsel in existence which will work together with the parish priest to see to it that the parish moves ahead smoothly, adding that, the parish priest should treat everyone with love despite tribal or racial differences.

The Christians who turnout massively to witness the ceremony despite the fact that it was a market day, were happy and colourfully dressed, representing different apostolic groups, traditional dance groups and various Christian communities.

The event was also spiced with angelic voices in the choir and an interesting Bible procession in the Bakossi style.

A host of priests, deacons, and seminarians both from within and out of Buea Diocese were also present.