1975-2025 Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Mankon-Bamenda
The Archdiocese of Bamenda is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of its cathedral. The building dedicated to Saint Joseph was consecrated in 1975 The Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop Jose Avelino BETTENCOURT, honored the event with a three-day pastoral visit during which he rededicated St. Joseph's Cathedral in Bamenda, while inviting the faithful to peace, national unity, and reconciliation.
Arriving in Bamenda on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop Jose Avelino BETTENCOURT, was greeted by a huge jubilant crowd chanting songs of joy, gratitude, and hope. The most striking sight was the majestic renovated cathedral, “a sign that the future looks brighter than the past,” according to Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda.
A work that tells the story of the people of God in Bamenda.
This cathedral has a brighter and more imposing appearance: three giant icons occupy the main façade (Saint John Paul II, Saint Joseph, and Saint Paul VI); higher up, at the main entrance, three statues stand enthroned (Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul). The whole is supported by the Latin inscription Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus Imperat. The main door is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, while at the top of the roof stands the statue of Jesus the Redeemer surrounded by the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and the Twelve Apostles. Inside, the ceiling offers a beautiful view of the coats of arms of the popes, from Paul VI to Leo XIV, as well as the archbishops who have marked the history of Bamenda (Paul VERDZEKOV, Cornelius FONTEM ESUA, Andrew NKEA).
Messages of peace, unity, and reconciliation
In his homily, the Nuncio gave a teaching on the meaning and significance of a cathedral, a symbol of faith and a testament to the precious heritage of the founding fathers of the Church. He reminded the faithful of Bamenda that unity is essential for building a better future, as are the consolidation of peace and reconciliation.
All those involved in the construction of this building received the blessing of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, as well as medals of recognition produced by the Archdiocese of Bamenda. In his address during the solemn Mass on Saturday, November 14, 2025, the Archbishop of Bamenda asked the faithful to live their lives in accordance with the synodal spirit and to offer everyone, without distinction, the most precious gifts in Cameroon at this time: forgiveness and reconciliation.
The event was attended by the bishops of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon and the administrative authorities of the North-West region of Cameroon. The Cameroonian Head of State was represented by Mr. FAI YENGO Francis, Advisor to the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon.
The second dedication ceremony featured discussions, cultural activities, and traditional dance performances. After visiting several educational institutions, the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop José Avelino BETTENCOURT, left Bamenda in an atmosphere of renewal and hope.
Sr. Paule Valérie for Radio Vatican