Diaconate ordination in Oliga-Yaoundé
Oliga, December 20, 2025 – The Parish of Saint Raphael and Saint Tobi in Oliga experienced a day of grace and deep communion on the occasion of the diaconal ordination of eight Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, through the laying on of hands by His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.
This solemn celebration took place in the presence of the Reverend Father Ferdinand Owono Ndih, Provincial Superior of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, the parish priest, the formators of the scholasticate, numerous priests, religious men and women, as well as a large crowd of faithful, relatives, and friends of the ordinands.
A gesture of pastoral proximity, a homily marked by concern and hope
In his welcoming remarks, the parish priest greeted with great emotion the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio in this parish, which is not far from to his residence. This was a highly symbolic gesture, perceived by the faithful as an eloquent sign of the proximity of the Universal Church to local communities.
In his homily, Bishop Bettencourt conveyed the paternal and warm greetings of the Holy Father Pope Leo, who carries the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in his heart and grants them his apostolic blessing. He congratulated the new deacons, their families, and the parish communities that accompanied them on their vocational journey.
In keeping with the liturgical season of Advent, the Nuncio invited the people of God not to give in to fear: “Do not be afraid. Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
He encouraged the new deacons to evangelize boldly and to spread God's love, reminding them that the ancient rites of the Church continue to carry a message that is still relevant for people today.
Through his presence and the depth of his message, the Apostolic Nuncio gave an eloquent testimony of pastoral courage, not hesitating to step outside the formal framework to join a local community, encourage missionaries, and strengthen vocations. It was a gesture that deeply touched the Oblates and the entire liturgical assembly.
Deacons committed to serving the People of God
At the end of the celebration, the new deacons gave thanks with the psalmist: “How shall I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?”
They expressed their commitment to live each day in humble service to Christ, recognizing that the diaconate is not lived alone, but at the heart of the People of God: “I am among you as one who serves” (Lk 22:27).
They expressed their gratitude to the Major Superiors of the provinces of Cameroon-Nigeria-Chad and Madagascar, to the formators, to Father Nani Raymond, to Father Joseph T., parish priest and preacher of the preparatory retreat, as well as to their biological and adoptive parents, to the religious communities and to all those who joined in the celebration, including through social media.
Memory and hope among the Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Speaking at the conclusion of the celebration, the Provincial Superior, Rev. Ferdinand Owono Ndih, expressed his deep gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio. He recalled that the Oblates arrived in Cameroon in 1946, nearly 80 years ago, with the mission of evangelizing the north of the country, from Bankim to Fort-Foureau. They founded five dioceses in Cameroon and one in Chad, and in Yaoundé, the parish of Briqueterie, mother of several communities, including the parish of Oliga.
By accompanying their children to the altar, he emphasized, parents offered God their most precious gift. A renewed call to pray for vocations, so that the Church may remain ever alive, missionary, and servant.
Philippe Tchimtchoua