Christmas celebrations in Yagoua: a message of peace and social cohesion

On December 24 and 25, St. Anne's Cathedral in Yagoua hosted a celebration of the Nativity marked by a strong message of peace and social cohesion delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt.

The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day celebrations at Sainte-Anne Cathedral were presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio, who was a special guest of the Diocese of Yagoua, invited by Bishop Barthélémy Yaouda Ourgo.

The Apostolic Nuncio conveyed the greetings of Pope Leo XIV and his apostolic blessing, accompanied by a plenary indulgence, in this jubilee year which is drawing to a close.

In his homily, the Holy Father's representative urged the faithful to become artisans of peace, unity, and tolerance, drawing inspiration from the profound meaning of the birth of the child Jesus.

The Apostolic Nuncio invited the people of God to experience a joyful moment, reflecting on the prophecies of the Old Testament that announced the coming of the Messiah and encouraging them to welcome Christ, the eternal Word made flesh, the light of salvation, as well as the profound manifestation of God's love for humanity and for each person individually.

The call for peace and social cohesion launched by His Excellency José Avelino Bettencourt was supported by the Bishop of Yagoua, Monsignor Barthélémy Yaouda Ourgo, before a large crowd from the departments of Mayo-Danay, Mayo-Kani, and Logone-Chari.

The presence of several authorities, notably the Minister of Youth and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, was seen as a sign of attention to the values of living together and citizenship.

In a festive and joyful atmosphere, symbolic gifts were presented to the Apostolic Nuncio, highlighting a moment of fraternal communion, where faith and traditions provided a symbol of everyone's commitment to the same ideal: faith and peace.