By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum
The communique on the transfer and appointment of priests for the year 2022/2023 not only features those called to functions in parishes but also it features newly created institutions. There is the Our Lady of Fatima College Bamendankwe, the Saint Jude’s College Fundong and the Awa Verdzekov Bilingual Teachers Training College which are all new . It important to note that these learning institutions would go a long way to boost the teaching and learning sector especially at a time when there is a clamour for the education of youngsters especially in the interior areas of the Archdiocese of Bamenda.
The Awa Verdzekov Bilingual Teachers Training College which is among the newly created institutions of learning comes as a new outfit to train trainers. This is spectacular especially at a time when more teachers are needed to bring forth knowledge to learners.
Also in the communique on appointments and transfers is an increase in the number of Fidei Donum priests as well as an increase in the number of priests going for further studies. Fidei Donum is a Latin phrase which means the Gift of Faith. In essence, it notes priests moving out of their Diocese to go far away, even as far as Dioceses in other continents to assist in order to respond to the needs of the universal Church. In the just released communique, more priests shall be going out as Fidei Donum. This means the gift of priesthood from the Archdiocese of Bamenda would be felt in other areas. It is a sign of growth in vocations and also a sign of Communion and collegiality in the universal Church which transcends to unity.
Also in the communique more priests shall be going for further studies. These are the ones who would come back fully impacted with knowledge for the enrichment of the local church.
Thus the newly created learning institutions and the priests going to serve as Fidei Donum is a clear mark of growth in the Church. Equally, priests going for further studies indicate that the knowledge from school would ensure that many more areas of pastoral life is be covered which would also transcend to growth in the Church.
By Mildred Ndum Wung Kum