Catholic faithful in Kumba Diocese, led by Bishop Agapitus Nfon have in a funeral Mass prayed for the repose of Pope emeritus Benedict XVI. Tributes were also paid to the late Pope emeritus.
In communion with the universal Catholic Church, in union with the Vatican and in testimony of the Oneness and Universality of the Catholic Church, Bishop Agapitus summoned the faithful of the diocese to a funeral Mass for Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI. The Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral Fiango, Kumba in the South-West Region of Cameroon, began at 9:30am, Thursday, 5th January, 2023 same time the burial was taking place in Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, led by Pope Francis.
The bishop celebrated with 25 priests concelebrating, meanwhile lay faithful of various christian associations turned out in their fabric, among them the religious and Catechists.
In his homily, the bishop x-rayed the late pope as a theologian, a saint, and an intellectual. The bishop quoted numerous vatican staff, bishops, cardinals and lay faithful who commented on the greatness of pope emeritus Benedict XVI. Bishop Agapitus said the deceased loved the Church and died loving the Church. The Faith we have today is thanks to him as he defended the faith against many challenges at the time of his Pontificate.
The bishop cited the last words of pope emeritus before he died “signore ti amo” – “Lord l love you” a love he demonstrated in the Church and for the Church. His first encyclical being on the love of God “Deus caritas est” which were the same words uttered by St. Peter to the question asked him by Jesus “Simon do you love me more than these others do” and Peter’s response was immediate and sublime “Lord you know everything, you know l love you”.
Bishop Agapitus is certain that after such love demonstrated by lat Benedict XVI, Christ will say to him “today you will be with me in paradise”.
The Bishop enjoined all to emulate such love and demonstrate such love for God, his Church and for neighbour.
By Rev Father Blessed Ambang Njume, Director of Communications
Diocese of Kumba