The consecration was marked by a solemn pontifical mass celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Bishop José Avelino Bettencourt.
On Saturday, October 4, the consecration of the new Cathedral of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus of Nkolbivès in Yelwa witnessed a historic moment coincided with the 70th anniversary of the Diocese of Garoua, making the event both spiritual and symbolic for the Catholic community in Cameroon’s northern region.
The consecration was marked by a solemn pontifical mass celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Bishop José Avelino Bettencourt. He was joined by about fifteen bishops from Cameroon and abroad, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Among the dignitaries present were Gabriel Mbairobé, Minister of Agriculture, and Jean Abate Edi’I, Governor of the North Region, alongside government officials, traditional rulers, and thousands of the faithful who gathered to witness the milestone. The Cathedral of Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, now consecrated, stands as a testimony of faith and unity for the Archdiocese of Garoua, which has played a central role in the evangelization and social development of northern Cameroon.
The celebration also served as an opportunity for the faithful to pay glowing tribute to Mgr Faustin Ambassa Ndjodo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Garoua, who has been credited with the vision and determination that brought the project to completion. “This cathedral is not only a house of God but also a heritage for future generations,” said one parishioner, praising the Archbishop’s dedication.
As the Diocese of Garoua enters its eighth decade, the consecration of its cathedral is seen as both a renewal of spiritual commitment and a reinforcement of the Church’s presence in the region. The jubilee and the cathedral consecration have left the faithful with a renewed sense of pride and hope for the future of the Archdiocese.
