Message of Congratulations to His Lordship Bishop Franz-Peter Tebartz-ElstYour Excellency,
Yesterday. 28th of November 2007. we received with great joy the news of your appointment as Bishop of Limburg. by the Holy Father. His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.
On behalf of the entire Diocese of Kumbo. Cameroon. Africa. I write to congratulate you for your appointment to succeed Bishop Franz Kamphaus who retired as Bishop of Limburg on the 2nd of February 2007.
In fact. the people of God of the Diocese of Kumbo-Cameroon have since 1987 journeyed together in faith with the people of God of the Diocese of Limburg-Germany. The growth of this relationship of partnership has in many significant ways enriched the people of both Dioceses. As a result of this growth. some six parishes are now twinned to each other from both sides. This year 2007 marks the 20th anniversary of this partnership relationship. We celebrated this very significant event on the 22nd of April 2006.
We will be celebrating the silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Kumbo on the 8th of December 2007. We will be happy to welcome Mgr. Franz Kasper, who will represent your Diocese at this important celebration. We are confident that with your appointment as the Bishop of Limburg, we will do everyhing on our part to keep the partnership and collaboration benveen our two Churches.
We are reliably infbrmed that your installation at Limburg will take place on Sundav 20th January 2007. The Diocese of Kumbo will surely be represented on that occasicn to manifest our solidarity with the Diocese of Limburg.
On the 5th of September 2006. a delegation of seven from the Diocese of Limburg was at my Episcopal Ordination which took place at St. Augustine.s College. Nso here in Kumbo. They were Mgr. Franz Kasper. Mr. Winfried Montz. Mr.. Christina Maier. Hans-Georg. Fr. Stephan, Daniella Luckacic and Vanessa Trieke. While four of them returned to Limburg on the 12th of September the same year, Daniella and Vanessa both missionaries in time stayed on for a period of one year working with the Kumbo Diocesan Family Life and Youth Apostolates respectively. Presently we have Christine Kloose and Jonas Blaschke with us for another one year term.
In the meantime. I wish to assure you. Mgr. Franz-Peter, of my prayers and those of all the faithful of the Diocese of Kumbo. May God Almighty continue to guide and bless you in your neu ministry as the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Limburg.
Frateraally Yours.
-George Nkuo
Bishop of Kumbo