By Br. Singfred Sinior M'sene, BSM
On Thursday, January 4, 2008, the Christian community of Nkar in Kumbo Diocese, friends and relatives of Fai Patrick Tangwa, popularly called ' Fai Koffi' thronged the premises of Saint Mary's Church Nkar, to thank God for a series of blessings showered on his family .
The events were the 80th birthday anniversary of Fai Koffi, the 70th birthday anniversary of Fai koffi's wife, Mama Felicia Wichin, the Golden Jubilee of their marriage, the 40th birthday anniversary of their Son, Rev. Fr. Eugene Nkardzedze and the 10th anniversary of Fr. Nkardzedze's ordination to the priesthood.
Catholic Christians and Christians of other denominations, especially from Mfumte, braved the bad roads, travelling for two days in an open-back truck, to witness the event. Mfumte is the most remote quasi parish in Kumbo Diocese and evangelisation there is still at the primary level. Fr. Nkardzedze has been serving there as Parish Priest for about five years.
The occasion began with Holy Mass at 11 a.m, which was presided at by the Bishop of Kumbo, Mgr. George Nkuo. He concelebrated the mass with the Parish Priest of Nkar, Rev. Fr. Oliver Shey and his Vicar, Rev. Fr. Roland Berngeh. After a splendid lectionary procession led by the cadet's of Mary, Fai koffi's two children, Dr. Edwin Nformi and Rev Sr. Pascaline Ghandzene, proclaimed the first and second Readings respectively. In his homily, Fr. Berngeh laid emphasis, to a greater extent, on the 10th anniversary of Fr. Nkardzedze in the priesthood.
He said, to many organising an event to thank God for 10 years in the priesthood, may be considered premature. He then, underscored the importance of thanksgiving to God for every achievement in life, no mater how small. He further explained that priests need to thank God in a special way, for even one year in the priesthood, because some people have tried for one year and have not succeeded. He called on all who have been praying and encouraging Fr. Nkardzedze in the ministry, to keep on for the journey is still long. The homily was followed by the renewal of the marital vows of Fai Koffi and his wife and the renewal of Fr Nkardzedze's priestly vows.
The Fai Koffi Family presented many gifts during offertory. Among the gifts presented were some chasubles to the Parish Church. The Christians of Mfumte, who arrived a few minutes to the end of the Mass, had a chance to present their gifts before the final blessing. Their offertory procession was special. They stole the show by singing and dancing beautifully. Their modest attire did not water down their enthusiasm. They presented beautifully weaved handicraft items. Fai Koffi and his son Fr Nkardzedze praised those who had come to join them in thanking God for the innumerable blessings showered on their family over the years.
They said they could not find the appropriate words to convey their gratitude to all those who had turned out to support them. Fr. Nkardzedze lauded the efforts of the people of Mfumte. He said when he first went to Mfumte the people did not want to see him because they were very suspicious of church's mission. 'Now they have become my best friends' he said. He called on all to think of Mfumte, whose inhabitants are living below the poverty level. The parish, he said, has only about 50 communicants.
He paid tribute to Fr. Herman Guvla, present parish priest of Elak -Oku whom he described as his mentor, for his constant support in his pastoral ministry. Many priests and Religious from Nkar turned out for the event.
Source: http://www.leffortcamerounais.com/