The Basilica of Mary Queen of the Apostles in Mvolye became a vibrant center of celebration and prayer this June 6, 2026 for the triple jubilee of the Pallottine Fathers (125 years), the Spiritan Fathers (120 years), and the Archdiocese of Yaoundé (70 years).
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, attended as the personal representative of the Head of State, Paul Biya. He joined a distinguished gathering that included the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, the Archbishop of Yaounde, various bishops, government ministers, and traditional authorities, all surrounded by a vast crowd of devout followers.
The main celebrant, Apostolic Nuncio José Avelino Bettencourt, opened his homily with the profound words, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Drawn from the Acts of the Apostles and the Book of Proverbs, he highlighted the vital role of mission and service to humanity within the Church. The Nuncio also honored the enduring commitment of the religious communities in fostering faith and Christian values, concluding his sermon by sharing a special message of congratulations and encouragement from the Pope to the Archbishop of Yaounde.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and unity as polyphonic hymns, traditional drums, and percussion echoed through the basilica, connecting different generations and cultures. Attendees united in deep reflection, celebrating the history, present achievements, and future path of the Ecclesiastical Province of Yaounde, which launched its first pastoral mission exactly 70 years ago in 1956. For the many faithful present, the event was an emotional reminder that this milestone is a living legacy of a shared faith nurtured through patience and generosity for well over a century.
Hosting this historic milestone on the hills of Mvolye carried immense significance, as the site is deeply woven into Cameroon’s religious history and the spiritual growth of Yaoundé’s Catholic community. The celebration successfully honored the rich past of these institutions while reinforcing their continued spiritual mission in the region. Ultimately, the gathering served as both a grateful look back at a century of devotion and a hopeful step forward for the Church in Cameroon.
