This was the central message of Bishop Michael Bibi’s preaching this February 17, 2026 at the Bishop Jules Peter’s Memorial College Bokwaongo, Buea during the inaugural mass he celebrated. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of the institution and thanked the staff for their tireless efforts in forming students. He called on staff to lead by example, acknowledging the students’ efforts to excel and make their school proud.

The prelate emphasized the importance of doing what is right, noting that “temptation isn’t a sin, but falling into temptation is what is sinful”. He highlighted that Catholic education provides holistic, pastoral, and moral training, aiming for balanced growth that shapes students into responsible citizens.

Bishop Bibi challenged students to be exemplary, shun crime, and cultivate respect and moral uprightness. He encouraged them to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, making a positive impact in their communities.

This ceremony comes prior to a catechetical session hoisted by Bishop Michael Bibi, the Chief Shepherd of the Diocese of Buea on understanding the season of Lent.

The session organized on February 16 took place at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish Buea Town. In his words to the Christians, Bishop Bibi explains the meaning of “Lent” and what it entails as the faithful prepare to enter the Lenten season, which begins on Wednesday, February 18th.

“In the Christian tradition, specifically in the Catholic Church, Lent is a 40-day liturgical season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for the celebration of Easter. The word “Lent” itself derives from the Middle English word “Lenten” and the Old English “lencten”, which literally means “springtime.” It refers to the lengthening of days that occurs during this season in the Northern Hemisphere

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Lent is a time to participate in the Mystery of Christ. The Catechism states that by the solemn forty days of Lent, the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert (CCC 540).

Again, the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes Lent not just as a countdown to Easter, but as a spiritual retreat for the entire Church.

-Lent as a time to experience and answer the Call to Conversion: The primary goal of Lent and its practices is “interior penance,” which is a radical reorientation of one’s whole life—a return to God with all our heart (CCC 1431).

Lent is a time of the “retreat of the Church.” It is a time to die to one’s ego so that one can truly rise with Christ at Easter. As the Church states in the Liturgy of the Hours, Lent is a “favorable time” for a change of heart.” Said the Bishop while noting that the catechesis aims to help the faithful grasp the significance of Lent and how to prepare themselves spiritually for this period of reflection and renewal.