The Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, officially represented the Head of State on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during the grand closing Mass of the National Episcopal Conference and Catholic National Youth Day.
Held at the Christ the King Parish in Nkolbikon, located within the Diocese of Bertoua, the solemn Eucharistic celebration brought together thousands of enthusiastic young Catholics from across the Ecclesiastical Province of Bertoua. The event was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, alongside key religious leaders.
In his welcome address, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bertoua, Most Rev. Joseph Atanga, warmly received the Minister and highlighted his attendance as an excellent symbol of the ongoing cordial collaboration between the State and the Church. Youth leaders present at the ceremony also expressed their sincere gratitude to both institutions for fostering a spirit of communion throughout the gathering. Archbishop Atanga further emphasized that the active participation of the civil administration alongside the youth served as a powerful sign of harmony dedicated to promoting faith, peace, and public service.
Delivering the homily, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt conveyed the Apostolic Blessing of Pope Leo XIV to the assembled faithful. Centering his message on the 2026 National Catholic Youth Day theme “Do not be afraid! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) the Nuncio urged the young generation to remain courageous and steadfast in their spiritual journey. He called on them to draw closer to Jesus Christ, describing Him as the true treasure capable of guiding and transforming their daily lives, while assuring them of Christ’s constant presence.
The high-profile event concluded on an inspiring note as the Apostolic Nuncio imparted a final solemn blessing upon the congregation. animated by vibrant prayers and dynamic participation, the celebration successfully underscored a shared commitment by both national authorities and ecclesiastical leadership to support and guide Cameroonian youth toward a hopeful future.
