The Bishop of the Diocese of Kumba, His Lordship Bishop Agapitus Nfon has reminded Sr. Maxima Njang Kiney and Sr. Winfred Koki King’oo, nuns of the Franciscans of Our Lady of the Poor, Ave Maria Parish Bangem of their permanent marriage to Jesus.
The Perpetual or Final Profession took place during the Eucharist celebration at Ave Maria Parish, Bangem, February 8, 2025.
At the Pontifical Mass, Monsignor Agapitus disclosed that by the perpetual profession, the two sisters have accepted the call into chastity, voluntary poverty and obedience .
While wearing the holy matrimonial rings on their right hand ring fingers, the Bishop said Sr. Njang and Sr. Koki will have no boyfriend or husband for the rest of their lives because they have surrendered their entire life to Jesus as their spouse.
He told them to live a life of poverty imitating the virtue of the Virgin Mary, imitating the poverty of Christ, shine the light in them and be a blessing to others.
“Let your poverty shine in your lives so that you live a fulfilled life”. He added.
Bishop Agapitus assured the nuns that God who called them will equip and protect them from all dangers according to the book of Jeremiah in the Holy Bible.
He told them to be diligent and selfless in carrying out their services, to zealously follow the gospel daily, meditate and continue to grow in virtue and the love of God.
The Bishop prayed that the Franciscans bear fruits as this will challenge many to follow the ways of God.
He told parishioners to thank God for the gift of vocation on these two women who have accepted the call to follow Christ, describing the gowns and veils they wear daily as poverty.
He prayed that Christ will enrich them in their poverty and love them in their chastity.
In her words of appreciation, Sr. Njang thanked their Mother Superior, Rev. Sr. Zou Evelyn Che for accepting them as part of their congregation, nurturing their patience with peace to be full members.
She thanked the Christians of Ave Maria Parish for their benevolence. “Our religious journey has just begun. It is a crucial moment for us. Commit us in your prayers”. Sr. Njang pleaded.
Meanwhile Rev. Sr. Zou thanked God for calling the two sisters to serve Him. She said their eleven months stay in Ave Maria Parish Bangem has been remarkable as the Christians are doing wonderful to take care of the Sisters.
The Parish Pastoral Chairman, Epie Stephen rejoiced that they have never witnessed such a ceremony since the creation of their parish in 1952. While handing a symbolic gift to Rev. Sr. Zou, He thanked all those who contributed for the ceremony to be successful.
Sr. Maxima Njang hails from Mbessa Arch Diocese of Bamenda while Sr. Winfred Koki hails from Kenya.
Present at the ceremony was Reverend Fathers of the Kumba Diocese, other Rev. Sisters, Catechists, family members and friends of the newly professed Sisters, amongst others.
The event was spiced with choral singing, traditional dancing, presentation of gifts and merry making.
By Ahone Jessy
