By Elvis Tah
St. Clare's Catholic Church Menji, Friday, January 9, played host to a motley crowd that congregated to immortalise "Mafua Ndem", Queen Mother of Lebialem.
Bishop Vedzekov (extreme right), Fon Njifua, Emmaus, Rev Giancario & Chiefs
Mafua Ndem Chiara Lubich, who died on March 14, 2008, at the age of 88, was considered the Queen Mother of Lebialem because she was the bearer of a 'torchlight that illuminated' the entire forest region of Lebialem Division.
Her footprints and invaluable contribution to development of Lebialem, through the Focolare Movement, has left an indelible mark in the Division.In a concelebrated Mass to consecrate Chiara's passing away, Arch Bishop Emeritus, Paul Vedzekov of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province, stated that Chiara was the lord's instrument to bring the Bangwa people to understand and live the life of "Jesus'.
The current President and Co-President of the Focolare Movement, Emmaus Maria Voce and Rev. Father Giancarlo Faletti, came all the way from Italy to take part in the event.
The prelates at the end of the mass led the multitude to the esplanade of Mary Health of Africa, MHA, (a hospital founded by Chiara), where Emmaus cut a symbolic ribbon and Rev. Giancarlo unveiled a new statue of Chiara Lubich.
The traditional phase of the celebrations continued the following day, at the village square of Azi Palace Fontem. The carnival saw a display of traditional values and relics of the German annexation by the Bangwa Chiefs to their comrades from Manyu and the Northwest Region.
The Nweh and Mundani (Bangwa) people treated their local and foreign guests to the rhythm of "Eseh," "Asamba," and other traditional dance display. At the resonance of the "nteuh" and "nkiangeh" (talking drums) the masquerades came out of the "lefem" (sacred forest) led by Fon Njifua of Fontem, and started the jigging.
It should be noted that the Seats of Wisdom Ex-Students, SWESANS, at home and abroad, led by their President General, Gregory Allem, came en mass to give the celebration the grandeur it deserved.
The Post gathered that Chiara's statue cost FCFA 16 million. The money was contributed by the SWESANS, Lebialem elite and the Italian members of the focolare movement.
Who Was Chiara Lubich?
Mafua Ndem Chiara Lubich was an Italian philanthropist who founded the Focolare Movement, an association comprised of Christians and non Christians from all denominations as well as friends of no formal faith. The movement has spread worldwide to 182 countries.
Chiara Lubich first arrived in Cameroon in 1965 and was received by Bishop Peeters. She visited Fontem in 1966 and founded the MHA, the Our Lady Seats of Wisdom College and a hydroelectricity plant. She inaugurated the St. Clare's Church, Menji, in 1970 and the first Mariapolis in Fontem.
St. Clare's Parish Fontem was placed under the Mamfe Diocese with Mgr. Francis Teke Lysinge as first Bishop.The philanthropist also initiated the construction of roads to link neighbouring villages in Lebialem like Fotabong and Besali.
Reactions
The Christian community of Lebialem and the Focolare Movement decided to have a requiem mass to celebrate the life of Chiara Lubich and her legacy. I want to thank the Bishop of Mamfe for inviting me to present the homily in this mass.
Arch Bishop Emeritus Paul Vedzekov
We thank God the event went on smoothly; we had people from across the world. You could see the enthusiasm, the presence of the new President and Co-president of the Focolare Movement is something that gives us hope that the partnership will grow.
Vincent Anu, (SWESAN), Assistant Event Manager
I came because I am a Christian and I am strongly associated to the Focolare Movement though I am not a member. The event is historical because Chiara Lubich was a very charismatic woman who took the world by storm. The movement is inter-religious and fundamental that if you understand it you will find that it binds and inspires you tremendously.
Prof. Lantum, Shufai of Nso
My attachment to this fondom and the Bangwa people generally dates far back when my father had a particular link with the present fon's father and this had brought me close to this fondom. That is why whenever there is a cultural manifestation I am always present. I want to say that the role that Chiara Lubich had played is one that most of the philanthropists in the world would not do. She has left a legacy that should be inculcated by many others in the world.
His Royal Majesty Nfor Tabetando
The Lebialem people have come out to celebrate the legacy of a heroine who came to redeem the entire Bangwa community. We are celebrating her great achievements.
Fon Njifua Fontem, Paramount Chief of Lebialem
A good article. Well Put!
Mama Chiara was, and still is an ever shining light...Her teachings have been vehemently felt in the Lebialem community.
Her death was saddening to all, but we do believe she is dwelling on the Lord's right hand side.
Clovis Tah, I appreciate your wording in this write-up.
Posted by: Optimist | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 09:29 AM
Sorry about the mistake...i wanted to write Elvis Tah, not Clovis Tah.
Posted by: Optimist | Friday, 16 January 2009 at 09:32 AM