St. Paul’s Quasi Parish Ntahkikah Nkwen has been canonically erected as a full parish by His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda. The event which took place on Sunday 11 August 2024 was marked by a heavily attended pontifical mass at St. Paul’s Parish Church.
During his message, Archbishop Nkea explained the significance of this elevation, noting that St. Paul’s is now the third parish in Bayelle after St. Michael’s Futru and St. John’s Foncha Street.
Citing Canon 515, he explained that the new parish will be placed under the leadership of a Parish Pastor and emphasized that only the Diocesan Bishop, in consultation with the Diocesan Presbyterial Council or the College of Consultors, can erect or suppress a parish.
The Archbishop elaborated on the symbolism of the two keys presented during the ceremony, which represent the temporal authority over the church and the spiritual power to open the doors to heaven, a tradition inspired by Matthew 16 where Jesus hands keys to Peter. This gesture marked the parish's spiritual and administrative maturity.
To be recognized as a full parish, the Archbishop explained that St. Paul’s Quasi Parish had to demonstrate spiritual maturity, financial autonomy, and administrative independence. These were evidenced by the spiritual returns from baptisms, confirmations, marriages, communions, and the growth of apostolic groups as well as financial returns from alms collected and contributions from Christians and the Diocese.
His Grace Andrew Nkea expressed deep appreciation to the Christian community for their dedication, noting the construction of a befitting church house, the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, and the exemplary cleanliness of the church, which he recognized as one of the best in the Archdiocese. He also acknowledged the construction of a presbytery, the acquisition of a parish car and hall, a school building, and one of the finest Adoration Chapels.
According to the bull creating the parish, read by Chancellor Rev. Fr. Derek Che, St. Paul’s Mission was first raised to a Quasi Parish on August 16, 2017. The bull also appointed Rev. Fr. Waindim Ignatius as the pioneer Parish Priest after serving as Parish Rector.
In a solemn installation, Rev. Fr. Waindim Ignatius pledged loyalty and fidelity to the church before receiving the symbolic keys. He then shared a handshake with his fellow priests, Rev. Sisters, Parish Pastoral Council members, and group leaders, sealing his commitment to leading the newly established parish.
The event was attended by several priests and a large congregation, marking a new chapter in the history of St. Paul’s Parish Ntahkikah Nkwen.