From Communion Line to PhD: Disability Ministry in Action

In 2002, while serving as the Director of the Handicap Centre in Mambu-Bafut, North West Region of Cameroon, I came into contact with Princely. One Sunday morning, I went to an outstation to conduct a communion service. This is an apostolate the sisters carry out to assist priests in parishes whenever they are engaged in other pastoral duties.

During the communion service, I noticed a child who came forward to receive communion. At that time, he could still see from a distance. After the service, I made inquiries about the child and learned that he was living with his grandmother. I visited her and asked why she had not sent the child to school. She explained the financial difficulties she was facing. I then asked her to bring the child to the centre the following morning so that we could see what could be done. Eager to see the child grow into a successful person in the future, she brought him early the next morning. Princely was admitted into the centre and began learning Braille.

After two weeks, his teacher, Miss Lukong Evelyne, remarked on his intelligence and noted that he showed signs of a bright academic future. He was very helpful at the centre, assisting other students who were completely blind. However, his eyesight continued to deteriorate until he became completely blind. This, in no way, affected his academic brilliance.

His grandmother regularly visited with foodstuffs to support him. I cannot say much about his mother, as she had left him and continued her studies in the nearby town.

Princely progressed through his academic journey with zeal and determination, from primary school to university level. Thanks to the dedicated work of the sisters at SAJOCAH, I am proud of who he has become today. I had the privilege of attending his PhD defence.

I strongly believe that the Eucharistic Jesus whom I administered to him that blessed Sunday has continued to work miracles in his life. As our Mother Foundress would say, “Praise the Lord in sweet and sour,” I praise and thank God for His blessings in the life of Dr. Princely.