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Español On August 2, 2026, The Tertiary Sisters of Saint Francis (TSSF) came together in prayer, gratitude and celebration at Shisong Convent to mark a milestone of faith as five sisters celebrated their Diamond, Golden and Silver Jubilee.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop George Nkuo of Kumbo.
A Liturgy Marked by Joy and Franciscan Spirit
The Mass was beautifully animated with a solemn entrance and a lectionary procession in the Nigerian Ibo style. Voices raised in songs from across Cameroon filled the chapel, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere of conviviality that reflected the Franciscan joy at the heart of TSSF life.
“Serve and Love Until It Hurts”
In his homily, Bishop Nkuo congratulated the jubilarians and paid special tribute to Sr. Anna Nyuydini, pioneer indigenous Provincial Superior of the erstwhile Cameroon Province and first African to serve as a General Councillor of the TSSF Congregation. Quoting Mother Teresa of Calcutta, he urged the sisters ‘to serve and love till it hurts’ .
He celebrated the congregation’s enduring impact through the services of Sisters Anna Nyuydini, Hedwig Vinyo, Breda Shiyghan, Clementine Chia and Ilyn Wiysanyuy in:
- Healthcare – bringing healing and dignity to the sick
- Prison Ministry – giving hope to prisoners
- Service to the Poor – empowering the underprivileged and marginalized
Drawing from the charism of St. Francis, the Bishop called the sisters and all present to lives of simplicity, authenticity, and genuine friendship.
He also warned against “popularity achieved on the altar of selfishness” and thanked the jubilarians for 60, 50, and 25 years of hidden sacrifices. He prayed that they continue to be “sources of inspiration to the young.”
“Everything is Grace”
In their speech, the jubilarians rendered gratitude to God, acknowledging that vocation is a seed planted by God. They equally rendered thanks to God, whose grace has been sustaining them.
Celebrating within the Extraordinary Franciscan Jubilee Year, the sisters made a concrete pledge to ” feed the hungry”in a special way until the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year.
They observed that Jubilee is a time of thanksgiving and looking forward to the with renewed hope and generosity.”
They expressed gratitude to Bishop Nkuo for his pastoral care, to the General Leadership Team (GLT) and Provincial Leadership Team(PLT) for their accompaniment, to fellow sisters for fraternal support, and to their families for generously offering them to work God’s vineyard .
The Superior General, Sr. Theodosia Baki reflected that Jubilee years represent “a generous pouring of life for the service of God and love to humanity”and affirmed that “God’s grace is sufficient for the years ahead.”
She hailed Sr. Anna Nyuydini (Diamond Jubilarian) as a living testimony of faithfulness and endurance, praised the Golden Jubilarians (Sisters Hedwig and Breda) for their lives that speak of God’s generosity, and urged the Silver Jubilarians (Sisters Clementine and Ilyn) to remain open to God’s will.
A Celebration of Commitment
The celebration concluded with photographs, friendly encounters and a fraternal meal.
As TSSF looks to the future, the witness of these 5 jubilarians renews the congregation’s commitment to live the Gospel in simplicity, serve the poor with joy, and be faithful instruments of Christ’s peace.