Maria Hueber Province Hosts First Assembly

The Maria Hueber Province in North West Cameroon held its first mini-assembly from November 30 to December 3, 2024. The gathering began with a solemn summoning by Sr. Angela Ngube Emade, Provincial Superior, who called each attendee by name before they entered the Assembly Hall.

At the opening session, Sr. Anna Kiven, Provincial Vicar, spoke on the theme “Authenticity and Integrity of Life”. Sr. Angela Ngube, the Provincial Superior, provided an overview of the sisters and communities in the newly created Province, highlighting its key apostolates: Formation, Education, Health, Pastoral, and Social Work. During the session, Sr. Ruphina Ebamu was officially appointed Delegate for Nigeria.

Later, Fr. Aloysius Ngongbi, OFM Cap., addressed the sisters on sustainability, emphasizing that as the first generation of the Maria Hueber Province, they must establish a fraternal economy rooted in communion, dialogue, transparency, and accountability. He stressed that financial management should enhance solidarity and participation in decision-making. Similarly, Dr. Martin Ambe, Finance Controller of the Archdiocese of Bamenda, spoke on financial management, urging the sisters to handle money with the fear of God and to ensure proper documentation of all financial transactions.

As the assembly continued, Sr. Angela Ngube presented the Development Office Report, followed by Sr. Anna Kiven, who spoke on the importance of building community. She stressed the need for a strong value system where sisters are intentionally present to themselves and others. She underscored the Franciscan values of love, forgiveness, unity, faith, hope, contemplation, simplicity, hospitality, and poverty, encouraging the sisters to embody these virtues in their daily lives. Drawing on the African philosophy of Ubuntu—humanity toward others—she called for the creation of communities where sisters actively support and uplift one another.

Sr. Ignatia Asoh led a reflection on the virtues of Maria Hueber, focusing on faith, hope, love of God, and charity, along with the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, poverty, chastity, obedience, and humility. She also explored the charismatic gifts associated with Maria Hueber, such as prayer, contemplative experiences, prophecy, and spiritual vision. Her presentation concluded with a symbolic act—the burying of soil from the tomb of Maria Hueber—as a sign of her spiritual presence in the Province.

On the final day, the assembly outcomes were read and adopted. During the closing Mass on December 3, 2024, community leaders were officially commissioned as ambassadors of the Province in their respective communities. The mini-assembly marked a significant milestone for the Maria Hueber Province, strengthening its identity, mission, and commitment to Franciscan values.