Tertiary Sisters Celebrate the Creation of the Maria Hueber Province and Final Professions of Three Sisters

On August 30, 2024, the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis (TSSF) celebrated the establishment of the Maria Hueber Province, following the division of the former Province of Cameroon. The occasion also marked the final vows of three sisters who committed to lifelong service through vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity.

The celebrations began the previous evening with a torchlight procession from the compound of John Ngu Foncha to the temporary seat of the new province at La Verna Spiritual Centre. Participants gathered for the blessing of the Provincialate, followed by the planting of a symbolic seed, representing a new beginning.

The formal event commenced with a Holy Mass at St. John the Baptist Church in Bamenda. Attendees included Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, the Governor of the North West Region, Lele Afrique, and other religious and community leaders. The reading of the Bull of Erection, declaring the new province, was delivered by Sr. Theodosia Baki, Superior General of the Congregation.

In his homily, Archbishop Nkea praised the TSSF for their contribution to evangelization and noted that the creation of the new province mirrored the growth seen within the Ecclesiastical Province of Bamenda since the establishment of the Diocese of Buea in 1951. He urged the new Provincial Leadership Team to serve with humility and faith.

The day also included the final professions of Sr. Gisele Kia Yong, Sr. Neris Ndi Ngwanyong, and Sr. Franciscan Kunse Verye. The Archbishop advised the sisters to remain steadfast in their commitments and vigilant against distractions such as materialism and power.

Provincial Superior Sr. Angela Ngube Emade extended her gratitude to all who supported the process and reminded the newly professed sisters to live their vows faithfully.

This milestone event highlighted the continued growth and resilience of the Tertiary Sisters of St. Francis.