Just before I left for my three-flight trip to Cameroon, I received great news from Deacon Leo that the ceiling damaged by termites at the Compassionate Home in Nigeria had been fully repaired. Our HEAL-sponsored contractors did a fine job of fumigating and restoring the damaged areas, making the Home habitable and functional again. With that important project completed, I felt ready for my second pilgrimage trip to Africa since 2014 to immerse myself in HEAL’s mission on the ground!
After my flight touched down in Douala on Thursday, January 28, I came to a medical screening booth for tourists. “Yellow Fever card!”, the lady in the booth shouted and I produced it and cleared the first checkpoint. Deacon Leo picked me up and we stayed the night in the Valles Des Princes Hotel in Douala, but not before firming up the daily schedule of my three-week trip over dinner. We arrived the next day, after a three-our cab ride, at the Messengers of Justice Formation House.
The MOJ novice sisters, Cecilia, Ruth, Theresa, and Chinena, sang me a beautiful welcome song and placed a hat bearing the Cameroon flag on my head! It was as awesome a welcoming that one could possibly receive! Wasting no time, Deacon Leo led me to the house chapel where the MOJ’s were kneeling in adoration of Jesus exposed in the Eucharist. He left for a moment and returned to the chapel wearing his alb and stole and led us in the Divine Praises and Benediction.
The next day, Saturday, featured the ordination Mass of four candidates to the Priesthood for the Bafang Diocese at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral. Deacon Leo served on the altar as Deacon and I sat with the MOJ’s in the pews as their guest for this wonderful celebration. As the Mass was at 10am, and jet lag made me feel as though it was 3am, I was nodding off to sleep close to the end. As we left the Cathedral the MOJ brothers teased me for not paying attention!
The MOJ congregation, in their self-emptying (Phil. 2:6-11) service to the poor people of rural Africa, are truly anointed by the Holy Spirit! Support HEAL and be a part of their amazing mission and ministry!