On Thursday, 16th April 2026, the Archdiocese of Bamenda was graced with a historic pastoral visit from His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV. The visit drew an outpouring of faith and joy from across the ecclesiastical province, as thousands of the faithful gathered to welcome the Holy Father.
The Sisters of St. Ann, Cameroon, were actively present and deeply involved throughout this significant event. Several sisters rendered dedicated service in the sacristy, assisting in the preparation and coordination of liturgical celebrations for the bishops and priests, ensuring a prayerful and dignified atmosphere.
A particularly notable moment was the presence of the Delegate Superior, Sr. Carine Bagatsin, who had the honor of being among those who officially welcomed the Holy Father upon his arrival in Bamenda. Her presence symbolized the communion and commitment of the Congregation to the life of the Church.
Sisters traveled from various communities—including Bafoussam, Kumbo, Oku, Fuanantui, and Bamenda—to be part of this joyful occasion. United with the faithful, they lined the route from the airport, offering a warm and vibrant welcome to the Successor of Peter.
During the Holy Father’s audience at St. Joseph Metropolitan Cathedral, two Sisters of St. Ann—Sr. Carine Tangiri and Sr. Mediatrix Fien—were privileged to participate more directly. In a heartfelt exchange, they shared with Pope Leo XIV the realities faced by religious men and women in the ecclesiastical province, including the challenges of their apostolic work and their recent experience of captivity at the hands of unknown gunmen. Moved by their testimony, the Holy Father greeted them in a special way, offering words of encouragement and presenting them with rosaries as a sign of his paternal closeness and prayerful support.
The visit also offered many sisters the personal joy of encountering the Holy Father. Several had the opportunity to greet him, shaking his hand and reverently kissing the Fisherman’s Ring—a moment that will remain a cherished memory for each of them.
This visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda stands as a profound moment of grace, strengthening faith, renewing hope, and affirming the mission of the Church in Cameroon. For the Sisters of St. Ann, it was not only an occasion of service but also a deep encounter with the universal Church, inspiring them to continue their mission with renewed zeal and fidelity.
