Ruby Jubilee of the Presence of the Sisters of St Ann in Cameroon and Silver Jubilee of Three Sisters
Bamenda, Cameroon – 24 October 2026
With hearts filled with gratitude to God, the Sisters of St Ann joyfully celebrated 40 years of their presence and mission in Cameroon, marking their Ruby Jubilee, from 10 October 1986 to 10 October 2026. The celebration was also an occasion to give thanks for the 25 years of consecrated life of three sisters: Sr Pamela Bongben, Sr Veraline Yung and Sr Vivian Ndiagang, who celebrated their Silver Jubilee.
The peak of the Jubilee celebrations took place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at St John the Baptist Parish, Foncha Street, Bamenda, bringing together Sisters of St Ann from across the Cameroon Delegation, members of the Lay Associates of St Ann (LASA), religious men and women from other congregations, clergy, family members, friends, parishioners and well-wishers.
A Prayerful Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving
The Jubilee celebration was preceded by a prayerful pilgrimage on the eve of the main celebration. Sisters, formees and LASA members journeyed together to the Fountain of Divine Mercy Pilgrimage Centre, below Foncha, Bamenda.
The pilgrimage was a beautiful spiritual preparation for the Jubilee, providing an opportunity to pause, pray and reflect on the 40-year journey of the Sisters of St Ann in Cameroon. It was a moment to acknowledge God’s faithfulness, the blessings received, the challenges overcome and the many lives touched through the congregation’s presence and apostolic mission in the country.
Eucharistic Celebration of Thanksgiving
The Jubilee day began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya, Archbishop of Bamenda.
He was joined by the Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda, His Lordship Bishop John Berinyuy Tata, and numerous priests from different dioceses across Cameroon, who came together to celebrate with the Sisters of St Ann on this historic occasion.
In his homily, Bishop John Berinyuy acknowledged and appreciated the remarkable contribution of the Sisters of St Ann to the Church and society in Cameroon. He expressed gratitude for their presence, commitment and service to the local Church, highlighting the many ways in which the sisters have shared in the mission of Christ through their apostolic works.
The Eucharistic celebration therefore became a profound moment of thanksgiving for 40 years of God’s presence, protection, guidance and abundant blessings upon the Sisters of St Ann and their mission in Cameroon.
A Celebration Graced by the Congregational Leadership
The Jubilee celebration was further enriched by the presence of Sr Francisca Sarcia, Superior General of the Sisters of St Ann, who travelled to Cameroon for her canonical visit and to share in this significant milestone with the sisters.
Also present was Sr Anitha Lobo, Vicar General and point of reference for Cameroon.
At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Sr Francisca addressed the gathering and expressed her joy and satisfaction at the growth and development of the congregation’s mission in Cameroon over the past 40 years. She encouraged the sisters to remain faithful to their vocation and mission, urging them to continue moving forward with courage, commitment and steadfastness in the service of God and his people.
Her presence and words of encouragement were a source of joy and inspiration to the entire Cameroon Delegation.
A Gathering of the Sisters, Church and Community
The celebration brought together the Sisters of St Ann from the entire Cameroon Delegation, religious men and women from other congregations, clergy, members of LASA from different dioceses, parishioners, family members, friends and well-wishers.
The presence of His Excellency Lele Afrique, Governor of the North West Region, as well as the Fon of Bambui, added a special dimension to the celebration and demonstrated the esteem and goodwill enjoyed by the Sisters of St Ann within the wider community.
The gathering reflected not only the growth of the congregation but also the many relationships that have been built throughout the 40 years of presence and service in Cameroon.
Celebrating 25 Years of Faithful Consecrated Life
The Jubilee celebration also provided a special opportunity to honour three sisters who marked 25 years of consecrated life:
- Sr Pamela Bongben
- Sr Veraline Yung
- Sr Vivian Ndiagang
Their Silver Jubilee was celebrated as a testimony of God’s fidelity and grace throughout their years of consecrated service. Their journey of dedication and perseverance continues to inspire the younger generations of sisters and those who encounter them in their various apostolic missions.
A Joyful Family Celebration
Following the Eucharistic celebration, the Jubilee festivities continued in a joyful and fraternal atmosphere.
The gathering included family photographs, dances, beautiful and inspiring presentations, and a fraternal meal, providing everyone with an opportunity to relax, rejoice and celebrate the bonds of sisterhood, friendship and communion.
The joy expressed throughout the day was a beautiful reflection of the spirit of the Jubilee: remembering with gratitude, celebrating with joy and looking towards the future with hope.
40 Years of God’s Faithfulness
From the arrival of the Sisters of St Ann in Cameroon on 10 October 1986 to the present day, the journey has been marked by God’s providence and the generous commitment of countless sisters who have served in different parts of the country.
Through education, pastoral ministry, health care, formation, youth ministry, social and charitable activities, parish apostolate and numerous other forms of service, the Sisters of St Ann have sought to make God’s love visible among the people entrusted to their care.
The Ruby Jubilee is therefore more than a celebration of a date. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness, the generosity of mission, the witness of consecrated life and the many people who have journeyed with the congregation over these four decades.
As the Sisters of St Ann look back with grateful hearts, they also look forward with renewed hope and commitment, trusting that the God who has accompanied them for 40 years will continue to guide their mission in Cameroon.
40 years of presence.
40 years of service.
40 years of hope.
40 years of love.
40 years of God’s faithfulness.
To God be all the glory!
