In a radiant celebration of faith, service, and enduring commitment to the sick, the Sister Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick marked a historic milestone in Cameroon on Friday, December 9, 2022. The dual event at Immaculate Conception Parish in Ngomgham, Bamenda Archdiocese, commemorated the congregation’s Golden Jubilee—50 years of dedicated presence and ministry in the country—while also witnessing the Final Profession of two young sisters into perpetual vows.
The solemn Pontifical Holy Mass was presided over by His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda, concelebrated by more than 30 priests. In his inspiring homily, the Archbishop joyfully intertwined the themes of the Golden Jubilee and the Final Profession, affectionately referring to Sisters Yvonne Manka Taminang and Jacinta Ettia as the “Golden Jubilee Sisters.” He praised their vocation as a fresh flowering of the congregation’s charism during this landmark year.
The highlight of the liturgy was the Rite of Final Profession, during which Sisters Yvonne and Jacinta, in the presence of the Delegate Superior Sr. Carmen Rodriguez, the Archbishop, and the entire assembly, made their perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience. Rooted in the congregation’s founding charism—received from the Holy Spirit through their Foundress St. Maria Soledad—these vows commit them to serving the sick in hospitals and homes with selfless love and compassion.
Before the final blessing, Sr. Carmen Rodriguez expressed profound gratitude to God for guiding the Sister Servants of Mary through 50 fruitful years in Cameroon. She extended heartfelt thanks to all supporters—bishops, priests, families, benefactors, and communities—who have sustained their mission over the decades.
In a special moment of recognition, several pioneer sisters of the congregation in Cameroon received a Papal Award bestowed by Pope Francis for their lifelong dedication. The awards were presented by Archbishop Nkea, symbolizing the universal Church’s appreciation for their humble yet transformative service.
The celebration drew a diverse and joyful gathering: the Fon of Batengla Dschang, family members of the sisters, Christians from Ngomgham, Widikum, Dschang, and beyond, as well as friends and benefactors of St. Maria Soledad Catholic Hospital in Alakuma, Mankon—including prominent philanthropist Mr. Joseph Mubang (Dr. Joseph Mubang, Founder and CEO of the JF Mubang Foundation).
Dr. Mubang made a generous contribution during the event, presenting a cash envelope of 1 million FCFA to the congregation in support of their ongoing work. He further pledged to donate modern medical equipment for the construction of a new maternity structure at St. Maria Soledad Catholic Hospital, aligning with his foundation’s longstanding focus on healthcare access and support for faith-based medical initiatives in the North West Region.
The reception that followed was filled with warmth and fellowship: a ceremonial cake-cutting, presentation of gifts to the newly professed sisters, and a solidarity meal shared among all attendees, reinforcing bonds of community and gratitude.
This Golden Jubilee and profession ceremony stood as a powerful testament to the enduring charism of the Sister Servants of Mary—caring for the ill with tenderness and professionalism, whether in hospital wards or at patients’ homes. Coming just days after the closing of the Marian Year at the Abangoh Shrine (December 6, 2022), where Dr. Mubang was also present, it further highlighted his consistent support for religious life, education, healthcare, and spiritual renewal in the Archdiocese of Bamenda.
In a region long tested by hardship, such events renew hope, celebrate consecrated service, and affirm the Gospel call to love and heal the most vulnerable—values at the heart of the congregation’s mission and Dr. Mubang’s guiding principle: “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
