Large donations of water, memorial booklets, and road repairs move pilgrims — Archbishop reveals plan for future hostels, esplanade and possible Basilica
Jangma, Bamenda Archdiocese – April 2, 2022 During the Bamenda Archdiocesan Lenten Pilgrimage to the Mater Redemptoris Shrine in Jangma, one family’s quiet generosity touched hundreds of pilgrims and drew public recognition from the Archbishop.
Mr. Joseph Mubang, joined by his younger brother Mr. Michael Mubang, provided over 500 bottles of 1.5-litre mineral water for priests, religious men and women, and pilgrims who took part in the devotion of the Stations of the Cross and the Pontifical Holy Mass. Many of the bottles carried small stickers bearing the images of their late parents, Pa Frederick Mubang and Ma Magdalene Mubang.
Pa Frederick had originally donated the land that now serves as the Mater Redemptoris Shrine. During the blessing rite, Archbishop Andrew Nkea used some of the donated water—assisted by several priests—to bless the gathered faithful.
In addition, Mr. Joseph Mubang donated more than 1,000 commemorative booklets freely distributed to pilgrims. The booklets contained:
- the prayers for the Stations of the Cross
- a biography of Pa Frederick Mubang, described as an educationist, mentor, leader, and key benefactor of the shrine
- a short history of the Mater Redemptoris Shrine Jangma-Mbatu
Many participants later said the booklet left a deep spiritual impression, allowing them to connect the passion of Christ with the living charity of a local family.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Nkea officially introduced Mr. Joseph Mubang to the assembly, thanking him warmly for the donations and for personally financing repairs to damaged sections of the access road to Jangma, making the pilgrimage safer and more accessible.
The Archbishop then shared Mr. Mubang’s long-term vision for the site:
- construction of hostels to accommodate pilgrims desiring longer periods of prayer and retreats
- development of other necessary pilgrimage infrastructure
- creation of a large esplanade suitable for open-air liturgical celebrations during major diocesan and national gatherings
- his ultimate hope — the eventual construction of a Basilica dedicated to Our Lady, Mother of the Redeemer (Mater Redemptoris)
In a symbolic gesture, Archbishop Nkea personally walked with Mr. Mubang to a specific area of the shrine grounds and indicated where these future structures could be located.
“Continue to imitate the beautiful example of your departed parents,” the Archbishop prayed publicly, asking God to bless and sustain Mr. Mubang’s commitment to the spiritual growth of the Archdiocese.
For many who attended that Lenten Saturday, the day became more than a remembrance of Christ’s Passion — it became a living reminder that love, generosity, and faith can endure across generations and continue to bless complete strangers.
