The Scholasticate of the Blessed Piarist Martyrs in Yaoundé hosted a meeting of young Piarists with less than six years of experience after their solemn vows. This meeting, held from 8 to 11 April 2026, brought together 19 young priests around the theme: “Professionalism and integral sustainability in our mission.”
Over three days, the fathers whose names follow: Martin Ferdinand Meya Mbegue, Christian Ronel Kenfack Dongmo, Gildas Leinyuy Nyuymengka, Hermann Fabrice Dzodjou, Justin Bandin Fanfon, Eric Amuche Nguh, Armand Robbichaud Kum Tem, Ron Pierre Aboghe Nguema, Daniel Egbuji Ugochukwu, Cyprien Mbupa Mbooto, Milkizedeck Kiamo, Jean Cédric Ango, Brandon Sekuna Tchatien Nuvaga, Desmond Ngwa Fuh, Matthias Sofi, Kevin Tantoh Azeh, Emmanuel Tankeng Aziwung, Desiderio Edu Osa and Ndifor Savior Azeh, acquired new resources to manage better their present missions within the Pious Schools and the Church, around three major axes, according to the following programme:
Wednesday 8 April: Diagnosis and institutional identity of the Province.
Thursday 9 April: Leadership and operational management.
Friday 10 April: Entrepreneurship and integral sustainability.
- The assessment of the Father Provincial: 13 years of grace and growth
After the opening Mass presided over by Fr Moses Kongmi, Sch. P., the session was opened with the opening prayer led by Fr Emmanuel Aziwung Tankeng, Sch. P., and the introductory words of Fr Félicien Mouendji, Sch. P. The latter underlined the current challenges of Africa and Asia within our Order, namely self-sufficiency by 2030.
The Father Provincial then presented the assessment of the Province from its creation in 2013 to the present day, an assessment he considers impressive. The Province extends across four countries: Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the D. R. Congo. There has been growth in the presences, from 13 to 19 communities, with 31 schools and 13 parishes. Vocations are also increasing, since the Province now has around 192 religious.
The Father Provincial was very clear and precise in his message: according to him, this growth requires a transition. “The next ten years will determine the next fifty,” he stated, calling the young religious to become builders of sustainability and managers of institutions.
- Administrative rigour and charismatic fruitfulness
Fr Alex Djoussé, Sch. P., deepened this vision by addressing the management of ecclesial institutions. His message was structured around this idea: spiritual fervour does not exempt us from technical rigour; being spiritual does not prevent us from being rigorous, so that our schools and parishes may be solid. He urged the participants to adopt the administrative process — planning, organising, directing and controlling — in order to transform each work into a solid, transparent and lasting institution.
- The accompaniment of the General Congregation
The meeting benefited from the expertise of Fr Félicien Mouendji, Sch. P., General Assistant for Africa, who had come from Rome. He underlined the importance that the Order today gives to accompanying “young adults.” He also warned against certain challenges or risks in religious or priestly life: worldliness, clericalism and consumerism.
- The call to entrepreneurship
The practical dimension of economic sustainability was illustrated by Mr Tchokoualeu Ludovic, an entrepreneur. By sharing the success of his company Tchokos Sarl, he showed that the generation of local resources is possible with method and perseverance. This sharing nourished a creative workshop on the paths to be taken in order to increase the income of the Province.
- Other reflections and workshops
Other speakers enriched the assembly: Sr Yvonne Nsah spoke on the health of the religious and stress management; Fr Brice Kamga Kamga, Sch. P., presented Piarist leadership; and Fr Innocent Guifo Fowa presented and explained the financial report of the Province from September 2023 to March 2026. The other workshops were structured around round tables and group work.
- The final message of the Father Provincial
In closing, the Father Provincial recalled that this meeting was a pact for the future: it now belongs to this young generation to embody a professionalism that honours the charism of Saint Joseph Calasanz.
Saturday 11 April was devoted to an excursion to Nsoa, in order to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the brothers.
Fr Innocent Guifo Fowa, Sch. P.
Provincial Secretary
