Father John Etta Ndum is a member of the Holy Mass Association of Africa, and pastor at Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Okoyong, Cameroon. He is happy to share with us the story of his parish with pictures.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish of Okoyong

A Journey of Faith. A Legacy of Sacrifice. A House of God for Generations.

The Beginning of the Mission

The story of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Okoyong, is a story of faith, perseverance, sacrifice and God’s providence. It is a history that began more than nine decades ago and continues today through the commitment of generations of priests, religious, parishioners and benefactors who have kept the light of the Gospel burning in this community.

Okoyong was first visited on 2 October 1933 by Rev. Fr. Anthony V. D., who came from Baseng Parish in what was then the Diocese of Buea. His primary mission was to establish a Catholic mission in Mamfe. However, the colonial administration, through the District Officer, did not permit the establishment of a mission within a three-mile radius of Mamfe town.

Undeterred by this setback, Fr. Anthony moved towards Okoyong in search of a suitable location. There, he found a place that offered one of the most essential conditions for missionary life: a reliable source of water. He therefore settled in Okoyong and began the courageous work of planting the seeds of the Catholic faith.

In those early days, Fr. Anthony lived in a humble hut, patiently serving the people while arrangements were made for a more permanent residence. A priest’s house was eventually constructed between 1935 and 1937.

Education and Evangelization

Fr. Anthony was not only a missionary but also a great educator. Recognising the importance of education in transforming lives and building a strong Christian community, he opened a temporary school in Okoyong in 1935.

This educational apostolate eventually bore remarkable fruit. In 1956, Queen of the Rosary College, Okoyong, was established. It became renowned as the first girls’ school in English-speaking Cameroon, making Okoyong an important centre of education and evangelisation.

The mission at Okoyong continued to grow in spiritual and educational importance. At a later stage, the parish headquarters were moved to Mamfe, which would eventually become the seat of the Diocese of Mamfe. Okoyong, however, remained an important Chaplaincy, continuing to nourish the faith of its people.

The Birth of Okoyong Parish

For many years, the Catholic community at Okoyong continued its journey of faith as a chaplaincy. Then, in 2015, a significant milestone was reached: Okoyong was officially erected as a Parish.

The newly established parish community began worshipping in the chapel of Queen of the Rosary College. While the College Chapel has served the Catholic community faithfully for many years, the growth of the parish has created the need for a permanent and befitting place of worship.

The Dream of a Befitting House of God

For several years, the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Okoyong, have carried a deep desire and a great responsibility: to build a church worthy of God and suitable for His people.

With limited resources, the parish community has continued to make sacrifices, raise funds and contribute according to its means. The journey has not been easy. Yet, their faith has remained strong.

Today, the dream is gradually becoming a reality. The new church building is currently under construction. While construction continues, the parishioners have temporarily moved their worship from the College Chapel to the Primary School Hall.

This community is therefore not merely building a structure; they are building a home for generations of believers yet to come.

An Invitation to Be Part of History

The story of Okoyong began with one missionary who, despite obstacles, refused to give up. From a humble hut and a temporary school, the mission grew into a centre of faith and education, giving birth to institutions and generations of Christians who continue to bear witness to the Gospel.

Today, the people of Okoyong are once again asking for the generosity of people of goodwill.

The church under construction is more than bricks, blocks and roofing. It is a visible testimony to faith, sacrifice and hope. It will be a place where children will receive the faith, where families will celebrate the Sacraments, where the sick and suffering will find prayer and consolation, and where future generations will gather to worship God.

The parishioners are doing all they can with the resources available to them, but the task is greater than what they can accomplish alone. They need friends, partners and benefactors who will believe in this vision and help bring it to completion.

We therefore humbly appeal to individuals, families, organisations, institutions and all people of goodwill to join the people of Okoyong in completing this sacred project.

Your contribution, no matter the size, can become part of the history of this parish. A gift today can help provide a permanent home for worship, prayer, evangelisation and community life for generations to come.

May God bless every person who chooses to support this work, and may your generosity become a lasting legacy in the building of His house.