Cameroonian Catholic Archbishop Urges Youths to Master “both worlds” of Tradition and Modernity

“Do not say, ‘I have nothing to do.’ Say instead, ‘My brain is sleeping.’ Wake it up,” he said.

Archbishop Mbarga also encouraged young people to appreciate the economic opportunities available in rural communities through agriculture, livestock farming, and other productive activities instead of viewing villages solely as places of poverty.

On politics, he urged young people to prioritize the common good over partisan interests, encouraging dialogue with traditional leaders and peaceful civic participation.

“What interests young people is the common good. We do not engage in politics for politics’ sake,” he said. 

The Catholic Church leader condemned violence, criminality, and practices associated with witchcraft, calling on young people to become defenders of the sacredness of human life.

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“We want a healthy youth who believes in God, who is pure, and who does not enter into conflicts, wickedness, or pacts with the devil,” he said.

He also reiterated the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life, describing abortion as the taking of innocent human life and appealing to young people to choose life even in difficult circumstances.

Archbishop Mbarga further called on youth to become stewards of the environment by keeping their communities clean, protecting natural resources, and promoting ecological responsibility.

Reflecting on religion, he warned participants against manipulation by self-proclaimed religious leaders who exploit vulnerable people by promising quick solutions to life’s problems.

“The healer who heals is God,” he said, encouraging young people to combine faith with science while maintaining critical judgment.

He cautioned against sects that seek to manipulate consciences for personal gain, saying, “Anyone who tells you that he owns a Church is deceiving you. It is God who founded the Church, not human beings.”

The Cameroonian Catholic Archbishop encouraged young people to entrust their lives to God while taking responsibility for their own future through hard work, discernment, and faith.

“May God help us to reconcile tradition and modernity by valuing the strengths of both and overcoming their weaknesses,” he implored.

The week-long programme includes catechesis, Eucharistic celebrations, Eucharistic adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, cultural evenings, sporting activities, manual work, and a national gathering at the JNJ Village in Bertoua.

Alongside the liturgical celebrations, participants are expected to engage in catechetical reflections and discussions on issues affecting young people in Cameroon, including personal vocation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, culture, faith, and social responsibility.