Archdiocese of Yaoundé: The Movement of the Incarnation Launches Its Thirtieth Anniversary Before 600 Faithful

This Sunday, 21 December 2025, will remain engraved in memory. At the Word of God Retreat Centre in Yaoundé (Cameroon), nearly 600 people gathered for a double celebration: the feast of the Nativity and the official launch of the 30th anniversary of the Movement of the Incarnation.

A Jubilee Marked by Missionary Maturity

From the very opening, the atmosphere was solemn. Henri Bayemi, Founder and General Leader, set the tone for this jubilee year. Quoting Saint John Paul II, he recalled that “time is a gift to be sanctified.” For him, this 30th anniversary is not merely a date, but a spiritual milestone: “These 30 years are a year of grace, a jubilee of joy.” He invited each member to leave behind spiritual childhood and enter a phase of maturity and greater fruitfulness.

From Bamenda to the World: A Remarkable Expansion

Emotion was palpable as the history of the movement was recalled. Born humbly in 1996 at the Our Lady of Big Mankon Cathedral in Bamenda, the mustard seed has become a great tree. Today, the Movement of the Incarnation shines across 188 parishes, 9 countries and 4 continents.

Sending Forth in Mission and the Eucharistic Celebration

The Mass, presided over by Father Eugène Patrick and concelebrated by Father Alfred, was the high point of the day. In his homily, Father Alfred offered this striking phrase: “The Word of God Groups are the incarnation of today,” urging families to become living dwellings for God. The rite of sending the leaders of the Yaoundé zone forth in mission gave concrete form to this call: to carry the light received out into the world.

A Christmas of Sharing and Fraternity

Between meditation on the mystery of Christmas, prayer at the manger, evangelisation on stage, the exchange of gifts and the stirring testimonies of members of the Word of God Groups who came from France and the USA, one commitment rang out: to abound in generosity in a practical way and in evangelisation. The retreatants departed not only renewed, but endowed with a new parrhesia to proclaim the Word of God.