My Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination (And A Little of My History)

In a way, remembering my parents, Mama Julita Jeh Lon (RIP April 28, 2019), and Papa Damian Lon – Tula Lon (RIP June 30, 2023), is always hard. Daddy and Mummy, thank you for the upbringing you gave my siblings and me. I can never thank you enough. You had nothing, yet you gave up everything for our sake. May you continue to enjoy the reward of eternal life in heaven. Please, Mum and Dad, intercede for us.

Fr. Emmanuel’s parents; papa Damian Lon (RIP) and mama Julita Jeh (RIP)

By the grace of God and his mercy, and in love with his Son, Jesus Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, I was ordained a priest on April 19, 2001, alongside 9 others. I thank God and the bishop who ordained us, Msgr. Cornelius Fontem Esua, who became the Archbishop of Bamenda. I thank Bishop George Nkuo, his successor, who saw great potential in me and sought to train me further. May God bless you, my Lord. Thank you to all my family members and friends who have been so instrumental to my ministry as a priest. May God abundantly reward you.

This year, 2026, all ten of us will have celebrated 25 years of service in the Lord’s vineyard. Unfortunately, the cold hands of death took two of our brothers, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Futua Bong and Rev. Fr. Polycarp Yukeng Wormulamifobam. May they rest in peace and intercede for us from the heavenly realm.

I thank God for his guidance and protection. I am not alive because I am better or holier; God’s grace has kept me alive. On September 22, 2007, just a month after my appointment as the pastor of Saint Kizito’s Parish, Sabongari, Fr. Omer Sevidzem, my associate; Sr. Christina Ayimndong Ndi, a sister of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and Principal of St. Theresia’s College, Sabongari; and I went to the funeral of Rev. Fr. Charles Acha, an elderly priest who was called home. On our way back to Sabongari, while descending the very steep Sop Hill toward the village of Ntaba and then continuing to Sabongari, we had a brake failure. The one-cabin Toyota Hilux became free and descended the hill at an uncontrollable speed. Because the road meandered sharply due to the hill's steepness, at a very sharp corner the car flew into the air, cut a tree branch, and landed on rocks, cracking the engine in two.

The three of us were conscious but in serious pain. I was the driver, and the steering wheel was on my chest, with other parts of the broken car on my hands and feet. A bike rider directly behind us knew something had happened, and when he heard one of us cry from the bush, he made his way into the thick bush to check. On finding us, he came back to the road, and fortunately there was a passenger car heading the same direction – to Sabongari. All the passengers got out and asked the driver to take us back to the hospital in Kumbo. It took twenty minutes to pull me out of the accident car; meanwhile, the car threw Fr. Sevidzem out before it landed on rocks, and the Rev. Sister struggled and came out through the broken windshield (windscreen). I was the only one who needed assistance to come out.

We remain grateful to the bike rider who alerted others to help us. We are eternally grateful to those passengers in the red Tercel car who came out and told the driver to take us to the hospital. We do not even know how they reached their own destinations that day, but we are sure that God is rewarding them for all they did. We thank the driver of the red car who carried us to the hospital. I am not sure whether we paid him for his services. We are deeply thankful to the parishioners of Sabongari parish who heard of the incident and visited us in the hospital during the two months we were there. Many brought us food and drinks. The cook at the father’s house in Sabongari was among the first to come. Thank you, Madam Ndekwo.

At the time of the accident, I was 6 years, 5 months, and 3 days a priest. My life would have ended then, but through God's mercy and benevolence, my friends and I were kept alive, and in 2026, I am not celebrating 6 years of priesthood, but 25 years of priestly service in the Lord’s vineyard. This is an occasion for me to thank God for his mercy and thank all those God put in my path to make my priestly ministry fruitful. I am extremely grateful to all those with whom I have served or those I have served. I remember the students and teachers of Saint Aloysius’ Minor Seminary (SAMS), Kitiwum, where I first taught from 2001 to July 2003. I also served the students and teachers at Saint John Bosco’s Catholic Comprehensive College, Ngarum, Ndu Subdivision, where I was principal from August 2003 to June 2007. I remain grateful to all my choristers in the Diocese of Kumbo for the time I served as Choir Chaplain from 2001 to 2007. I also served the parishioners of St. Kizito’s parish from August 2007 to June 2010.

I am grateful to the students and faculty of St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America, where I began furthering my education and earned my Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Biblical Theology) on May 10, 2012. I am grateful to the students and faculty of Montgomery Community College at Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Maryland, where I studied Business Administration before gaining admission to the doctoral program at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I remain grateful to the teachers and students of all these schools. In the same vein, I am grateful to the students and faculty at the University of Dayton, Ohio, for supporting my growth in knowledge, and to all who helped me earn a doctoral degree in Sacred Theology at the University of Dayton, Ohio. May God abundantly bless you all.

While studying, I met with people, and some became my friends. I thank God for sending Jack and Mary Ann Sorra into my path to lead me, direct me, help me, assist me, and be there for me from then till now. Jack and Mary Ann have been, and remain, the angels God sent to guide me, direct me, and help me morally, spiritually, financially, and in many other ways. May God continue to bless and reward you for your kindness and generosity, and for making my priestly ministry fruitful. I am grateful to Fr. Michel Tchoumbou, who introduced me to Fr. Michael Carrion (RIP) at the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Parish in Baltimore, and all the parishioners of that parish who cared for me. I remember Elizabeth Steinbacher and David. May David rest in peace. I thank Maria Laue and Jergen, whom I met at IHM and who have remained supportive of me to this day. I am grateful to the Cameroon communities in Burtonsville, Baltimore, Virginia, and Dayton, Ohio, who helped me stay focused and exercise my priestly ministry in the light of Christ and his Church.

While in Ohio, I met most of the people who have supported me in various ways. I am grateful to Dave and Ann Norckauer in Dayton for their support and for being protagonists in Dayton, organizing the Spaghetti Dinner every month of March with the Knights of Columbus to raise funds to support my ministry as a priest in Cameroon. Thank you, Dale Nieberding, for introducing me to the Dayton Foundation and initiating the idea of opening an account there. Thank you, Daniel and Susan Sauer, Charlie and Susie Gross, Melissa Koch and family, Dr. Gloria Dodd, Fr. James Manning (RIP), the parishioners of Emmanuel, Saint Joseph, Holy Trinity, Queen of Martyrs, Our Lady of Grace, Corpus Christi, Saint Augustine in German Town, Saint Benedict, Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, and all of you, friends of KumboKids and Community, who have been so instrumental to my priestly ministry. I am grateful to all the donors of KumboKids and Community. Your names are scripted in my heart. May God abundantly bless you.

My Silver Jubilee (25 years of priestly service in the Lord’s vineyard) is an occasion for me to thank God sincerely from my heart. His grace has been enough for me, and he has shown me the path to faithful service, though I am unworthy.  In this light, I organized several Thanksgiving Masses to express my sincere appreciation to God and his people.

Fr. Emmanuel, Bishop George Nkuo and Father Emmanuel’s family members celebrate Fr. Emmanuel’s Silver Jubilee at the new Saint Martin de Porres Church in Nkanchi

On April 23rd, 2026, we organized a group celebration for the six of us who were in the Diocese. Two of our classmates were out at the time: Fr. Augustine Foka (Portland, Maine, USA), Fr. Sergius Shiyntum (Sabbatical, Uganda). We were privileged to have the Bishop, Mgr. George Nkuo, say the Mass for us. In his sermon, he recalled the day of our ordination, when, after the ordination rite, a storm broke out, a tree fell, and butterflies came out and covered the sky. From then, we were called the “butterfly class.”  Ten of us were ordained that day. The bishop regarded the butterflies as signifying a spiritual abundance, the desire for God to provide workers in plenty to his vineyard. He thanked us for the work we are doing and called on us to do more for the glory of God and his people.

Fr. Emmanuel, Bishop George Nkuo and fellow classmates celebrate together their Silver Jubilee at Saint Theresia’s Cathedral in Kumbo.

On June 5, 2026, I had a Thanksgiving Mass at Saint Kizito’s Parish, Sabongari, where I served as a pastor for 3 years – from 2007 to 2010. It was amazing that 16 years after I left, people still fondly remember me. Several priests joined me for the Mass. These were all occasions to thank God for giving me the grace to serve him and his people. In my sermon, I thanked the parishioners for keeping and growing the faith. The new Church building under construction is a project I initiated before leaving the parish, but there were no funds to continue the project.

Parishioners celebrate Father Emmanuel’s Silver Jubilee at Saint Kizito’s Parish, Sabongari.

The people raised funds, and funding agencies supported them to continue the project. I also supported the project through the KumboKids and Community Fund. In their speech, the representative of the parishioners appreciated all that we did to move the parish forward. Now, the parish that used to have 41 mission stations has grown to be 3 different parishes – Ntaba/Mbonso, Nwa, and Sabongari itself. This indicates the Church's growth and is an occasion to thank God. It was a wonderful celebration, and I am grateful to have been able to celebrate with the people there.

Picture taking with the children after celebrating Father Emmanuel’s Silver Jubilee Mass at Saint Kizito’s Parish, Sabongari.

The peak celebration of my Silver Jubilee took place in my village, Nkanchi, on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The turnout was fantastic, with over a thousand people. The bishop was the main celebrant, and over 40 priests came to thank God with me in my village. The Mass took place at the New Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church. The scaffolds were still in place because the ceiling was not yet finished. Despite this, the celebration went beautifully. In his homily, the bishop acknowledged the difficulties I faced in pursuing an education. He shared some of the stories with the people, especially the one about the stolen cows. He mentioned where I have served as a priest – a teacher at Saint Aloysius’ Minor Seminary (SAMS), Kitiwum (2001-2003); the principal of Saint John Bosco’s Catholic Comprehensive College, Ngaarum (2003 – 2007); the pastor or parish priest of Saint Kizito’s Parish, Sabongari (2007 – 2010); and, additionally, the dean of Tabenken Deanery (2003 – 2007) and the Diocesan Choir Chaplain (2001 – 2007). Then I went for further studies in the United States of America (2010 – 2021). After returning, I served as Rector of SAMS (2021 – 2025) and now serve as the Catholic Education Secretary, Vocations Director, President of the Association of Diocesan Priests (ADP), Kumbo, and a member of the Ongoing Formation Team for priests. The bishop thanked me for all I am doing for the Church in the Diocese of Kumbo, especially what I did at SAMS and, presently, the giant Church project in Nkanchi village. Toward the end of Mass, and before the final blessing, I made the following speech below:

Father Emmanuel and Bishop George pose with some choristers after celebrating Father Emmanuel’s Silver Jubilee at the new church in Nkanchi.

(The speech on June 11, 2026, during the Thanksgiving Mass in Nkanchi for my 25th Priestly Anniversary).

My Lord, the Bishop of Kumbo Diocese

Rev. Fathers, Rev. sisters

Civil and traditional Rulers

Rev. Pastors

Christians of other denominations

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ

My story is about a boy who did not know what the future held, yet watched life gradually unfold according to God’s plan. Kindly listen; it may encourage you.

I grew up in a small, thatched house with parents who had little income. We slept on mats and lived in Angah, across the Kimeh River, far from Nkanchi's main settlement. Because we lived on the village outskirts, people often called us “bush people.”

My parents survived through subsistence farming. Though poor, they raised us with love, wisdom, and sacrifice. Yet love alone could not pay school fees or buy supplies.

I often wondered how anyone could become a priest without education. At the time, my daily life was simple: wake up, pray, do chores, and go to the farm with my parents, sometimes as early as 4:30 AM, to tend guinea corn, maize, groundnuts, cassava, sugar cane, huckleberry, and other crops.

My father once explained why he never stayed in school: he believed children were beaten there, so he left after one week. My mother never attended school, and my older sisters had no formal education. My older brother reached only primary seven because my parents could not afford the fees. I came to understand that ignorance was the worst poverty. From the day I decided to go to school—with or without permission—I knew my life would change.

At age eight, while preparing for First Holy Communion, I attended daily doctrine classes for two years. We had to be faithful in attendance, including Sunday Mass or service, or risk starting over. These lessons planted a deeper love for the Church in me. Each day I walked four to five miles from Angah to church, crossing the Kimeh River on a hanging bridge. After doctrine, I watched other children hurry to school while I returned to the farm. Soon I told my parents I wanted to go to school. Their answer was honest: “Son, there is no money.”

One day, after doctrine class, I went to school instead of going home. I had no shoes, uniform, books, money, permission, or English. The teacher questioned me, but I stayed and listened, writing in the dust with my fingers. That afternoon my worried parents found me. When they asked why I had not gone home, I replied, “I went to school.” They promised not to punish me, and we returned home to talk.

My parents were not against my education; they feared poverty would stop me. After a family meeting, they agreed to support me. We harvested crops, cracked palm kernels, and sold what we could. Sometimes I walked eight hours to Lassin Market to sell a bucket of kernels for 1,500 FCFA. My parents sacrificed greatly so I could pay school fees.

For seven years, we struggled through elementary school expenses. My parents even gave up basic household needs to save for my education and my younger siblings'. If paying elementary fees was already difficult, I wondered how I would ever afford secondary school.

MY EARLY DESIRES TO BECOME A PRIEST AND MY CONTINUOUS STRUGGLES

While attending school, I continued doctrine classes, received First Holy Communion, and became an altar server. I admired the priests who served our community, especially Fr. Anthony Jansen and Fr. Hermann Gufler. When I noticed that Christians brought eggs to priests, I once asked Fr. Gufler whether people would bring eggs to me if I became a priest. He said yes, and in 1982 I told him I wanted to become a priest. Later, in the Minor Seminary, I learned that God had used something ordinary to draw me toward a divine calling. God does not judge by appearances, but by the heart.

By God’s grace, I completed primary school in 1985. Through Fr. Isidore Lafon, I joined a vocational group and learned about the Minor Seminary. After my interview for Bishop Rogan College, I was accepted. When my father heard the list of required items and fees, he still chose hope, trusting in Divine Providence. His faith strengthened my own vocation.

LIFE IN THE MINOR SEMINARY, BISHOP ROGAN COLLEGE (BIROCOL)

In 1985, at age 15, I entered Bishop Rogan College in Small Soppo, Buea. Tuition and supplies were a constant challenge. During holidays, I stayed behind to work on the school farm and garden while others went home. At times, I also worked on coffee and cocoa farms in Bafang, earning small amounts despite blisters and exhaustion. These hardships taught me perseverance.

I remain grateful to the late Fr. Donatus Basebang, my first Rector, who taught me music and sometimes supported me financially. I also thank the late Fr. Sylvester Suh Ngwa, who arranged a sponsor for me in Austria. Although that help later ended, the experience reminded me that vocation grows through trust, sacrifice, and renewed effort.

I was ordained a priest on April 19, 2001. Today, I thank God for guiding and protecting me, and for the gift of priestly vocation. My Lord, thank you for being a father to me and to all priests, and for helping me grow in ministry. I thank my brother priests for their support and fraternal corrections. To my beloved parents, who I wish were here, thank you for being the best parents. May God reward you in heaven. I also thank all who have supported me through prayers, advice, encouragement, teaching, and material help.

I am grateful to the benefactors of the Church Project, the friends of KumboKids and Community in the United States, NACUDA, the Nchaney elites, and all who support our mission. Your generosity enables many projects that serve individuals and communities. You are true companions on the path to Christ.

I thank my staff at the Catholic Education Secretariat for their generous support in preparing for this jubilee. May God bless you abundantly for your collaboration and service. To all who have come to pray and rejoice with me today, to all who have helped make this day what it is, to all who have supported me in my priesthood, and to all who wish me well, I say thank you, and may God bless and reward you abundantly.

I remain grateful to all who attended this celebration and for the financial support that helped fund the ongoing Church project. We raised about $4,000.00 on that day. May God continue to bless and reward all these people for their moral, spiritual, and material support.

Fr. Emmanuel poses with Catholic Schools students after his Silver Jubilee Mass in Nkanchi.

On Monday, September 28, 2026, I traveled to the United States of America to celebrate my 25th Anniversary with the people there. From August 2010 to August 2021, I studied and served the people of God in the United States of America. There, friends encouraged me and assured me of their support, and KumboKids and Community came into existence. I plan to celebrate with the people in several places to thank God for his love.