In the heart of Cameroon, a monastic community in Bambui has been quietly living its vocation, devoted to prayer, work, and service. But the Anglophone crisis, now in its ninth year, has brought unprecedented challenges to their doorstep. As internally displaced persons (IDPs) seek refuge, the community has opened its doors, welcoming those in need.
It began with a trickle, then a flood, of families fleeing violence and insecurity. The community, guided by their faith and compassion, responded with generosity. “We couldn’t turn them away,” says Sister Dominica, a member of the community. “They were our brothers and sisters in need.” The community quickly adapted, converting spaces and mobilizing resources to accommodate the IDPs.
Our retreat center, once a haven for groups, individuals, and organizations seeking silence, solitude, and spiritual renewal, has become a home for many IDPs. Those who once came to find God, plan their work, or simply work in serenity can no longer do so due to the insecurity caused by the warring parties. This has not only disrupted our community’s way of life but also drastically impacted our economic situation. The retreat center was a vital source of income, allowing us to support our community and charitable endeavors. With its closure, we face significant financial challenges.
However, providing for the needs of these guests has been a significant challenge. Our resources are limited. We rely on donations and our own produce, but it’s not enough. We’ve had to make sacrifices, adjusting our own lifestyle to ensure our guests are cared for and fed. At the point the great collaboration and solidarity with the Saint Catherine of Siena Lay Dominican Fraternity must be height lighted. They shared and continue to share with us their material, spiritual, moral and physical support.
The influx of IDPs has disrupted the community’s daily routine, testing our adaptability and patience. Our monastery is designed for contemplation and prayer, not for large numbers of people, Sister. It’s been a challenge to balance our own spiritual practices with the demands of hosting.
The emotional toll has also been significant. It’s heartbreaking to see families torn apart, children traumatized, and missing out on the right to education and proper medical care, and individuals struggling to cope. We try to offer emotional support, but it’s a heavy burden to carry. Another significant and worrying challenge of the crisis on the community has been lack of vocations . This threatened the life of prayer of our monastic life and made us have a rethink.
After much prayer, consultations and discernment, the nuns in-spite of merger resources, took the giant step of establishing a new monastery in Uganda. This depends entirely on the Monastery of Bambui. Five nuns have gone out on this mission in-spite of its numerous challenges. The deteriorating health of the sisters is another challenge which is draining the little resources. This health challenge is further aggravated by the poor living conditions of the sisters. Buildings are old and dilapidated, which makes sisters health poorer with the passage of time.
Despite these challenges, the community has become a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge. We’ve created a safe space, a haven where people can find peace and solace. The community has tried to organize activities, such as literacy classes and vocational training, to help IDPs regain a sense of purpose.
We’ve learned so much from our guests. Their resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all.
The Anglophone crisis may have disrupted the community’s way of life, but it has also revealed the power of compassion which was a big mark in the life of our Father Dominic, and solidarity. As the community continues to welcome and support IDPs, they remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is always life and hope. We are counting ourselves privileged to have had the opportunity of sharing in the saving mission of Christ following the footsteps of St. Dominic who called us to follow the signs of the times.
Monastery of St. Dominic Bambui
Archdiocese of Bamenda.
P.O. Box 56
Tel: +237676080342
