New Aspirants for the Catholic Men’s Association

Fr Anthony Chiatu a priest from the Archdiocese of Bamenda, our twin diocese, and currently serving as Assistant Priest at St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs parish, shares news from the Catholic Men’s Association, Portsmouth…

Last weekend, a group of 13 men, under the banner of Catholic Men’s Association, Portsmouth, gathered in Douai Abbey for a three-day retreat. Catholic Men’s Association (CMA), started in the Diocese of Bamenda, Cameroon in 1970, thanks to the initiative of a Mill Hill Missionary, Fr John Kolkman (RIP). The CMA, which has now spread internationally, is a lay apostolate for men, who desire to: play a vital role in the growth of the church and her mission; emulate the life of St Joseph as evidenced in his obedience to God, loyalty and service to the holy family of Nazareth and commitment to his work; help all men return to Christ, to his Church and to the sacraments; promote a fraternal spirit among members irrespective of their ethnic origins, class in the society, language, cultural background and/or political inclinations; and contribute to the ecumenical movement through exemplary moral and Christian living that permeates society.

In view of their upcoming dedication into the CMA, scheduled to take place at St John’s Cathedral Portsmouth by Bishop Philip, this group of men assembled at Douai Abbey to prayerfully discern their call to service. This prayerful gathering culminated in a Holy Mass celebrated by the Vicar General, Canon Michael Dennehy, who called the men to emulate the humble example of St Joseph. In the same liturgical celebration, these 13 gentlemen were elected to aspirancy for dedication. In attendance were Fr Anthony Chiatu (chaplain), Fr Gaston Afah (chaplain, joining on livestream) and Deacon Marcel Ngamsha. Although, all these men are from Cameroonian origin, it is the desire of the group to welcome men from all cultures and nationalities.

These men would be delighted if you joined them as guests at the Cathedral on Saturday 30th July 2022 on the day of their dedication, which will also be an opportunity to share with the people of Portsmouth Diocese the beauty of the Bamenda faith and culture at the Holy Mass. The Solemn Holy Mass of dedication into the CMA will begin at 1p.m and will be followed by reception in the hall of St Joseph’s Church, Tangier Road, Portsmouth.