The Roman Catholic family in Cameroon including government officials and heads of diplomatic missions witnessed a colorful ceremony chaired by Bishop Samuel Kleda, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Douala to pay tribute to retired Cardinal Christian Tumi celebrating his 50 years of priesthood. The Eucharistic festival was held under a sunny day punctuated by prayers, events and testimonials.

The Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, Emmanuel Rene Sadi on behalf of President Biya made the Cardinal Commander of the National Order of Valor.”  After receiving the award, Cardinal Tumi under standing ovation thanked President Biya and all those who came to pray with him. Said the man of God,  “I thank the Head of State. I also say thank you to everyone who came to pray with me. “

The initiator of the ceremony, Bishop Samuel Kleda urged Christians to pray that the Almighty should continue to watch over the first and only Cardinal now 86 years old in Cameroon.  For his part, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea noted that Cardinal Tumi has been young in heart and exemplary to Cameroon Africa and the world.