On the occasion of Cameroon’s National Day, H.E. Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua celebrated a thanksgiving Mass at the Church of Our Saviour in The Hague, bringing together the Cameroonian community of the Netherlands and Luxembourg in a moment of prayer, unity and national pride. More than 900 faithful attended the celebration, praying and singing together for Cameroon and its people.
Among the distinguished guests were the Ambassadors of Rwanda, H.E. Lambert Dushimimana and Angola, H.E. Lizeth N. Satumbo Pena, as well as the Honorary Consul of Sierra Leone, who attended in support of their colleague and to draw inspiration from the Cameroonian initiative of organizing a thanksgiving Mass as part of the national celebrations.
The Mass marked the opening of the 54th edition of Cameroon’s National Day celebrations in the Netherlands. Its purpose was to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon Cameroon and to entrust to God all the activities organized for the week-long celebrations.
The African community played an active role in both the preparations and the ceremony itself, attending dressed in elegant and colourful African attire.
In a solemn procession, Ambassador Madeleine Liguemoh Ondoua entered with a delegation carrying the Cameroonian flag and later presented offerings in support of refugees, underlining the values of solidarity.
The homily delivered by Father Sjaak de Boer, Parish Priest of the Church of Our Saviour, focused on the importance of seeking and pursuing peace. Three religious songs selected by the Embassy were performed during the service, accompanied by traditional African drum rhythms.
At the conclusion of the Mass, parishioners and guests gathered to share sweets and refreshments, extending the spirit of fellowship beyond the religious celebration.
The thanksgiving Mass forms part of a wider programme of events organized by the Embassy of Cameroon in The Hague to celebrate the country’s National Day over more than one week.
On Saturday, 16 May, the Embassy will host a culinary workshop dedicated to Cameroonian gastronomy, featuring the preparation and presentation of two of the country’s iconic dishes: Ndolé and Braised Fish.
A mini football tournament will also take place at St De Whilemus, promoting friendship and inclusion through sport. The first match will oppose the men’s team of Cameroon against refugees living in the Netherlands, while the second will see the Embassy women’s team, the Amazons of the Embassy, compete against CDA United Women.
The celebrations will conclude on Friday, 22 May, with a large diplomatic reception at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague, gathering members of the diplomatic corps, economic and cultural partners, and the Cameroonian community in the Netherlands.
