A Day of Celebration for the Church and PAXHI
The Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese of Bamenda celebrated a historic and grace-filled moment with the episcopal ordination of Bishop John Berinyuy Tatah, Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda. The solemn ceremony, held on 19 March 2026, marked not only an important milestone for the local Church but also a moment of immense pride and joy for the entire PAX Higher Institute (PAXHI) community, where he served as Vice Chancellor.
Bishop John Berinyuy Tatah was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda by His Holiness Pope Francis on 13 February 2026. His ordination was presided over by Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya, Metropolitan Archbishop of Bamenda, in the presence of bishops, priests, religious, civil authorities, and thousands of faithful who gathered to witness the sacred event.
During the ordination rite, the traditional symbols of episcopal ministry were presented to the new bishop. The mitre, crozier, and episcopal ring signify the responsibilities entrusted to him: to guide the faithful, proclaim the Gospel, and shepherd the people of God with wisdom and compassion.
The moment was one of deep prayer and thanksgiving as the Church welcomed a new bishop dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of the people.
A Special Moment for the PAXHI Community
For PAX Higher Institute, the ordination carried a special meaning. As Vice Chancellor of PAXHI, Bishop Tatah played a significant role in shaping the academic and spiritual life of the institution. His leadership contributed to the growth of the university community, encouraging a culture of discipline, faith, academic excellence, and service to society.
Students, lecturers, and administrative staff received the news of his appointment and ordination with great joy and pride, seeing it as a recognition not only of his personal dedication but also of the important role that faith-based higher education institutions like PAXHI play in forming leaders for society.
For many members of the PAXHI community, witnessing their Vice Chancellor become a bishop was both inspiring and historic. It reinforced the institute’s mission of nurturing individuals who combine academic competence with moral and spiritual integrity.
A Shepherd Formed Through Education and Service
Born on 18 December 1975 in Mbuluf-Shisong, Bishop John Berinyuy Tatah was ordained a priest in 2005. Over the years, he served the Church in several capacities including parish ministry, seminary formation, and academic leadership.
He pursued higher studies in theology and obtained a Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Teresianum in Rome, preparing him for roles in teaching, formation, and leadership within the Church.
His experience in both pastoral ministry and higher education has shaped a leadership style rooted in humility, intellectual depth, and pastoral care.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Within PAXHI, Bishop Tatah’s journey from priest and educator to bishop stands as a powerful example to students and young professionals. It demonstrates how commitment to faith, knowledge, and service can lead to impactful leadership in both the Church and society.
The PAXHI community continues to celebrate this milestone with gratitude, recognizing it as a blessing for the institution and a source of motivation for its students.
A Future Filled with Hope
As Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda, Bishop John Berinyuy Tatah will assist in guiding the Archdiocese in its mission of evangelization, pastoral care, and community development. His experience in education and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the Church’s outreach and engagement with society.
For the PAX Higher Institute community, his ordination remains a moment of lasting pride a reminder that the institution is not only a place of academic formation but also a community where faith, leadership, and service are nurtured and celebrated.