Emeritus Bishop Francis Teke Lysinge, the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Mamfe, has been laid to rest following a solemn funeral Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Mamfe on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The funeral brought together the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, His Grace Avelino Bettencourt, Bishops, priests, religious, family members, friends and hundreds of faithful who gathered to bid farewell to the late prelate.
In his homily, the Archbishop of Bamenda, His Grace Andrew Nkea Fuanya, reflected on death and eternal life, recalling the words of Scripture: “You are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”
Archbishop Nkea described Bishop Lysinge’s death as a “birthday in heaven,” saying the late bishop had simply returned to the Father whom he faithfully served throughout his earthly life.
He paid tribute to Bishop Lysinge’s compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness, describing him as a dedicated pastor who spent his life serving God and His people.
According to Archbishop Nkea, Bishop Lysinge’s greatest ambition was to become a saint, and he lived his life working towards that goal.
The Archbishop urged the faithful not to see the bishop’s death only as a moment of mourning, but also as an opportunity to remember and practise the values he taught throughout his ministry.
“His legacy is the teachings he gave us,” calling on Christians to preserve and live by the lessons left behind by the late shepherd.
Bishop Francis Teke Lysinge was ordained a priest on April 17, 1966, by Bishop Jules Peeters, alongside three other priests, at the Cathedral in Small Soppo, Buea.
He subsequently devoted decades to the Catholic Church, serving both as a priest and bishop and becoming an important figure in the history of the Diocese of Mamfe.
Bishop Lysinge died on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, aged 87 years and seven months.
His burial at the Chapel of the Bishops at St. Joseph Cathedral, Mamfe, brings to a close the funeral rites for a prelate remembered for his long years of pastoral service, humility and commitment to the Church.
The faithful now commend his soul to God, praying that, through the mercy of God, he may rest in eternal peace. Amen.
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