Kamerun 1959

In many parts of Africa during the period after the Second World War the continent was shaped by very different ways individual countries achieved their independence. Cameroon was divided into two United Nations trust territories, one under British, and the other under French administration. The independence movement became a powerful force during the 1950's leading to the outbreak of violence.

Fr. Héberlé, a French SCJ who had spent 25 years in the Cameroon, understood the local situation well:
“The Cameroon people are very much aware of their national interests. They want to arrive at full emancipation... The Catholic Church has adapted to this situation and has turned over more and more responsibility to the local clergy. The Church had distanced itself from Western politics and has denounced the devastating consequences of western materialism” (from Vie Catholique, August 28, 1960).

In 1959, while on vacation to his native France, he was urged by many not to return to the Cameroon in view of the dangers there. In a letter sent in September 1959, he described why, despite all the dangers, he returned to his mission:

“I had to struggle with myself, against my entire family's feelings and my own, up until the very end. In such a situation we become aware that we must die to self and renounce everything in order to follow Our Lord and carry his cross. If I returned to my mission, it was solely to do the will Jesus Christ and to be united to the souls which he entrusted to me and for whom I am responsible before God. In the present situation one must have an imperturbable faith, absolute confidence and unblemished love... It is a moment of trial for us as priests and for us as Christians. God tests us with fire and blood; may His will be done. This requires us to offer ourselves in His service and to be united ourselves with His sacrifice, the Cross.” (September 9, 1959.)

On August 30, 1959, Fr. Musslin, SCJ, was murdered at his mission station. On November 29, 1959 the mission station at Banka Banfang was attacked. Early on, Fr. Héberlé, SCJ, was shot and then beheaded. Br. Valentin Sarron, SCJ, tried to flee, but was caught and also beheaded. Additionally, another Cameroon priest and a catechist also died during this attack on the mission.