The Cameroon Hymnal

The Cameroon Hymnal is the official Catholic hymnal authorized by the Bishops of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province. First printed in 1984, with a significantly revised edition published in 1997, it serves as a primary liturgical resource for the faithful in that region of Cameroon.

Origins and Purpose
The hymnal was created in alignment with the principles of the Second Vatican Council, aiming to foster:

“Religious singing by the people”

“Active participation of the entire assembly of the faithful at Holy Mass”

As noted in the preface by Archbishop Paul Verdzekov, the hymnal was compiled by a committee of priests and laypeople to offer a wide and stimulating selection of hymns suitable for all tastes and occasions.

Content and Organization
The hymnal contains over 300 hymns, carefully selected from:

Traditional Catholic hymnody

Other hymnals used in Cameroon

Local compositions by various choirs

It is meticulously organized to support the liturgy, with sections tailored to different parts of the Mass and the major seasons of the liturgical year.

Key Features and Structure
1. Parts of the Mass
Entrance

Offertory

Communion

Closing

Acclamations

Hymns after the Readings

2. Liturgical Seasons
Advent

Christmas and Epiphany

Lent and Penance

Passion Sunday and Good Friday

Easter

Ascension

Pentecost

3. Thematic and Devotional Sections
The Blessed Trinity

The Sacred Heart

Christ the King

Our Lady (Marian Hymns)

St. Joseph

All Saints

All Souls and Funerals

Marriage, Angels, and The Church

4. Language
While primarily in English, the hymnal also includes:

A significant section of traditional Latin hymns

Texts for the Mass in Latin, preserving the universal heritage of the Church