Agnes Vigourous : First Lady Honours Beloved Memory

Uplifting and emotive sounds of the Great Classical Heart Choir of the Our Lady of Victories Cathedral in Yaounde filled the air as dignitaries gathered at the Yaounde General Hospital Mortuary on July 10, 2025, to pay tribute to a cherished mother. The First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, accompanied by some government officials, members of the Circle of Friends of Cameroon (CERAC) and loved ones, bid a solemn farewell to her stepmother, the late Agnes Vigourous, who passed away in Paris on June 9, 2025, following a prolonged illness. During the coffining ceremony, which included a special mass, the Archbishop of Yaounde, His Lordship Jean Mbarga, offered prayers, beseeching God to grant the deceased soul eternal peace, joy and solace in His kingdom.
At 11:30 a.m. on that solemn morning, First Lady Chantal Biya, dressed in a dignified black attire and holding a white rose, entered the mortuary section of the Yaounde General Hospital to pay tribute to the life and legacy of her beloved stepmother. The procession of Agnes Vigourous mortal remains, accompanied by clergy members, marked the beginning of a poignant mass service that lasted nearly an hour. During the ceremony, Archbishop Jean Mbarga said “as we commend her soul to the Lord, let us turn to Christ with confidence.” The liturgy included a reading from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, which highlighted the transformation of the body from perishable to imperishable and mortal to immortal, emphasizing the triumph over death through Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the Gospel passage from John 11:20-27 Archbishop Jean Mbarga drew inspiration from the story of Lazarus, highlighting the significance of resurrection and human existence. He noted that the narrative of Lazarus serves as a reminder of the resurrection's importance, particularly in the context of Madame Vigourous’ funeral. The Archbishop emphasised the value of faith in the resurrection, citing Lazarus as an exemplar of o...