A transformative three‑day ascent and descent of Mount Cameroon—blending pilgrimage, gratitude, inner purification, and a renewed commitment to serve humanity and protect the Earth.
From the Highest Point of Central and West Africa: Lessons from the Summit of Mount Cameroon
In March 2025, a dream I had carried within me since childhood finally came true. I reached the summit of Mount Cameroon on March 8, 2025—the International Women’s Day and, in the Catholic calendar, the feast of Saint John of God.
Mount Cameroon stands at 4,100 meters in geography books, but more precisely 4,090 meters when you have the joy of standing at the peak. One might think that a distance of four kilometers is not very long—and in another context, that would be true. But on Mount Cameroon, that distance means a little more than three hours for professional runners and almost three days for someone like me.
Yes, indeed—it took me three full days to climb and descend Mount Cameroon. Or rather, those days were offered to me, for they are now engraved in my soul as a transformative experience. My goal was not to reach the summit quickly, for I was not running for a trophy. For me, this was a pilgrimage, a time of meditation, a journey of purification.
As I climbed, every step was an act of thanksgiving for the years and experiences of my life. The faces of people I had known and loved came to mind, and for them I gave thanks. Significant moments that shaped who I am resurfaced, and for each of them I expressed gratitude. The challenges I had faced in my life also returned to my memory, and I gave thanks for these as well—for the lessons they taught me.
When I reached the summit, I was filled with wonder, and from the abundance of my heart came a deep declaration:
my free and irrevocable commitment to serve my brothers and sisters in humanity, to protect nature, and to leave a better world for future generations.
I committed myself to contributing to the reconstruction of social link of trust in the country where God willed that I be born, and in every place life may lead me.
During the descent, each step became a prayer—asking for wisdom, health, and the means necessary to live my mission fully. I reflected on the complexity of the world I was re‑entering and prayed for discernment. I thought about the accumulation of possessions that seems to dominate human relations and prayed for detachment. I thought about fear—the fear that paralyzes generous dreams—and prayed for courage.
Since this experience of climbing and descending Mount Cameroon, I see life differently. I have discovered:
- the joy of lightness,
- the beauty of a small step in the right direction,
- and the humility of asking for and accepting help along the way.
In the coming days, I will share with you some of the moments that made this journey up and down Mount Cameroon such a transformative experience.
And you—have you lived a transformative experience you would like to share with us? I would be delighted to read it in the comments.
There is something unique about climing a big mountain, one has to be light yet not lacking the necessary!
