Who was Jean Tabi? - Founder of the Collège Jean-Tabi
Discover the legacy of Jean Tabi (1908-1951), the priest to whom the Collège Jean-Tabi pays tribute, founded in Yaoundé in 1956. History and educational significance.
Jean TABI
(1908 - 1951)
Father Jean TABI, born in 1908, was ordained a priest on 08 December 1935.
The son of catechist Martin TABI NANG, who was the first Ewondo to go to school in Kribi, the first monitor-catechist and head of his Mvog-Ada clan, he underwent a purely classical training on his way to the priesthood: Minor Seminary in 1923, Major Seminary from 1927, two years of trials after philosophy, and finally the last two years of theology. He spent his second year of probation (1933 - 1934) at the Efok mission.
Abbé Jean TABI had a rich apostolate. He was Vicar of Bafia in 1936 and of Mfumassi in 1941, where he had to build a school, as one of his letters to Bishop Vogt attests. He was parish priest of Bikop from 1947 to 1950, replacing Father Gueguen, and finally became the first parish priest of Mebassa, where he died. He died on 21 April 1951 while working on the construction of the church in Mebassa, when he was knocked off his motorbike by the lorry driver who had been transporting the wood for the church's frame. Gangrene infected the affected foot. There was talk of amputating the foot. The Abbot prayed to the Lord to take him rather than live with one leg. This is how he died. He is buried in the Mvolyé cemetery in Yaoundé.
According to Abbé Pierre MANI, Abbé Jean Tabi had great faith, which enabled him to influence the lives of his flock. A street is dedicated to him in the Mvolyé district of Yaoundé, lane 7684.
When Abbé Lucien MANGA founded a secondary school in Etoudi, the memory of this priest who died just 5 years ago was still fresh in people's minds. It is easy to understand why the new school will be named after him. According to Philippe Laburthe - Tolra, this priest was destined to become Bishop Graffin's first auxiliary, if death had not snatched him away so soon on Saturday 21 April 1951.
We remember Abbé Jean TABI as a priest of exemplary piety, correct in his dress and behaviour. He never hesitated to lash out at what he found inappropriate. He was a very determined man of great moral probity, reputed to be a miracle worker. He spoke French and Ewondo very well. Very polite and affectionate, he insisted on being correct because of his vision of the priesthood.
We will always remember him as a devoted servant who was loved by his followers.
Abbé André Yves SAMEKOMBA
Ref magazine Le Temps Jeantabien2015 Page 32
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