Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, has on behalf of Pope Francis conferred Papal honours on three Eminent Persons of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese for their immense contributions to the growth of the Catholic Church at a Mass at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Alakple.
The Papal Awardees are Sir John Mark Kwame Worclachie, Sir Stephen Eshun Kofi Adzamli and Dame Elizabeth Dogbatsey Attachie. They were honoured by Pope Francis at the request of Most Rev. Anthony Adanuty, the Emeritus Bishop of Keta-Akatsi.
The Order of Saint Sylvester, Pope was formally constituted on February 7, 1905 by Pope Saint Pius X in his motu proprio, Multum ad excitandos. It is intended to award laymen who are activel involved in the life of the Church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of different arts.
In a homily at the conferment Mass last Sunday, May 6 at Alakple Archbishop Speich asked the faithful to love one another and be witnesses to Christ in their faith, asking them to constantly express their unique love to their neighbours.
“We actually have the power to live that way once we recognise God's love for us and His choice to share His life with us. Our power, our virtue, our goodness, our capacity to love-all come from the Lord Jesus,” he added.
He stated that a person in the Church with a good heart is better than one who has only a wallet full of money.
Conferring the Awards on the Awardees, the Nuncio said “This recognition and honour being given to you is accompanied with great challenge and mission for each one of you to keep deeply your Faith in God that you may strengthen the faith of others.”
The Nuncio asked them to give themselves unconditionally to the service of their brothers and sisters, reminding them that "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be the slave of all”
He told the Awardees that God was calling them to go and give witness to His love which must bear fruits that will last.
The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana and concelebrated by Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi and Bishop Adanuty. Nine Priests Concelebrated including Rev. Msgr. Pavol Talakpa, Secretary to the Apostolic Nunciature; Rev. Msgr. Peter Huletey, Vicar General and Rev. Fr. Mark Etsey, the Parish Priest of St. Joseph Quasi Parish.
The Forum of Papal Knights and Dames in Ghana was represented at the ceremony by its Secretary, Sir Benedict Assorow, who gave a goodwill message.
Conferring the Awards on Dame Attachie, Archbishop Speich said the Church was recognising her for her Christian life of witness and dedicated service to
the Church in many fields as a dedicated Catechist, working tirelessly to ensure that the Catholic Community at Alakple and beyond was nurtured in their
faith.
He said she was also honoured for having promoted the Girl-child Education and helping in the formation of Seminarians formation and for being
a very active member of the Diocesan Justice and Peace. Commission.
Awarding Sir John Worlachie, the Nuncio said “the Church has recognized
your exemplary witness of faith and dedicated service especially in the field of Catholic Education, helping students, teachers and parents as well, deepen their
faith in God.” You have been a strong pillar of the Catholic Church in the Diocese, he added.
Conferring the Award on Sir Stephen Adzamli, Archbishop Speich said it was in recognition of his life of Christian witness and dedicated service especially in the field of Catholic Education as well as giving support to the formation of seminarians and priests, and the formation and development of the laity.
Their responsibility as Papal Knights and Dame include their willingness and readiness to defend not only the Catholic Church but also the Papacy.
In a brief remark, Bishop Kumordji told the Awardees to continue to be well grounded in the Catholic faith and let their love for the Church and the Papacy be absolute.
As Papal Knights and Dames, he said they would have to seek better understanding of the Catholic faith and deepen their knowledge of the Church’s teachings and defend them always.
He was optimistic that as recipients of the prestigious Papal Award, they would continue to serve the Lord faithfully and be shining examples of good Christians living wherever they found themselves.
In a Goodwill will message, Sir Assorow congratulated the Awardees on behalf of the Forum of Papal Knights and Dames and welcomed them to the Forum which has an objective to contribute to the evangelisation effort of the Church.
He said the as new members of the Forum, the Awardees are to provide leadership and professional services to the Church, collaborate with and support the Bishops, and promote filial respect for the spiritual authority of the Church.
They are also to assist in the formation of the laity, particularly the youth of the Church, render services to the Church and nation as well as advance the spirituality of its members.
On behalf of her colleagues, Dame Attachie said they felt blessed, proud and privileged to be honoured by the Supreme Pontiff and expressed gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who had granted them the privilege and dignity of Knighthood and Dame of St. Sylvester, Pope.
She thanked the Nuncio for conferring on them the Award on behalf of the Pope and Bishops Adanuty and Kumordji for recommending them for this great honour. She also thanked their families and parishioners of their Parishes for their prayers and support during the time they served the Church in various capacities.
She pledged the Awardees’ continuous service to the Church and promised to give their unflinching support to the activities of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese and the Church in Ghana.
The conferment Mass was attended by hundreds of faithful, family members and some Parishioners of the Awardees; the Knights and Ladies of Marshall of the Southern Volta, who were marking their Marshallan Day celebration and Knights of St. John International and their Ladies Auxiliary.
The Chiefs and Elders of Alakple led by Togbi Amey Zegu II, and Togbi Agawu III, the Dufia and War Chief respectively were also present at the ceremony.
By Damian Avevor
No comments:
Post a Comment