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The Holy Father has appointed Msgr. Richard Baawobr, M. Afr. bishop-elect of Wa Diocese. Bishop-Elect Richard Baawobr takes over from Most Rev. Paul Bemile who has reached the canonical retirement age. (read more)
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CATHOLIC INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY (CIBT)
TO SETUP TECHONOLOGY CAMPUS
TO SETUP TECHONOLOGY CAMPUS
The Catholic Institute of Business and Technology (CIBT) in Accra is to setup a Technology Campus at Mepe in the Volta Region.
The new campus will run programmes initially in Nursing and Allied Health Science and would progressively add other faculties such as engineering, pharmacy and agriculture.
This was announced at the second Congregation of CIBT on 30th January 2015 at the School premises.
About 123 students graduated with BSc. Computer science, BSc. Public Administration, BSc. Business Administration and MBA Global Business and Sustainability with specialization in social entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Mr. S.N. Woode said the School was committed technology education.
The new campus will run programmes initially in Nursing and Allied Health Science and would progressively add other faculties such as engineering, pharmacy and agriculture.
This was announced at the second Congregation of CIBT on 30th January 2015 at the School premises.
About 123 students graduated with BSc. Computer science, BSc. Public Administration, BSc. Business Administration and MBA Global Business and Sustainability with specialization in social entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Mr. S.N. Woode said the School was committed technology education.
Priests urged to engage in pastoral reflection of the family
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The President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), Most Rev. Joseph Osei-Bonsu, has urged Diocesan Priests as part of their pastoral ministry to engage in a more careful pastoral reflection on the Family to let the right understanding of it influence whatever decision they took regarding the family. (read more...)
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CHRISTIAN COUNCIL OF GHANA AND THE GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE...(full story)
Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah ordained and installed as Bishop of Obuasi.(read full story)
Extraordinary Synod of Bishops...
The "Relatio post disceptationem" (“report after the debate”) of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family delivered in the synod hall 13th October, 2014 by the General Rapporteur, Cardinal Péter Erdő.
The document remains only a working instrument and not decisions that have been made nor simply points of view. It no way changes the doctrine of the Church on Marriage. The final document is expected at the end of the Synod. Notwithstanding it has received much comments in the media due to the section that states :
"Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?"
(Read the report)
The "Relatio post disceptationem" (“report after the debate”) of the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family delivered in the synod hall 13th October, 2014 by the General Rapporteur, Cardinal Péter Erdő.
The document remains only a working instrument and not decisions that have been made nor simply points of view. It no way changes the doctrine of the Church on Marriage. The final document is expected at the end of the Synod. Notwithstanding it has received much comments in the media due to the section that states :
"Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?"
(Read the report)
Nuncio visits Wiawso, Yendi
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, recently visited the Wiawso and Yendi Dioceses to familiarize himself with their operations. (Read on)
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, recently visited the Wiawso and Yendi Dioceses to familiarize himself with their operations. (Read on)
i. Opening address: Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary Session 2014
ii. Communique: End of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary Session
iii. Do away with excesses that make marriage difficult- Ghanaian Bishops
iv. Bishops of Ghana bemoan economic hardships
v. Ghanaian Bishops bemoan road accidents in the Country
vi. Ghanaian Bishops urge media not to portrait marriage negatively
ii. Communique: End of Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary Session
iii. Do away with excesses that make marriage difficult- Ghanaian Bishops
iv. Bishops of Ghana bemoan economic hardships
v. Ghanaian Bishops bemoan road accidents in the Country
vi. Ghanaian Bishops urge media not to portrait marriage negatively
a visit by the Coordinator of CANAA, Catholic News Agency for Africa.
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The Coordinator for the Catholic News Agency for Africa (CANAA), Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Ochieng Onyalla, on Thursday, October 30, visited the Offices of the Standard Newspapers and Magazines (SNAM) Ltd., publishers of The Catholic Standard at Sowutuom to familiarize with the activities of the Company.
Fr. Onyalla was invited to Ghana by SECAM to participate in its recent Standing Committee Meeting in Accra.
The visit to SNAM Offices also to brief The Catholic Standard staff about the operations of CANAA, a Project of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
He said CANAA has its Offices in Kenya with Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Treasurer of SECAM as its Board Chairman.
Mr. Isaac Fritz Andoh, Managing Editor of The Catholic Standard supported by Mr. Steve Kakrabah-Quarshie, Assistant Editor and Mr. Damian Avevor, News Editor, briefed Fr. Onyalla on the production of the Paper and later took him round the Offices of SNAM.
Fr. Onyalla was invited to Ghana by SECAM to participate in its recent Standing Committee Meeting in Accra.
The visit to SNAM Offices also to brief The Catholic Standard staff about the operations of CANAA, a Project of the Symposium of Episcopal Conference of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).
He said CANAA has its Offices in Kenya with Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Treasurer of SECAM as its Board Chairman.
Mr. Isaac Fritz Andoh, Managing Editor of The Catholic Standard supported by Mr. Steve Kakrabah-Quarshie, Assistant Editor and Mr. Damian Avevor, News Editor, briefed Fr. Onyalla on the production of the Paper and later took him round the Offices of SNAM.
Regional SMA Headquarters commissioned
A new Regional Headquarters for the Society of African Missions (SMA) was recently commissioned at a ceremony at Oshuman near Amomoley in Accra.
The commissioning was performed by Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Anthonio Porcellato, SMA Vicar General, Nii Adotei Oklopong II, representative of Nii Oshu IV of Oshuman and Very Rev. Fr. James Owusu-Yeboah, SMA Regional Superior, Ghana.
Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, who was present at the ceremony, said as the Society sought to promote the good of humanity through education, healthcare and other social services, they should not forget their first task which is evangelization.
“Today, we are confronted with a more difficult task of new evangelization. The old idols have disappeared but replaced by stronger ones. We are in a society in which money has become central and taken the place of everything”, he said.
He said since the SMAs had been sent as envoys to Ghana to care for the souls of the people, they should also seek the promotion of human dignity.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle commended the SMA Missionaries who started the Church in Ghana in the face of challenges and diseases and also introduced the Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into the country.
He expressed happiness to have the SMA Headquarters in the Archdiocese and paid glowing tributes to founders and Lay Missionaries who had made the Church what it is today.
He prayed for the protection for all who would live in the residence and for the SMA Priests to continue to be faithful servants to God and their neighbours.
The Chief Shepherd of Accra, in a homily at a Mass which preceded the ceremony, urged Priests, Religious and lay Leaders in the Church to smell like the sheep they lead.
“To smell like the sheep, a Pastor must be found in the midst of the faithful”, he stressed, adding that they should strive to always be with the people, lead, guide and protect them.
Recounting what Pope Francis discussed with the Bishops on their recent Ad Limina visit to Rome, he said a Priest must have three smells – smell of the Oil of Consecration, smell of the sheep and fragrance of God.
Saying that the Oil of Consecration on the Priest must not dry out, the Archbishop said it must be felt in their personal commitment and dedication to their call and Vocation.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle urged Priests to be men of prayer and like Moses, run a marathon between God and the people “to know what God wants to bring to the people and what the people want to send to God”.
Saying that the Bishops were overwhelmed be the simplicity of the Pope, he urged Catholics to emulate him and follow the new revolution he was bringing to the Church that is to place the poor and needy at the centre of the Church.
He prayed that by the Holy Spirit and through the intercession of mother Mary, Priests would have a spiritual revolution in their own lives so that together with Pope Francis, they would care for the poor and the needy.
He also called on the lay faithful to pray for the Pope, their Bishops and Priests to know Jesus more and to lead them on the right path but not criticize them unduly.
Fr. Owusu-Yeboah said the relocation of the Regional Headquarter which has been in Winneba in the Cape Coast Archdiocese since 1960 was to get closer to many public and private institutions to aid the Regional administration.
He said the facility would also host the activities of the Friends of SMA, SMAs from Missions, serve as a home for sick and aged SMA Priests and provide accommodation for Priests, Religious and Lay faithful who visit the Archdiocese for religious and private purposes.
Fr. Owusu said Priests, Religious Groups and Societies who wish to have quiet time, retreats, meetings and Conferences could also access the facility.
He thanked all who contributed to make the project a success.
The Magnificent edifice was built in four years and consist of Conference Rooms, Business Centre, bedrooms and a Chapel.
Present were over 40 Priests and Religious as well as lay faithful.
The programme was chaired by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Professor Bruce Banoe-Yakubu, who urged all to help the Congregation expand its territories.
*Archbishop Palmer-Buckle cutting the sod to inaugurate the building.
By Doreen Darko and Anthony Agbovi.
A new Regional Headquarters for the Society of African Missions (SMA) was recently commissioned at a ceremony at Oshuman near Amomoley in Accra.
The commissioning was performed by Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. Anthonio Porcellato, SMA Vicar General, Nii Adotei Oklopong II, representative of Nii Oshu IV of Oshuman and Very Rev. Fr. James Owusu-Yeboah, SMA Regional Superior, Ghana.
Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, who was present at the ceremony, said as the Society sought to promote the good of humanity through education, healthcare and other social services, they should not forget their first task which is evangelization.
“Today, we are confronted with a more difficult task of new evangelization. The old idols have disappeared but replaced by stronger ones. We are in a society in which money has become central and taken the place of everything”, he said.
He said since the SMAs had been sent as envoys to Ghana to care for the souls of the people, they should also seek the promotion of human dignity.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle commended the SMA Missionaries who started the Church in Ghana in the face of challenges and diseases and also introduced the Devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus into the country.
He expressed happiness to have the SMA Headquarters in the Archdiocese and paid glowing tributes to founders and Lay Missionaries who had made the Church what it is today.
He prayed for the protection for all who would live in the residence and for the SMA Priests to continue to be faithful servants to God and their neighbours.
The Chief Shepherd of Accra, in a homily at a Mass which preceded the ceremony, urged Priests, Religious and lay Leaders in the Church to smell like the sheep they lead.
“To smell like the sheep, a Pastor must be found in the midst of the faithful”, he stressed, adding that they should strive to always be with the people, lead, guide and protect them.
Recounting what Pope Francis discussed with the Bishops on their recent Ad Limina visit to Rome, he said a Priest must have three smells – smell of the Oil of Consecration, smell of the sheep and fragrance of God.
Saying that the Oil of Consecration on the Priest must not dry out, the Archbishop said it must be felt in their personal commitment and dedication to their call and Vocation.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle urged Priests to be men of prayer and like Moses, run a marathon between God and the people “to know what God wants to bring to the people and what the people want to send to God”.
Saying that the Bishops were overwhelmed be the simplicity of the Pope, he urged Catholics to emulate him and follow the new revolution he was bringing to the Church that is to place the poor and needy at the centre of the Church.
He prayed that by the Holy Spirit and through the intercession of mother Mary, Priests would have a spiritual revolution in their own lives so that together with Pope Francis, they would care for the poor and the needy.
He also called on the lay faithful to pray for the Pope, their Bishops and Priests to know Jesus more and to lead them on the right path but not criticize them unduly.
Fr. Owusu-Yeboah said the relocation of the Regional Headquarter which has been in Winneba in the Cape Coast Archdiocese since 1960 was to get closer to many public and private institutions to aid the Regional administration.
He said the facility would also host the activities of the Friends of SMA, SMAs from Missions, serve as a home for sick and aged SMA Priests and provide accommodation for Priests, Religious and Lay faithful who visit the Archdiocese for religious and private purposes.
Fr. Owusu said Priests, Religious Groups and Societies who wish to have quiet time, retreats, meetings and Conferences could also access the facility.
He thanked all who contributed to make the project a success.
The Magnificent edifice was built in four years and consist of Conference Rooms, Business Centre, bedrooms and a Chapel.
Present were over 40 Priests and Religious as well as lay faithful.
The programme was chaired by the Chief Director at the Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, Professor Bruce Banoe-Yakubu, who urged all to help the Congregation expand its territories.
*Archbishop Palmer-Buckle cutting the sod to inaugurate the building.
By Doreen Darko and Anthony Agbovi.
Nuncio visits Wiawso, Yendi
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, recently visited the Wiawso and Yendi Dioceses to familiarize himself with their operations.
He was welcomed to Wiawso by Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Bishop of the Diocese after which Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Quaicoe, the Bishop’s Secretary briefed him on the history of the Diocese.
The Secretary among other things said the Diocese was created in 1999 and inaugurated on March 25, 2000 with Most Rev. Essien as its first Bishop.
He said the Diocese comprised twenty-two Parishes and a Rectorate with 39 Priests and seven Religious.
After the briefing, the Nuncio led by Bishop Essien and some Priests visited the new Cathedral Site, the Pastoral Centre and the St. Joseph Senior High School.
The Nuncio later celebrated Mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral with about 400 faithful of the Diocese during which he encouraged them to be proud of their Catholic faith and also be courageous in bearing witness to it just as St. Gregory the Great did.
He advised the faithful to pray for their Bishop and Priests.
The Nuncio was accompanied by Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso.
At Yendi, the Nuncio was received by Most Rev. Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, SVD, Bishop of the Diocese, who briefed him on its operations, the personnel strength, ethnic groups, traditional beliefs and some challenges of the Diocese.
The Nuncio visited the Bishop’s residence, the Palace of the Regent of Dagbon, Kampampuya Naa, the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, the Good Shepherd Bible Centre and Rectorate and the Gnani Witch Camp, all in the Diocese.
He encouraged the faithful of the Diocese to profess their faith with pride and pledged his commitment to partner Government in the areas of women empowerment, poverty alleviation, health care and education to develop the Diocese.
Priests, Religious and lay faithful who welcomed the Nuncio, thanked him for the visit and prayed that his mission would be fruitful and fulfilling.
Archbishop Speich was later decorated with the traditional smock.
*The Nuncio displaying his traditional outfit
*The Nuncio (middle) with Bishops Essien (left) and Atuahene (right)
From Frs. Sampson Abdulai and Samuel Nkuah-Boateng
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, recently visited the Wiawso and Yendi Dioceses to familiarize himself with their operations.
He was welcomed to Wiawso by Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Bishop of the Diocese after which Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Quaicoe, the Bishop’s Secretary briefed him on the history of the Diocese.
The Secretary among other things said the Diocese was created in 1999 and inaugurated on March 25, 2000 with Most Rev. Essien as its first Bishop.
He said the Diocese comprised twenty-two Parishes and a Rectorate with 39 Priests and seven Religious.
After the briefing, the Nuncio led by Bishop Essien and some Priests visited the new Cathedral Site, the Pastoral Centre and the St. Joseph Senior High School.
The Nuncio later celebrated Mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral with about 400 faithful of the Diocese during which he encouraged them to be proud of their Catholic faith and also be courageous in bearing witness to it just as St. Gregory the Great did.
He advised the faithful to pray for their Bishop and Priests.
The Nuncio was accompanied by Most Rev. Peter Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso.
At Yendi, the Nuncio was received by Most Rev. Vincent Sowah Boi-Nai, SVD, Bishop of the Diocese, who briefed him on its operations, the personnel strength, ethnic groups, traditional beliefs and some challenges of the Diocese.
The Nuncio visited the Bishop’s residence, the Palace of the Regent of Dagbon, Kampampuya Naa, the Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, the Good Shepherd Bible Centre and Rectorate and the Gnani Witch Camp, all in the Diocese.
He encouraged the faithful of the Diocese to profess their faith with pride and pledged his commitment to partner Government in the areas of women empowerment, poverty alleviation, health care and education to develop the Diocese.
Priests, Religious and lay faithful who welcomed the Nuncio, thanked him for the visit and prayed that his mission would be fruitful and fulfilling.
Archbishop Speich was later decorated with the traditional smock.
*The Nuncio displaying his traditional outfit
*The Nuncio (middle) with Bishops Essien (left) and Atuahene (right)
From Frs. Sampson Abdulai and Samuel Nkuah-Boateng
Church suffers through ill-suited Priests-Pope
(CNS/Paul Haring)
Many of the problems in the Church today come from accepting men who are unsuitable for the Priesthood, Pope Francis told the Congregation for Clergy recently.
The Vocations crisis and lack of Priests have meant that "we Bishops are tempted to take in, without discernment, the young men who present themselves. This is bad for the church," he told those who took part in the Congregation's Plenary Assembly Meeting at the Vatican.
"We have to think of the good of the people of God," which means taking the time to screen and "study" those seeking a vocation, he said.
"Examine closely whether he belongs to the Lord, if that man is healthy, is balanced, if that man is capable of giving life, of evangelizing, if he is capable of forming a family and turning that down in order to follow Jesus," he said in off-the-cuff remarks.
"Today we have many problems, and in many Dioceses, because of this error made by some Bishops to take those who come – sometimes thrown out of other Seminaries or Religious Institutes – because they need Priests."
“The Church does need Priests and there is a lack of vocations, but the solution cannot come at the expense of the faithful,” he said.
Proper Formation of candidates and Priests is like polishing "a diamond in the rough" so that "they shine in the midst of the people of God," he said in his prepared written remarks.
As such, proper Formation is an ongoing task that takes time, care, patience and respect for the conscience of the person, he said.
But most of all, Formation is a relationship that demands consistency and discipleship; it is not just about passing on "theological or spiritual notions."
"Jesus didn't say to those whom he called, 'Come, I will explain it to you,' or 'Follow me, I will instruct you.'"
Jesus formed His Disciples through his invitation of, "'Come, follow me. Do as I do.' And this is the method that the Church wants to adopt for her Ministers today as well," he said.
Priests are called to grow in their awareness that they are "shepherds invited to be in the midst of their flock, to make the Lord present through the Eucharist and to impart His mercy,” the Pope said.
“It is about 'being' Priests, not limiting themselves to ‘doing’” what a Priest does, while also being free from any "spiritual worldliness," he said.
The Pope said it is wonderful to see Priests who are full of joy and radiate an inner peace even during moments of hard work or struggle and pain. But none of that comes "without prayer from the heart and in dialogue with the Lord, who is, if you will, the heart of Priestly Life," he said. – CNS
(CNS/Paul Haring)
Many of the problems in the Church today come from accepting men who are unsuitable for the Priesthood, Pope Francis told the Congregation for Clergy recently.
The Vocations crisis and lack of Priests have meant that "we Bishops are tempted to take in, without discernment, the young men who present themselves. This is bad for the church," he told those who took part in the Congregation's Plenary Assembly Meeting at the Vatican.
"We have to think of the good of the people of God," which means taking the time to screen and "study" those seeking a vocation, he said.
"Examine closely whether he belongs to the Lord, if that man is healthy, is balanced, if that man is capable of giving life, of evangelizing, if he is capable of forming a family and turning that down in order to follow Jesus," he said in off-the-cuff remarks.
"Today we have many problems, and in many Dioceses, because of this error made by some Bishops to take those who come – sometimes thrown out of other Seminaries or Religious Institutes – because they need Priests."
“The Church does need Priests and there is a lack of vocations, but the solution cannot come at the expense of the faithful,” he said.
Proper Formation of candidates and Priests is like polishing "a diamond in the rough" so that "they shine in the midst of the people of God," he said in his prepared written remarks.
As such, proper Formation is an ongoing task that takes time, care, patience and respect for the conscience of the person, he said.
But most of all, Formation is a relationship that demands consistency and discipleship; it is not just about passing on "theological or spiritual notions."
"Jesus didn't say to those whom he called, 'Come, I will explain it to you,' or 'Follow me, I will instruct you.'"
Jesus formed His Disciples through his invitation of, "'Come, follow me. Do as I do.' And this is the method that the Church wants to adopt for her Ministers today as well," he said.
Priests are called to grow in their awareness that they are "shepherds invited to be in the midst of their flock, to make the Lord present through the Eucharist and to impart His mercy,” the Pope said.
“It is about 'being' Priests, not limiting themselves to ‘doing’” what a Priest does, while also being free from any "spiritual worldliness," he said.
The Pope said it is wonderful to see Priests who are full of joy and radiate an inner peace even during moments of hard work or struggle and pain. But none of that comes "without prayer from the heart and in dialogue with the Lord, who is, if you will, the heart of Priestly Life," he said. – CNS