Three full time Catechists of Koforidua diocese have received Papal honours and two priests honoured with the Pontifical title of Monsignors, the rank of Chaplain of His Holiness. The ceremony which took place on Sunday January 20th, 2019 at the St George Cathedral Church in Koforidua was presided over by His Excellency Most Jean-Marie Speich the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana.
The three catechists who received the Pontifical Honours are Mr. Bartholomew Emmanuel Djangmah of St Peter’s Parish, Somanya, Mr. Paul Lawer Kumah of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Akyem New Tafo and Mr. Bartholomew Toffour of St. John the Baptist Parish, Akyem Ofoase. In the same liturgy, Very Rev. Fr Paul Abankwa (Financial Controller of St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia) and Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Akwasi Agyapong (retired) former Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish Akyem Oda received their new insignia as Monsignors.
The Papal Nuncio, expressed his extreme joy and appreciation to the bishop of Koforidua for inviting him to preside over the celebration. He communicated the felicitation of His Holiness Pope Francis to all and sundry. The Nuncio termed the celebration which drew people from across the diocese as ‘a celebration of renewal of our love for the Pope’.
Referring to the first reading of the day the Papal representative said God is the protector of his people and every one of us so we should not be afraid. He reiterated that God knows how best to build his community therefore he enriches his people with diverse gifts for the benefit of all. The gifts are supposed to solidify our union with God and build up the community. He assured the congregation that God never abandons his people for is a God of merciful love who forgives and renews them so that they may be saved. He told the gathering ‘do not give up on people who love you. Do not give up on happiness for life is a loving show’.
The Nuncio acknowledged that the title Monsignors as Papal Chaplain is given to priests of exemplary service to the Church recognising their generosity of heart and mind in the witness and practice of the faith. The Papal Ambassador, was full of praises for Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum for appreciating the extraordinary service of the Catechists. According to the Nuncio, who could not hide his excitement, such acknowledge of catechists through Papal Honours was the first of its kind since he became the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana. Each of the three Catechists was decorated with ‘Benemerenti Medal, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice’ by the Papal Ambassador. The entire ceremony was climaxed with an agape meal for the awardees, their families, friends, parishioners, clergy and religious with the Nuncio. Present at the celebration were Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum bishop of Koforidua and Most Rev. Gabriel Kumordzi, Bishop of Keta-Akasti and Apostolic Administrator of Donkokrom Apostolic Vicariate.
