‘Do the right thing’-Bishop Afoakwah charges Ghanaians

*Bishop Afoakwah with concelebrating Priests and some Seminarians.

Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, Catholic Bishop of Obuasi, has tasked Christians and Ghanaians

to do the right things at all times, to ensure greater discipline and development of the country.

As people destine for glory, he said Christians should not relent in their efforts when faced with challenges, but should always strive in hope and persevere in their works and prayers to attain the glory.

Bishop Afoakwah said this in a homily when he recently presided over a Mass at the St. Peter’s Regional Seminary at Pedu, for the Admission to Candidacy for Ordination and the Institution of Acolytes at the Seminary for some seminarians.

In spite of the many problems and persecution that they may suffer, the prelate entreated Christians never to forget they were destined for glory and should therefore look up to Christ Jesus as their ideal in their lives.

The Bishop, quoting from chapter 12 of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, cautioned the seminarians and Christians at large not to conform to the dictates of the contemporary world but to model their lives unto Christ Jesus and let the renewal of their minds transform them to always discern the will of God.

“Blessed are the rich and powerful for they shall have their way at all times” he ridiculed, to portray the sad state of affairs in our country, and decried the instance where Jesus Christ’s Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12), which forms the basis of righteousness were being revised and rewritten to suit our social comfort.

He therefore called for radical Christianity that would help transform our society and spread the good news everywhere. 

“Dare to be different in living your faith” said the Bishop, who noted that we are all children of God and small saints on earth, required to lead worthy lives and be steadfast in prayers.

In all, 46 candidates who were Admitted to Candidacy for Ordination were vested in white cassocks which the Bishop blessed, while the 56 candidates who were Instituted as Acolytes (Extra-Ordinary Ministers of the Holy Communion) were also presented with the Chalice.

Bishop Afoakwah, urged the seminarians to let their lives must inspire sanctity every time.   

In a welcome, Very Rev. Robert Charles Snyper, Acting Rector of the Seminary, highlighted the essence of the Mass in the formation of the Seminarians and thanked Bishop Afoakwah for his time.

Very Fr. Christopher Vordzorgbe, Senior Lecturer, in an interview, urged the faithful to continuously support the Seminarians with prayers and words of encouragement, as well as contribute financially to their welfare all the time.

Present at the Mass were relatives, friends and well-wishers of the seminarians as well as Priests, Religious, Societies and Confraternities from the various Churches the Seminarians were coming.