Sekondi-Takoradi eulogises Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio

* Fr. Lamaire condoling with the bereaved family

The Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi 

has paid glowing tribute to the late Obaapanin Agatha Ama Sarfo-Ababio for her dedicated service, exemplary leadership, and support to the growth of the Church and the entire Diocese. 

Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi Lamaire, Vicar General of the Diocese who presided over the memorial and thanksgiving Mass for the late Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio and her son Kwame Sarpong Sarfo-Ababio at the St. Matthew Catholic Church, Tarkwa extolled her devotion to the Catholic faith and commitment to the growth of the Church.

“She was a mother to the Priests in the Diocese and beyond” he stated, adding that “most of the Priests, Religious and faithful could attest to her care, support and generosity”. 

Preaching the homily, Fr Lamaire noted that as the Church awaits the coming of the holy spirit, the faithful should continue praying for the Church and for more people to convert. 

To be effective witnesses to Christ, the Vicar General reiterated the need for Christians to personally encounter and know Christ, to proclaim goodness to the world. 

“We cannot witness to Christ without knowing him” he stressed. 

Stating that Christians have the responsibility of making Christ the centre and focus of their worship, Fr. Lamaire charged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, stay united, and focus on Christ at all times. 

While condoling with the bereaved family, the Vicar General recounted the faith and enthusiasm of the late Mrs. Ama Sarfo-Ababio, her commitment, and dedication to the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society. 

He said it was not surprising that after joining the society in 1992 at the St. Matthew Parish, Tarkwa Branch, Obaapayin rose through the ranks to become the National President of the Society in November 2011. 

Similarly, at a thanksgiving Mass after her burial at the St. Martha Catholic Church, Antoa in the Konongo- Mampong Diocese, Rev. Fr. Michael Owusu, Parish Priest of the St. Matthew Parish, Tarkwa urged the bereaved family not to fear but to stand firm in faith and believe in Christ Jesus. 

He urged the family to stay united and keep praying just as the Apostles did when they were awaiting the coming of the holy spirit.

A tribute by the St. Theresa of Child Jesus Society celebrated the unique leadership style and keenness of the late Obaapanin Sarfo-Ababio, who they stated was committed to the ideals of the group, as well as her passion, foresight,t, and contributions that made the society an exceptional and attractive one in the Dioceses and to those in the diaspora. 

Besides her immense contributions to the growth and development of the St. Matthew Parish, Mrs. Ama Sarfo-Ababio served on the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC), Harvest Committees, and Laity Council among others. As a staunch member of the Knights and Ladies of Marshal, she was elevated to the rank of the Past Grand Lady of the Order. 

Prayers were said for the family and the repose of the soul of the late Obaapanin Ama Sarfo-Ababio and her son Kwame Sarpong Sarfo-Ababio.

In attendance were scores of Priests and religious as well as a high-powered delegation of the National Council as well as hundreds of members of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society who attended the funeral and thanksgiving Masses. 

Others included the Knights and Ladies of Marshal, the faithful of the St. Matthew Catholic Parish who attended the Mass, relatives, friends, and well-wishers. 

The family expressed gratitude to the Priests,  Religious, and well wishes who journeyed and supported the family during their moment of grief. 

 

On Second Thoughts

Often time it is said that what is done is done and cannot be undone. It also said what is gone is gone and what remains remains.
But on this emotional depth seared into every page of our lives, the line between right and wrong looks vague.
And though discretion is the better part of our valour,
We see how democratization subtly contributed to the demonization of our long-cherished values of human dignity.
But on Second Thought, it occurred to me we possess in abundance the spirit of sensibility, sensitivity, and integrity.
On second thoughts I realise we still have the attitude and ability to make sound choices.
On second thoughts, it is evident our struggles and prosperity drive is stealing our attention from the essential part of life.
On second thoughts, maybe we should pray for humble hearts to decern the essence of our mission here and to diligently live, learn and love.
TGIF. Greetings
©KYB ✍🏿12/05/2023

Dear One,

Dear One,
I trust you are awake like the sunlight and doing well.
Alighting from a night bus the other day, some memories flooded my mind. One of them has to do with change.

A year ago, Yes! You are right to call it yesteryear or yesterday, things happened that altered our lives.

A year ago, some growth took place.
A month ago, we heard about some development.
A week ago, something new was created.
A day ago, a new trend is evolving or emerging.

Whether we are aware of it or not,
Whether we are consciously seeing it or not,
Or whether we feel sensitive, emotional, or indifferent about it, chances are that the processes necessitating these changes in days, weeks, months, and years live.

And sometimes though some people are not always right, and the fact that we may all have different perspectives about things should make us reflect more on our actions.

Even as things change over time,
With time we realize the need to learn more about human nature and our mission here.
Recognizing our frailties and doing our part enhances the eternal processes of our essence.

This is why, we have to prioritize our dignity and self-respect, even as we strive to cultivate inner peace on this journey.

And as you question the reason for this season, please be reminded that you have a beautiful and great soul, so be the reason for your smiles.

Kindly wipe your tears and sweat, relax over your anxiety and fears, and smile for yourself, for me, and for your loved ones.

Be kind to yourself by taking care.
I wish you well. Greetings
©KYB ✍🏿10/05/2023

We Remember

Of the state of a stage and the stages within these spaces, there are memories we remember.
We remember their skills and their willingness to help.
The rudiments of learning the arts and building bonds with others we remember.
The transfer of their knowledge and traits to their children blesses them with the attitude to excel and thrive.
Of the familiar stories and many mixed moments, we remember.
Their presence and passion within their communities are well-known beyond the thoughts that we remember.
To those who walked here a while ago, we remember your deeds in the adventure of each day.
To those whose fond memories we carry, we remember in the embers of the moment.
We remember the challenge of continuity.
We remember the duty to keep living.
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿08/05/2023

After the Sunset

It wakes gradually with the warmth of hope and life.
It passes gently with the temperance of the temperature.
And it strolls sluggishly as if nothing was at stake and yet,
Travels the miles with smiles to embrace another sunset.

The sunset after the dazzling breath of daylight,
Is a familiar one that visits in the measure of days.
And after the sunsets, the heartbeats tenderly,
Recalling ripples of nostalgic soft memories of gratitude.
While watching the flicker of light following the sunset,
Be sure to keep your hope alive and stay calm.
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿07/05/2023

TWO DECADES AGO

 

It's been 20 years now,

It's been 608 months,

It's been 140 weeks,

Yes, it's been 7,300 days already,

When I kiss the hard floor,

When I licked the face of luck.

It was on mild Friday morning.
The generous breeze was graceful to breath and breath some freshness into the air.
So sitting under that Indian Almond Tree, in front of the house at Sahara Down, Dansoman, was a harmless move. This was after taking some hot rice-water.
But yielding to the temptation to climb the tree and receive more breeze, marked the beginning of the inevitable fall. I climbed the tree with a reluctant energy and some nerviness. Though the feeling was a bit awkward, I resisted the urge to climb down after elevating my height. I brushed off the feeling, and picked a cool spot to relax and receive more fresh air.
However, my restless eyes sighted a fruit and I momentarily decided to pluck it without calculating the risk involved in getting it. 

In the process of crawling and stretching my hand to pluck the fruit over the slim branch of the tree, least did I expect the branch to break. It was a subconscious fear that triggered the whole feeling but I cared-less. The branch broke from the main trunk of the tree and in a split second I crushed landed with the leafy parachute on the ground.

The pain was excruciating. Both hands got fractured and there I was, looking more restless. The emergency service that followed from Bechem Clinic with referral to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital was handy. The remaining story is history.

However, I remember the care,the support, the goodwill and empathy and sometimes sympathy. It was great. I was overwhelm with the support after the amputation.
The change was not easy, but the process was worth it. I know it cannot be the same but the zeal to continue, the inspiration to keep going, and the concern for me has been great. And I am highly thankful.

Life is somewhat a comical theatre of many intricate interlacing scenes of experiences, but we live.

Love remains that tiresome duty that tickle its adherears' emotions, to wake the painful beauty of childhood feelings, provoke the adolescent male's adrenaline delight and elevate the multiple mix yearnings of the young female, yet we live.

It's still a happy tune entertaining my memory of barely two decades after the fall.

But in the arms of this account, is a near treat of a missive death.

Yes, death I mean.

But Death is another story to tell someday.

It's another memory to share sometime.

For now, what I have become,

For the gift of walking in this talking sunshine,
Please tell God of my deepest appreciation,

Duly tell our people, I am eternally grateful.

Do tell them I'm still trekking to that destination.
Do tell them I'll soon be there.

For the man I want to be,
For the human being, I want to be,
For the brethren, I want to be,
For the friend I want to be,
I only desire to CARE for and respect all.
I dream to inspire many.
I live to breathe courage.
May God bless our souls on this sail.

Thanks

Yours me 

(First published 13th February 2018)

Comparing Catholic Church to others, unhealthy

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio

Catholics have been entreated to cease comparing the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church with other churches since the Catholic church was founded on tradition, long history, and sacraments, Obaapanyin Agatha Ama Sarfo-Ababio has advised.

Instead of indulging in these superficial comparisons, Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio, a Past National President of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society, asked Catholics to be proud of the Church and appreciate the sacraments and her Social Teachings.

She made these remarks during a session at the 8^th Biennial Diocesan Congress of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Society in the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, held at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa.

Section of the Delegates

She bemoaned instances where even some Catholics jumped from one church to the other, seeking miracles, prophesies, and favours, and argued that often “our ears are too itchy to hear these prosperity messages” to the extent that we belittle the treasures we have in the Catholic Church.

“The Catholic Church is unique and a force to reckon with” she stated but lamented how some Catholics were not fully utilizing these treasures in the sacraments and the opportunities the Church avails to the faithful to encounter the Lord.

Obaapanyin Sarfo-Ababio, therefore advised Catholics, especially the youth and women to be firm in their faith and strive to learn more about the Church, which has a long history, as well as be abreast with her social teachings and fully participate in the celebration of the sacraments.

She observed that pastors of these one-man churches in town cannot be compared to Catholic Priests who have been well prepared for years before being ordained to lead the people of God.

“As much as we crave for changes within the church, we should be mindful of the culture of the church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” she stated.

Likewise, Mr. Anthony Mensah, a Coordinator of Biblical Apostolate, encouraged members of the Society to never look down on themselves and never stop praying, but to trust God at all times to make them the salts of the world.

That there is a solution to every challenge, he advised members to deepen their faith and appreciate the sacraments of the Church, as well as embrace the values of truthfulness and honesty in their dealings.

Similarly, Mr. Appiah Kubi, a renowned broadcaster in an exhortation on the topic: Of the Lost Coin (Lk. 15:8), urged members of the society to strive to do their best while seeking the face of God.

“Although your dedication and service in society might go unnoticed,” he reminded them that God will not forget them.

To find their lost coins in all their endeavours, Mr. Appiah Kubi entreated Christians to always lighten their lamps with Jesus Christ, sweep their house to put in order, and seek diligently and pray effectively until they find their coin.

Take Action Today

In the bows of the clouds,
In the belly of aquifers,
In the beds of rivers,
And in the depth of wells,
We see its traces, even in our homes.
Its flow blesses us with some satisfaction,
Its vitality feeds our national grid that propels growth.
Water remains one resource that defines life for all the organisms on this planet.
And yet we know of those whose greed is molesting and assaulting the dignity of its magnificence.
We hear the footprints of those who will poison it in their quest for wealth. How unfortunate.
On the occasion of this year's World Water Day,
You are invited to take action to help solve the water and sanitation crisis in the world.
Kindly remind those who are drunk and still yeayearn drink water today and tomorrow to also take action.
Remind everyone who gets their daily bread from the use of water to up their game to conserve water 💦.
Remind residents of towns named after rivers and every one bearing river names about the need to invoke the subtle loyalty clause to act to restore our rivers.
And please remind all those greedily muddying our waters to be mindful of the effects of their action on their children.
Since every effort made to conserve water can bring a big change to all of us, let's join hands to TAKE ACTION TODAY.
HAPPY WORLD WATER 💧 💦 DAY
Greetings from me to you.
©KYB ✍🏿22/03/23

Mental Maps

On the marks of life's hill, we mount our mental antenna.
On the mile of many thoughts, we map the moments of men.
In the morning of evenings, and in the evening of mornings,
We ask a lot of questions of why things happen to us,
And it's my prayer you are comforted and strengthen in these times. Remain blessed.
Greetings from me to YOU.
©KYB ✍🏿02/03/2023

Strengthening eyecare in healthcare at Dzelukope

A person’s ability to see is more important to many. Perhaps that is why people often prize their vision to all other senses. Indeed, one study even went further to explain why some people consider losing their eyesight to be the worst health ailment that could befall them. Interestingly, what makes the situation even more alarming is the staggering statistics that more than 2 billion people globally face vision impairment. Of the number, experts say almost half of the cases could have been prevented with early detection and care. Although the idea of sight loss can be scary, the prompt diagnosis by an eye specialist can and in many cases, help preserve vision. Eyecare Dzelukope Although there are several eyecare centres concentrated in the cities, Eyecare services at Dzelukope has made the town popular to many. Today, Dzelukope is synonymous to eyecare because of a missionary’s effort to preserve the sight of people. Upon his arrival in Ghana in 1960, Rev. Fr. Joseph Cramers, SMA, a missionary from Holland working at Anfoega, Liati, Kete-Krachi, Jasikan, Vakpo and Denu, had observed challenges some people he encountered had with their sights. His interest to do something about the situation increased when he was newly posted as the Parish Priest of Dzelukope, St Peter Claver Catholic Church, in 1970, replacing Rev. Fr. William De-Roy of Scotland. Fr. Cramers with additional responsibility as the local manager of Catholic Schools in the area, saw the difficulty some teachers had in writing their lesson notes as a result poor vision. The situation worried him and he thought of helping improve the visions of the teachers so they could effectively teach and help prepare the students for life. Consequently, when visiting Holland in 1978, he brought fixed reading spectacles with him to Ghana, which he issued to the teachers and other workers in the area who had poor vision. This effort, led to the establishment of the New Look Optical Works in May 1979, and he went further to recruit some youth for training in order to handle the optical works. Extension of Eyecare Services Since its inception, Fr. Cramers and his team by dint of hard work took care of the sight of the people within the Keta enclave and beyond. Due to the special care they gave to their patrons at Dzelukope and through routine outreaches, word soon spread to the other parts of the region of the effective eyecare services the New Look Optical Works was offering. Driven by the desire to serve the people who overwhelmingly subscribed to the care at Dzelukope, Fr Cramers in 1984, barely five (5) years after starting the main office at Dzelukope, opened the first branch at Yendi and another one at Nsawam in 1985. Other branches were opened at Takoradi, Half-Assini, Saboba, Jasikan, Aflao, and Ho among others. Operating under the guidelines of National Catholic Health Service, now National Catholic Health Trust, as well as under the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG), and sharing the compound with the St Peter Claver Catholic Church, evoked the compassion and dedication with which staff attended to health seekers. Transition of Eyecare With its speciality in eye care, the facility has over the years rendered services in eye screening, refraction and dispensing of drugs and spectacles. And through the walls of Dzelukope’s New Look Optical Works, thousands have regained their sights and many who feared going blind had their fears assuage after being attended to by specialist from Dzelukope. Indeed, after 50 years of his missionary work in Ghana, 31 of which was directly invested in eyecare, and having attended to hundreds of thousands of patients from different parts of the country and neighbouring countries, Fr. Cramers left the shores of Ghana in 2010, due to ill-health. Prior to leaving, Fr Cramers handed over the New Look Optical Facility to then Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Kwami Adanuty in 2010. Fr. Cramers however passed-on on 31st December 2012, two years after leaving the shores of Ghana. At a memorial Mass held in his honour, in April 2013, at Dzelukope, Emeritus Bishop Adanuty decreed that the name New Look Optical Works be changed to Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre. Indeed, it was to honour the man who made Dzelukope a household name for quality eyecare. Elevation of facility The announcement by Very Rev. Fr. Lt. Col. Winfred Delali Kodzo Sraha (Rtd), Keta-Akatsi Diocesan Administrator of Health of the elevation of the Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre, Dzelukope to the status of a Clinic did not come as a surprise to many patrons at this year’s World Day of the Sick held at Dzelukope. This is partly because of the hard work of the staff, which Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Buishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese and the Diocesan Administrator commended the staff of the Centre for keeping the dreams of the founder the late Rev. Fr. Joseph Cramers, SMA alive. They both urged staff not to relent in their oars but to keep up the good work to sustain the gains made. New Project and Appeal To further enhance improved services of the facility to the public, Mr Daniel Gemegah, Acting Director of the Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre and Clinic, stated that a two (2) storey building us under construction to give clinic a bigger space to attend to more patients. The construction which is about 80 per cent completed, according to the Acting Director was the joint effort of the staff and the Diocesan Health Directorate. Noting that the construction was funded by internally generated funds since 2017, Mr Gemegah appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians, and donors to support the early completion of the project. Indeed, since eyecare is crucial in healthcare, it is essential to support and strengthen the Joseph Cramers New Look Optical Centre and Clinic to be Bigger and better Eyecare facility in serving Ghanaians in rural setting. By Kwesi Yirenkyi Boateng

Never Take God's Love for Granted

Christians have been advised to renew their faith in God during this Lenten season, by appreciating God’s tender love and mercy shown towards humanity. Rev. Fr. Solomon Yayra Xeflide of the St. James Catholic Church, Osu RE, in the Archdiocese of Accra, who led the 2023 Lenten Retreat for members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, University of Ghana, Legon, reiterated the need to draw closer to the love of God. Speaking on the theme: ‘His Boundless Love Reaches Out To All Men’ at the SVD Home for Aged Religious at McCarthy Hill, Fr. Xeflide extolled God’s attribute of love to humanity, but warned against the tendency to take this love for granted. The Retreat Master who noted that the stories in the Bible reflects God’s love for humanity, stressed that Christ’s sacrificing his life in order to redeem humanity, was the greatest example of love every Christian should treasure. Fr. Xeflide stated that the love of God was always present, and charge Christians to endeavour speaking God’s language of love, by identifying the divine love through constant prayers and seeking deeper personal intimacy with Him. As part of the retreat, members of the society participated in the Stations of the Cross; Sacrament Reconciliation, and Adoration of the Holy Eucharist, which was climaxed with a Holy Mass. The Society also made a donation of assorted items to the retired Religious. Prof. Onike Rodrigues, President of the Society, who thanked the Priest, Choristers and members for participating at the Retreat, expressed the hope that the exercise would go a long way to strengthen the spirituality of members. In attendance was the St. James Youth Choir, which sang the Mass and accompanied the group in the retreat programme with melodious hymns. With a focus of providing personal service to the poor and less privileged in our society, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, founded in 1833 by Blessed Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam, is an international voluntary charity organisation in the Catholic Church. Over the years, the society strives to meet the needs of the needy and vulnerable in our society.