THE Catholic Bishop of Ho, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has cautioned Catholic priests to resist the temptation of preaching themselves or focusing on themselves.
He reminded that the priests were not the Word hence they must “Preach Christ always.”
Most Rev Fianu advised priests to let their flock find consolation and refreshment in their homilies.
According to him, the priesthood was a ministry of service, not lordship.
Most Rev Fianu gave the caution in his homily during the ordination of six young men as priests into the Catholic Church.
The newly ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Francis Akoto, Rev. Fr. Francis Agala, Rev. Fr. Christopher Latsebi, Rev. Fr. Frank Gbenya, Rev. Fr. Ephraim Pessey and Rev. Fr. Abraham Dzibitor, SVD
Apart from Rev Fr Dzibitor, who was ordained for the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) missionary society, the rest will work within the Catholic Diocese of Ho.
The solemn and colourful ordination ceremony took place at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fodome Helu/Agbesia in the Hohoe District.
Flock not yours
Most Rev Fianu admonished the newly ordained priests to remember that the flock was not their own but the Lord’s. He said the priests were, therefore, expected to take good care of them as they would their own by giving their lives for the flock.
The Bishop of Ho also asked the Catholic faithful to always pray for the priests saying, “Pray for your priests, that we may always reflect the image of Christ, the Good Shepherd.”In attendance were Brothers and Sisters from the constituent Councils and Courts of North Volta Region of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall.
Also in attendance were hundreds of priests, religious brothers and sisters as well as seminarians. Gracing the occasion were the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. John Peter Amewu, the Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Mr. Maxwell Blagogee, the Municipal Chief Executive for Hohoe, Mr. Teddy Andrews Ofori, the District Chief Executive for North Dayi, Kudjo Edmund Attah.
Chiefs and Queen mothers from the 3 traditional areas within the parish and beyond were not left out. About 3000 faithful from all walks of life witnessed the event.Story by Rev. Fr. Anthony Mawuli Ahiabor, Ho Diocese.
Pictures: Bro. Pascal Kemetse, Council 20- Ho
