The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich, has urged Marshallans to be inspired into action by the Catholic spirit of Sir James Marshall to positively influence the society.
He acknowledged the significant role of Sir James Marshall in evangelization in Ghana and Nigeria and the blessings, gift of faith and courage from God that inspired the founders to establish the Society.
The Apostolic Nuncio, who was the Principal Celebrant at a Thanksgiving Mass to climax the 90th Anniversary of the Knights of Marshall, stated this remarks in his Homily at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi.
The theme of the 90th anniversary was: “The Marshallan and the New Evangelization for the transmission of the faith”.
The Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, Most Rev, John Bonaventure Kwofie, Sir Kt. Bro. Msgr. Hillary Senoo from the Ho Diocese and scores of priests concelebrated the Mass which was attended by a host of dignitaries including Sir Kt. Vet. Bro. Cdr. Dr. E.S.K. Kwaw, the Supreme Director of the Knights of Marshall, Sir Kt. Bro. Ernest Amoako-Arhen, Supreme Knight and MRL Sis. Alice Stella Ayebi, the Grand Lady of the Ladies of Marshall.
Also in attendance were eight substantive Past Supreme Knights and six Grand Ladies, including Sir Kt. Prof. Dr. Dr. George Wereko Brobby and Dame MRL Sis. Theresa Poobe, Sir Kts., Worthy Brothers, Respected Ladies, Regional and Grand Knights and Knights and Ladies of the Marshallan fraternity from across the Country and her foreign branches in Togo, Benin, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and London.
Sir Samuel Asubonteng, Supreme Subordinate President, led a delegation from the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. John’s International which also included Col. Andrew Koomson, Cape Coast Grand first Vice President and Capt. Chris Donkoh, Cape Coast Grand Sgt. at Arms to the Eucharistic Celebration.
The Apostolic Nuncio said: “It is commendable to note that the same spirit of Sir James Marshall in evangelization is embraced by your Noble Order which is articulated in your objectives, to be enfleshed and live in different ways”
Quoting from a Vatican II document, Lumen Gentium which outlines the role of the laity, he said “Christ who proclaimed the Kingdom of His Father both by the testimony of his life and the power of his Words, did not entrust the call to evangelize only to the Church hierarchy who teach in his name and his authority, but also to the laity whom he made his witnesses and to whom he gave understanding of the faith and attractiveness in speech so that the power of the Gospel might shine forth in their daily social and family life”.
He also made reference to the Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Saint John Paul II titled “Christifideles Laici” which further emphasizes the role of the laity in evangelization adding that “by virtue of their participation in the prophetic mission of Christ, the laity are to testify to how the Christian faith constitutes the only fully valid response to the problems and hopes that life poses to every person and society”.
In this regard, he said the laity are called to take up in their daily activities in their families, work places and society, an integrated approach to life that is fully brought about by the inspiration and strength of the Gospel, which is to encourage them to get involved in the formation of mature ecclesial communities and be a testimony of Christian life.
Focusing on the role of men, women, elders in society and the youth in the new evangelization as outlined in the Post Synodal Exhortation, Africae Munus, the Nuncio stated that it encouraged men to let their sense of responsibility grow to a point where they can make concrete commitments in the Church and help to promote reconciliation, peace and justice and to enthusiastically offer courageous contributions to the transformation of their milieu and society.
On women, he said they are enjoined to make great contributions to their families, society and the Church by their talents and gifts, adding that as Catholic women, they are to defend human dignity, the family and the values of religion when peace is under treat, when justice is flouted and when poverty increases. Furthermore, they are to grow in the knowledge of catechism, the Church’s social teachings and continue to defend life and support one another.
Turning to elders of society, he said they are also to love, respect and esteem young people who need witnesses and teachers who can walk with them and teach them to love the Gospel.
On young people, he said their thoughtfulness is a gift and a treasure from God for which the whole Church is grateful to the Lord of life. This he said urges them to keep and love the Gospel being taught them and share it with their peers, that they may become authentic and credible messengers.
He stated further that young people should be vigilant from all who propose to them, things that will destroy their future and urged them to avoid temptations from ideologies, sects, money drugs, casual sex, violence and encourages them not to be discouraged by difficulties and not give up their ideals of placing Jesus at the centre of their lives through prayer, study of Scripture and active participation in ecclesial groups and movements.
Addressing the Marshallans, the Nuncio emphasized the importance of prayer life and life of witness in their roles as lay evangelizers, saying they are called to holiness which is to be lived in the world.
He, therefore, urged them to cultivate their interior lives and their relationship with God so that the Holy Spirit may enlighten them in all circumstances, deepen their union with Christ so as to know and love him by devoting time to God, prayer and in the reception of the Sacraments.
Earlier in a brief address, Bishop Kwofie stated that the presence of the Nuncio was a testament of his love and care and acknowledged the role and contributions of Marshallans to Mother Church, expressing joy that the seed of the Society was sowed in his diocese adding that “he hoped to be alive to witness its Centenary in 2026”.
In a similar fashion to the honour accorded visiting Heads of States or dignitaries, the Apostolic Nuncio had inspected a colourful parade guard of honour prior to procession into the Cathedral for the Mass mounted in his honour by a detachment of 5 officers, 48 adults and 20 Junior Marshallans supported by the Ghana Navy Regimental Band.
As part of the day’s programme, the Apostolic Nuncio delivered a solidarity message to the mark the 90th anniversary of the Knights of Marshall while Bishop Kwofie did likewise on behalf of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Special prayers were also said for the Beatification of Sir James Marshall, the founding fathers of the Society and the 90th anniversary prayer was also recited.
At the end of the celebration, special awards were presented to Council No. 1 Sekondi, Court No. 1 Kumasi and 1J Queen of the Apostles, Cape Coast which were the first adult Council, Court and Junior Order respectively of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall to honour them for their roles as pace setters of the Society. Each one of them was given a 90th anniversary commemorative plaque.
Similarly, the Apostolic Nuncio who celebrated the Thanksgiving Mass and Bishop Kwofie who was also the Guest Speaker for the 2-day Marshall-Moreau-Morat Memorial Lectures held from 10th to 11th November, 2016 as part of the activities of the 90th anniversary, were each honoured with a citation and 90th anniversary commemorative plaque.
BY: FRANCIS E. MONNIE, TAKORADI