By Albert K. Salia, TAKORADI.
THE Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCBC), has urged members of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall to remain active agents of the Catholic Church.
“As Catholic Knights and Ladies, we further encourage you to make Jesus Christ the example of Knighthood and to continue to do everything for the love of Him, who first showed you His immeasurable love,” it said.
This was contained in a message signed by the President of the GCBC, Most Rev Philip Naameh and read by the Bishop of Sekondi/Takoradi to the Marshallans on the occasion of their 90th anniversary in Takoradi.
He urged the Marshallans to resolve to deepen their spirituality and knowledge of the Church and especially, the Catholic Social Teaching, which would guide their actions in society.
This was at a thanksgiving Mass held at the Star of the Sea Cathedral, Takoradi to clmax the 90th Anniversary celebrations of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev Jean-Marie Speich was the main celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass, which was attended by a large number of Marshallans with Sir Samuel Asubonteng, Supreme Subordinate President, leading a delegation from the Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. John’s International to grace the occasion.
Contributions
Most Rev Naameh acknowledged the contributions of Marshallans to the Catholic Church and society.
“Across all our Arch/Dioceses and parishes, you continue to provide leadership for active lay apostolate, support development and formation programmes and projects, contribute for the upkeep of priests and formation of Seminarians, and diligently enrich our liturgical celebrations by your presence and your special activities.
“We also note your unique contribution for the promotion of the common good. Some of your members are showing good example in ethical business, national politics, public services and social life,” he noted.
Most Rev Naameh said the GCBC was particularly grateful of the support of the Marshallans to the Bishops on pertinent national issues.
“We note in particular, the role that the Marshallan Relief and Development Services has played and continue to play in public policy advocacy and support to the needy and vulnerable groups, as an extension of the Church,” he stated.
Do things right
The Supreme Knight, Sir Kt. Bro. Ernest Amoako-Arhen, urged Marshallans to move from the celebrations determined to do things right.
“Let us endeavor from this day forward, not only to dream big but more importantly strive to put our dreams into action. Let us move from here determined that come the next 10 years when we gather to celebrate our centenary, we would have a lot more concrete landmark projects to showcase and that the Noble Order would have carved for itself a new image as a viable and internationally recognized Catholic friendly society,” he stated.
Homily
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Jean Marie Speich, 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.
“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,” Most Rev Speich stated.
Show love
Turning to elders of society, he said they were 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.
Fact Sheet
The Knights and Ladies of Marshall, a Catholic friendly society was founded in November 1926.