VOL. 82 NO. 36 Electronic Edition GHANA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY ESTD. IN 1938 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 PRICE GH¢2.00 New Apostolic Nuncio Arrives – Calls for Prayer and Collaboration r c h b i s h o p H e n r y k hierarchy and all members of the Mieczysław Jagodziński, the Church for the salvation of souls, the Anew Apostolic Nuncio to intensions of the Holy Father and Ghana has asked for prayers and indeed for the promotion of the collaboration in the beginning of his evangelisation efforts of the Catholic mission in Ghana. He expressed his Church. He sees his appointment as a joy in finally making it to Ghana since honour for him to serve, with all his appointment by Pope Francis on h u m i l i t y, t h e C h u r c h a s t h e May 3, 2020. He explained that the representative of the Holy See in delay in his arrival in Ghana was as a Ghana. result of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Nuncio observed the spiritual which delayed his ordination as a connection with the day he was bishop and also coming to Accra. appointed and the day he arrived in The new Nuncio who arrived in Ghana. The former, May 3, was the Ghana last Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Feast Day of The Most Holy Virgin conveyed the greetings and best wishes Mary, Queen of Poland (Najświętsza of Pope Francis to all Ghanaians. “I was Maryja Panna Królowa Polski) also with the Pope on August 19, 2020 and he translated as Our Lady, Queen of Poland spoke highly of Ghana and asked me to or Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of greet you and to, on his behalf, impart Poland; and the latter, May 8, the Feast his Apostolic blessings on the whole of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin The Nuncio country” he added. Mary. He therefore prayed for a A c c o r d i n g t o A r c h b i s h o p successful duty tour in Ghana. Jagodziński, he is here to work with the Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference on behalf of his brother Bishops and the entire Catholic Church in Ghana in welcoming the Ensure Decorum in Political Space Nuncio wished him a very blessed stay in Ghana. He assured him of the support and collaboration of the Conference adding “rest assured that we will do all Catholic Bishops to Political Actors that is possible to collaborate with you in the evangelization efforts of the Story on page 3 Continued on page 3 Pope Francis to Outdoor New ‘Gossip Worse Encyclical on Human Fraternity Than COVID-19’ See page 3 Story on back page 2 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020

CATHOLIC Science and Faith Together Can Help the Environment: World News Pope Francis unrest.” See press office, the Pope said “In myself, it was a team of scientists, Present at the 2007 there was the Conference of a team of theologians and all audience included the the Latin American Bishops in together we made this reflection -- A c a d e m y Aw a r d - Brazil, in Aparecida. I was in the I called this team and I said: 'This ope Francis says science winning actor Juliette group of editors of the final must come out before the meeting and faith together can Binoche, who told the document, and proposals on the in Paris' -- 'But why?' -- 'To put Ph e l p h u m a n i t y t o French newspaper Le Amazon arrived.” pressure.'” overcome ecological crises, and Figaro in an interview, He continued “I said: 'But He continued: “When I that the Christian commitment that although she was these Brazilians, why do they began to think about this to the environment was rooted in not a Catholic, she was bother with this Amazon! What encyclical, I called the scientists -- the Bible. visiting the Vatican “in does the Amazon have to do with a nice group -- and I told them: “The Bible teaches us that a spirit of openness.” evangelisation?' This was me in 'Tell me the things that are clear the world was not born of chaos or “I see this as a 2007. Then, in 2015 Laudato si’ and that are proven and not chance, but of a decision of God moment of sharing. I c a m e o u t . I h a d a p a t h o f hypotheses, the realities.' And who called it, and always calls it, read the encyclical conversion, of understanding the they brought these things that you into existence, out of love. The Laudato si' on ecology ecological problem. I didn't read there today. Then, I called a universe is beautiful and good, and and it was a breath of understand anything before!” group of philosophers and contemplating it allows us to fresh air for me,” she Discussing the genesis of theologians and told them: 'I glimpse the infinite beauty and said. Laudato si’, he recalled a would like to reflect on this. You goodness of its Author.” Pope Francis Other members conversation with the then French work and dialogue with me.' And Giving a written address to a o f t h e d e l e g a t i o n Environment Minister, Ségolène they did the first job, then I delegation of French ecological Royale, who urged him to release intervened.” this ecological conversion, I would included the President of the experts on September 3, he gave the document before a 2015 “And, in the end, I did the like to share with you the way in French Bishops’ Conference, an assurance that the Catholic conference that would negotiate the which the convictions of faith offer Archbishop Eric de Moulins- final editing. This is the origin. But Church was committed to Paris Agreement on combating Christians great motivations for Beafort, the Deputy Mayor of I want to underline this: from not defending the planet from climate change. the protection of nature, as well as Paris, Audrey Pulvar and Valérie understanding anything, to exploitation “…and above all He contacted those who were of the most vulnerable brothers Cabanes, a lawyer who helped to Aparecida, in 2007, to the wants to form consciences in order drafting the encyclical: “I called the and sisters, because I am certain found the movement ‘End Ecocide encyclical. Of this I like to give to promote a deep and lasting team that was doing it – so that you that science and faith, which on Earth’. testimony. We must work so that ecological conversion, which The rest are Maxime de know that I did not write this alone can meet the important propose different approaches to everyone has this path of reality, can develop an intense and R o s t o l a n , a n e c o l o g i c a l challenges we face.” entrepreneur and founder of the He told the delegation, the fruitful dialogue.” “Each creature, even the organisations 'Fermes d'avenir, Malawi Bishop Invokes Catholic Church “…wants to act Blue Bees and Communitrees', the concretely where this is possible,” most ephemeral, is the object of the tenderness of the Father, who gives economist Jesuit Priest, Fr. Gaël Novena Prayer in the Wake and implored the delegation to Giraud, Pablo Servigne, co-author c o n t i n u e p r o t e c t i n g t h e it a place in the world. The Christian can only respect the of the book “Comment tout peut of Chapel Desecration environment. s'effondrer” (How Everything Can “It has no ready-made work that the Father has entrusted to him, like a garden to cultivate, to Collapse”) and Raphaël Cornu- nidentified persons on August 30 disarmed the solutions to propose and does not Thénard, an architect and a lay be protected, to grow according to security of the convent of the Poverelle Sisters (PS) ignore the difficulties of the Catholic. technical, economic and political its potential.” in Malawi's Mangochi Diocese and “opened the The Pope added: “There will In a related development, the U issues at stake, nor all the efforts be no new relationship with nature Holy Father has spoken of his own tabernacle where they took the Blessed Sacrament that was that this commitment entails,” the “ecological conversion”. in the Monstrance and consecrated hosts in the ciborium.” Pope said in a speech that was without a new human being, and it is by healing the human heart that In an off-the-cuff remarks to Following the desecration, the Bishop of the Diocese, the handed out to the delegation. the French delegation, released He wrote: “With regard to one can hope to heal the world Most Rev. Montfort Stima declared a novena, September 6 for from its social and environmental later on September 3 by the Holy all the Clergy and the faithful of the diocese to “…pray for those involved to be found and for justice to flow like a river.” The purpose of the novena, the Malawian Prelate added “is to apologise to the Lord Jesus Christ for the theft and to pray for those involved to be found and for justice to flow like a 67,000 African Children Risk Dying river.” In a letter confirming the desecration, Bishop Stima said from Starvation before Year End he was broken-hearted, and hoped that “…the Lord will not leave us alone; He is always with us.” just-released report by the “Save swarms of locusts, soaring of food prices In the one-page statement obtained by the ACI Africa, the Children” international and displacements. Bishop Stima explained that the desecrators gained access to Acharity claims “an estimated “By 2030, the 'Save the Children' the convent in Kankao Parish, located in the southern region of 67,000 children are at risk of dying from report predicts some 433 million people will Malawi. extreme hunger, across Sub-Saharan Africa be undernourished across Africa”. In West The desecrators, whose identity and number are not before the end of the year.” and Central Africa, “15.4 million children provided, “opened the tabernacle where they took the Blessed According to an analysis by the charity under five are expected to suffer from Sacrament that was in the Monstrance and consecrated hosts in severe acute malnutrition this year, a 20 the ciborium,” Bishop Stima said in the September 6 statement. NGO, even before the pandemic, Sub-Saharan They also made away with “money, laptops, wallets and Africa was one of the most food-insecure percent increase from earlier estimates.” phones,” the Bishop revealed. regions globally; and if current trends B e f o r e t h e p a n d e m i c , s e v e r e “We do not know what they are doing with our Lord Jesus continue, the Region could be home to over malnutrition threatened the health, the or where they left Him. This is a very frustrating and half of the world's chronically hungry. growth and even the lives of over 26 million frightening thing, especially in view of our faith in the The “Save the Children” has launched a children, across East and Southern Africa. Eucharist,” the 62-year-old Bishop said in desperation. campaign for funding in response to the crisis Save the Children's Regional Director, Following the desecration, Bishop Stima has invited the to provide food or cash to vulnerable families, Ian Vale, says the pandemic is wreaking people of God in Malawi's Mangochi Diocese to participate in a devastation on some of the world's hungriest novena starting on September 14. ensuring access to safe and clean water and He also asked for prayers for the affected Poverelle continuing its health and nutrition services in a people, as coronavirus prevention measures “have decimated livelihoods and crop Sisters, saying “Never tire of praying until these desecrators are “coronavirus-safe way.” found.” production, jobs have dried up, and food is The report says food insecurity in parts of The Mangochi-based Pavorelle Sisters have been serving Africa has been compounded by several becoming increasingly expensive.” in Malawi since 1983. shocks this year. They include “floods, Vaticannews,va Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 3 Pope Francis to New Apostolic Nuncio Arrives Outdoor New Encyclical Symposium of Episcopal Małogoszcz, Poland and ordained Conferences of Africa and a Priest on June 3, 1995.He on Human Fraternity Madagascar (SECAM) and his obtained a Doctorate Degree in two deputies; friends and Canon Law from the Pontifical he Vatican's Holy See Press Office announced members of the Community of University of the Holy Cross, September 5 that Pope Francis will sign the third the Apostolic Nunciature in Rome in 2001, and in preparation Tencyclical of his pontificate in Assisi on October 3. Accra, among many others. for the Diplomatic Service, he The encyclical, which is on human fraternity and social A bouquet of flowers and s t u d i e d a t t h e P o n t i f i c a l friendship, is entitled Fratelli tutti, meaning “All Brothers”, in other gifts were presented to the Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome Nuncio. Music was provided from1999 to 2001. Italian. by the Accra Swing Quartet. Archbishop Jagodziński Pope Francis will offer a private Mass at the tomb of St. T h e P o p e ' s entered the Diplomatic Service of Francis in Assisi, before signing the encyclical a day before St. Representative was officially the Holy See on July 1, 2001. Francis' feast day. welcomed on arrival at the From 2018 till his appointment as Human fraternity has been an important theme for Pope Kotoka International Airport, Nuncio to Ghana, he served as First Counsellor in the Apostolic Francis: In February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, he signed “A Msgr. Talapka Accra by officials of the ushering the Nuncio to his seat. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nunciature in Bosnia and Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Msgr. Talapka. Herzegovina and Montenegro. Together”. Continued from front page Archbishop Jagodziński The New Nuncio has also served at the Holy See Secretariat of State In 2014, the message for his first 'World Day of Peace' as Church in Ghana.” He also expressed is the ninth Nuncio to Ghana. and Apostolic Nunciatures in Pope was “Fraternity, Foundation and Pathway for Peace.” gratitude and appreciation to the Holy He succeeds Most Rev. Jean- Belorussia, Croatia, and India. Pope Francis' immediate past encyclical, Laudato Si', was Father for having sent Archbishop Marie Speich who was Nuncio He speaks Polish, his native Jagodziński to represent him in from August 2013 to March published in 2015. Its title was taken from St. Francis of Assisi's language, Italian, French, English, Ghana. 2019. “Canticle of the Sun,” which prayer praised God for creation. The New Nuncio was Prior to that, he had published the Lumen Fidei, an encyclical Earlier, the Charge d' Affaires of Continued on page 15 the Nunciature, Rev. Monsignor born on January 1, 1969 in begun by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Pavol Talapka, introduced the new The Holy Father is due from Assisi to the Vatican, October Nuncio to the clergy, religious and lay 3. The beatification of Carlo Acutis will take place in Assisi the faithful who were at the Nunciature to following weekend, and the “Economy of Francis” economic welcome him to the country and asked summit is also scheduled to take place in Assisi in November. for prayers for the Nuncio to successfully carry out his work in “It is with great joy and in prayer that we welcome and Ghana. await the private visit of Pope Francis. A stage that will highlight Also present at the ceremony the importance and necessity of fraternity,” Fr. Mauro Gambetti, were: the Secretary General of the the custodian of the Sacred Convent of Assisi said on September GCBC, Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee; 5. Rev. Fr. John Louis, Vicar General of ACI Africa Accra Archdiocese; Rev. Fr. Henry From (left) Fr. Louis, Archbishop Jagodzinski, Akaabiam, Secretary General of the Archbishop Naameh and Fr. Anondee.

commitment to the development of the nation, saying that their doors are always Ensure decorum in Political Space open for dialogue and collaboration. In contributing to the discussions, Development Initiatives Minister and Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Catholic Bishops to Political Actors Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senta Vice President of the GCBC and East Constituency, Mrs. Hawa Koomson, Archbishop of Cape Coast stressed the need who admitted firing a gun at a polling station for independent State Institutions such as in self-defense and urged government to the Auditor General's Department and the boldly condemn such acts irrespective of the Office of the Special Prosecutor to be political affiliation of the perpetrators. capacitated to enable them function more On education, the GCBC also efficiently. appealed to the President to kindly hasten On the issue of foul language, he t h e p r o c e s s t o w a r d s s i g n i n g t h e hoped that a moral education and moral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) armament would arrest the canker, saying between the Government and Religious that these were necessary for good Bodies on the partnership in education character formation. delivery in Ghana and also requested him to In his response, President Akufo- grant a Presidential Charter to the Catholic Addo expressed his disappointment that University College of Ghana at Fiapre, near days after former President Mahama Sunyani in the Bono Region. allegedly made an “ethnocentric and Other issues of concern raised by the insulting” name-calling statement about Prez. Akufo-Addo Archbishop Naameh Akyems, no religious body, civil society of Tamale, President of GCBC Bishops included the high fees for the acquisition and renewal of resident permit organisation or public think thank has come he Ghana Catholic Bishops' ability to perform”. particularly for Missionaries, the autonomy out to condemn the unfortunate statement. C o n f e re n c e ( G C B C ) h a s He, therefore, encouraged the of independent state institutions, the He said it was distasteful for a appealed to Political actors in President to see to it that those who speak, practice of professional witchcraft and flagbearer who seeks the mandate to govern T the people and most importantly, a former the country to ensure decorum and advocate and campaign for him, commit wizardry, the financial sector crisis and courtesy to their opponents in how they themselves to respect his values and corporate sector responsibility among president to make such remarks about a present themselves before the citizens. etiquette. others. section of the people he seeks to govern. The Bishops made the appeal when The Bishops also expressed concern The Bishops commended government The President urged the Bishops not they paid a courtesy call on President Nana about politically orchestrated violence that for providing strong leadership in response to remain silent on issues of such nature, Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee characterised the just ended voter to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing a saying that “it does not matter whether a House on Friday, September 3, 2020. registration exercise, saying that it was not a comprehensive plan, resource mobilisation person is in government or opposition; if Most Rev. Philip Naameh, President good signal for the nation which is strategies and also for the regular feedback what they say is unacceptable, it should be of the GCBC and Archbishop of Tamale, preparing towards its general elections in to citizens, encouraging him to ensure pointed out that it is unacceptable”. who led the delegation of the Conference, December. accountability and transparency in the “They should be reprimanded so that said “there is no need to denigrate, debase They made particular reference to the utilization of the resources. and dehumanise others to justify your own unfortunate action of the Special They assured the President of their Continued on back page 4 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Letter to Let’s Bring Back Discipline, Moral EDITORIAL the Editor Formation to Schools oday, it is not students on drinking spree but people, educated with state resources who are destroying state Political Violence and the Tproperties, and insulting the very people who mean well for their future. What has happened? Partisan Blame-Game Education means nothing without character formation. Education is no education, without conscience formation. Conscience moulding ith barely three months to go for the presidential and is at the heart of missionary- or faith-based education. What is the sense parliamentary elections on December 7, it can be said that our of obtaining A1s and B2s in examinations, when you cannot fit into Wcountry has stepped into the election season. By twist of ironic society, respect authority and constituted structures? fate, the coronavirus pandemic has restricted large gathering rallies, How do you tell me that you have received education, and yet to the relief of many Ghanaians and perhaps for the good of Ghana. destroy your own society? Why must students go to school for 3 years However, election seasons are also associated with party-related or - and yet cannot pass without "Apor" (cheating)? Why should a strict and induced violence. Indeed, the just-ended voter registration has serious headmaster become a threat to students? sufficiently flagged the violence likely to occur, if as a country, we Free SHS education is very good, indeed, a breakthrough in our choose to do nothing about party vigilantism. country for sure. There should be no arguments about that policy. Is it not regrettable that a purely not partisan exercise as a voters However, given what is happening, let us revisit the philosophical and registration, which by definition gave absolutely no role whatsoever social foundations of education. Let us visit ancient Greece and get to political parties, ended up being party-captured, particularly by guidelines from Plato and Aristotle, among others and thereafter the governing and the opposition parties? The reportedly 27 party- combine their approaches with modern science and technology. related violent incidents, which tragically resulted in the loss of lives Let us bring back discipline and moral formation into our school of two persons, amplify this feared reality. system. Let the teacher Lead, not the student. Let the hardworking, Party vigilantism is nothing but a group of self-appointed party foot serious and committed teacher be untouchable, and not the soldiers, who undertake unsolicited law enforcement duties for their "directionless" student. party. They do so on the pretext that legal, authorized agencies are Plato says education is the process of leading people from perceived to be unreliable. Vigilante members, then, hope to reap darkness to light. Let us not permit discipline to be chased into the bush, post-election benefits through recruitment into our security services. in the name of child rights. But party vigilantism is simple political thuggery. Violent activities, such By Rev. Fr. Tetteh Matthias Djabatey, as gunshots at the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, violent clashes St. Roses Senior High School, Akwatia at the 2009 Chereponi by-election, and injuries at the Atiwa, Asunafo South, Asutifi and the Talensi by-elections, are simply election- political thuggery. The danger in party vigilantism is that political thuggery bastardizes the were requested NOT to protect their members who engage in electoral process. As some have pointed out, political thuggery is an vigilantism. Also they are to sign onto a 'code of conduct'. What illegitimate and violent means of winning political power, through has become of these pious intentions? subverting the will of the electorate. It is putting politics above These directives to the political parties were necessary, to the extent election rights. that it is political parties who use and benefit from the activities On whom should Ghanaians and the International world place the blame of vigilante groups. However, the futility of the directive is of party vigilantism and election violence, but the government of the obvious: Both leading political parties, the NPP and the NDC, day and our major political parties? are afraid to renounce or cause to be demobilised the vigilantes With respect to the government, this nation's Parliament has passed a law, within their fold. What, if after demobilisation their criminalizing partisan vigilantism. We refer to Act 999, the counterpart reneges and continue to nurse within a violent 'Vigilantism and Related offences Act, 2018', which proscribes the party vigilante group? Thus, is the unlikelihood for any party to otherwise free-range phenomenon of party vigilantism, and which hold up to their end of the bargain and disown party vigilantes. also prescribes a 'Code of Conduct,' to bind political parties to non- The other argument that political parties per se do not own vigilante violent conduct. Also, the “ Emile Short Commission” on the groups in itself contradicts rationality: There will be no party Ayawaso Wuogon Constituency by-election violence made certain vigilantism, if parties do not use vigilante services. Vigilantism far-reaching recommendations: The question is: Has the government is a “rub-my-back/I rub your back deal.” It is a “demand- resolved the structural and operation aspects of the current security supply” factor. Whether parties own them or not, the parties architecture? And where are we with the perpetrators of the vigilante benefit from their services, to the same degree as vigilantes violence? expect political favours, such as 'security operatives'. Again, when will the constitutionally unrecognized 'security operatives' The December elections are surely a test case of the efficacy of the be disbanded? The government certainly suffers trust deficit, to the 'Vigilantism and Related offences Act, 2018'. The resurgence or extent that these totally partisan 'security operatives' continue to revival of political violence or party-induced vigilantism is real. exist, alongside our security system. Apart from undermining the To the extent that political thuggery denies peace, harmony and co- Police, which solely has the mandate to secure lives and properties existence among groups, the principle of reciprocity must within the nation, the existence and deployment of 'security prevail: Those who do not guarantee peace are not entitled to operatives' at the whims of the governing party fuels distrust. The peace. The Ghana police must ensure this happen. They should fear by the Opposition that this illegal, unconstitutional apparatus, be ruthless in its response to any acts of party vigilantism. If the with unlimited arbitrary and discretionary authority, can be State does not protect us the citizens, the citizens take a lesson unleashed to favour the government during elections is not and begin to protect itself. unrealistic. Surely, this feeds into the necessity of having an own The Police alone have the power internally to protect lives and party vigilante group. property, and they should be ruthless in prosecuting this duty Turning to the political parties, the ‘Emile Short Commission' requested before, during and after the December elections. In this they that members of political parties refrain from vigilante activities, as if have the support of The Catholic Standard, and perhaps of the there was a need to say this to their faces. At any rate, political parties whole nation. Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 5 The Pilgrims THE SCRAMBLE TO NOWHERE *Dr. Opoku Prempeh St. Jude, parents are busy trying to abandoned values and principles that Notes position their children at an advantage in have proven their worth and wisdom. We By Kasise Ricky Peprah order that they can survive in the new also have a struggling church that is being world and in the process they sacrifice stampeded out of its orthodoxy and Life is no doubt a journey but quality and merit. In order to finance these appears rather too willing to be less reaching the destination is not by speed ventures, parents embrace dishonesty and insistent on those well-grounded general wrong-doing and by so doing sow admonitions and code of ethics. The result Dear St. Jude the seed of dishonesty in their children. is a mutinous disarray of people in a rabid The world today is in a frenzy and Little doubt therefore that the 'dishonesty search for new ways when the old are still when we are cautioned that 'good things industry' is flourishing and fast becoming potent. The Bible has all that is required come to those who wait' we scoff in the new normal. But I digress, for my and more, the message and example of disdain. commission is to write for the youth... Christ are more than sufficient for our We are in a hurry for everything, St. Jude, the most worrying earthly pilgrimage. All we need to do is to from education to marriage, to wealth and characteristic of the youth today is their arrest our scramble and return to the to position but all of these require careful craze for wealth and luxury but I am not The Columnist teachings of our Holy Roman Catholic thought, deliberate preparation and God's going to spend time elaborating the lack of Church, therein lies the sure way to timing but we do not heed counsel. And utility of these in the salvation agenda, I am of lawlessness leaves no part of society salvation. That way alone is the way and it many of us are lazy too, not all but a only going to tell you of how thousands of unaffected. We Christians are as guilty as never promised to be a stroll in the park sizeable enough number to allow for youth, if not millions, are engaged in all anyone else. We too are in a hurry to attain but it sure promises that a diligent soul, generalisation. Of course there are those manner of dubious schemes to get rich wealth and societal importance and in the constantly trying to walk in the way of the who are hardworking and ethical and even yesterday. From fraud, to robbery, to process, rather too willing to make L o r d , t r u l y r e p e n t a n t o f t h e i r principled but sadly they are not in the prostitution and even to pacts with the nonsense of mores. transgressions will one day receive the majority. devil, the youth do not hesitate to indulge It is called the human race but it is reward of salvation. Every day we hear reports of in order that they can get wealthy. not meant to be a race among humans It is my prayer that we all slow down corruption, abuse of power, nepotism and On this matter also the parents are St. Jude, the unhealthy impatience the tempo and hearken the words of the plain old thievery. Not too long ago we complicit for they never bother to question goes on, into the realm of the search for Lord, allowing Him into their lives and also woke to examination malpractices their children's lifestyles or sources of and attainment of position and high forever trusting Him to fulfill our needs. I and even an audacious revolt in the face of money. They are satisfied to be spoilt and station. While some bother to go to school pray also that the seniors rediscover their attempts to prevent same. I wish I could feted by zygotes barely weaned from their and then cheat, others just go directly to fortitude and resume the task of say these occurrences are the exception mothers' bosoms and who have not ever attain fictitious qualifications in order to husbanding the youth, in full knowledge but I would be wrong. At the risk of over spent even one hour in honest work. acquire positions for which they are not that it requires patience, prayer and tact generalising, one can say that each of us is St. Jude, being in decent employment qualified. Very few still bother to work and that like John the Baptist, they cannot guilty of one wrong or another. People in is no more respected, the craze is to get into their way through the ranks. In the process be cowered by the daunting task. Of one positions of authority are daily brazenly all manner of schemes to get rich. Bribe- we have denigrated education and thing I know, myself, as true and abusing their positions to amass ill-gotten taking and over-invoicing have ceased to glorified dubiousness. incontestable, if one lets God into their wealth and in the process, denying the rest be wrong, much less criminal. Fraud and In sum we have a generation of life, sincerely, albeit briefly, proof of His of the citizenry of basic amenities. Nearly embezzlement have been rechristened as people who are conceited in their grace will abound, more than enough to no one is made to suffer the consequences 'enterprise' and given tacit approval. Not ignorance, disdainful of time-tested quieten the sceptic. of said misdeeds. The result is that such many people live by the fruit of their toil. experience and too many others rather too Salvation should be our goal but behaviour has become acceptable, even No one is queried about their wealth, let willing to abandon our mores and ethics, one does not do themselves any good applauded. alone, criticised or condemned. This wave all in a society that has rather too easily earning the goal.

The 9 beads of this chaplet So that I may better carry Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great are blue mine And to help others do the First three beads: Our same, Fatima Prayer Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Father Second three beads: Hail As I offer up (whatever your my Jesus, forgive us O my God, in union with the Mary Last three beads: Glory Be concern or problem here) to you our sins, save us from Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer On the medal of Saint Rita : For the conversion of Othe fires of hell, and You the Precious Blood of Jesus sinners, For the forgiveness of lead all souls to heaven, from all the altars throughout the sins, In reparation for sins, And for especially those most in need of world. the salvation of souls. Amen Thy mercy. O J e s u s , t h r o u g h t h e Prayer to St Rita Peace Chaplet Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer Patroness of Impossible http://www.viarosa.com/VR You my prayers, works, joys, and Cases sufferings, all that this day may /Peace/Mil-Peace-Chaplet.html Holy Patroness of those in bring, be they good or bad: for the On the crucifix: sign of the need, Saint Rita, you were love of God, for the conversion of cross and the Apostles Creed. A Prayer in Time of Need humble, pure and patient. Your sinners, and in reparation for all the For each group of 3 beads: Almighty God, the Father of pleadings with your divine Spouse sins committed against Your Sacred Our Father Hail Mary Glory mercies and God of all comfort, are irresistible, so please obtain for Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Be come to my help and deliver me O Holy St. Rita, exemplary me from our risen Jesus the Mary. Conclude with the sign of from this difficulty that besets me. Augustinian Sister, we honor you request I make of you: (mention the cross I believe, Lord, that all trials of life O my Jesus, I desire today to for your devotion to the Passion of your petition). Be kind ot me for Morning Offering are under your care and that all gain every indulgence and merit I Christ. Although your early life the greater glory of God, and I Eternal Father, I offer Thee things work for the good of those can and I offer them, together with was filled with disappointment, shall honor you and sing your the Most Precious Blood of Thy who love You. Take away from me myself, to Mary Immaculate, that frustration, and unceasing tragedy, praises forever. Glorious Saint Divine Son, Jesus, in union with fear, anxiety and distress. Help me she may best apply them in the you never lost faith and trust in R i t a , y o u m i r a c u l o u s l y the masses said throughout the to face and endure my difficulty interests of Your most Sacred Heart. God. For this you are the patroness participated in the sorrowful world today, for all the holy souls with faith, courage and wisdom. Precious Blood of Jesus, save of the impossible, and our passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. i n P u rg a t o r y, f o r s i n n e r s Grant that this trial may bring me us! inspiration and advocate in Obtain for me now the grace to everywhere, for sinners in the closer to You, for You are my rock Immaculate Heart of Mary, desperate circumstances. suffer with resignation the universal church, those in my own and refuge, my comfort and hope, pray for us! Prayer to Offer Up Suffering troubles of this life, and protect me home and within my family. my delight and joy. I trust in Your Sacred Heart of Jesus, have Dear Lord, Help me to in all my needs. Amen. Amen. love and compassion. Blessed is mercy on us! remember in these troubled times Your name, Father, Son and Holy Chaplet of St. Rita The cross you carried for my sake, To be cont’d next week 6 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 A PASTORAL MESSAGE PRESENTED AT THE END OF THE MAIDEN GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF ABUJA, FROM SEPTEMBER 4-5, 2020 PREAMBLE of the Church. This task requires sacrifice, others around the world. Even though the youth in our parishes, schools, and other e, the People of God - Clergy, commitment, and arduous diligence. Every coast is still not clear, we remain resolute in pastoral institutions. Religious, and Laity of the missionary success in the history of the our determination to pray, do penance, and 5. As part of our efforts to WCatholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Church is founded on the sacrifice and seek the face of God for mercy on the world. evangelize the nook and crannies of our give thanks to God the Father of our Lord selflessness of visionary men and women. We As people of faith, we must remain Archdiocese, we call for more volunteers, Jesus Christ for giving us the opportunity cannot overemphasize the sense of urgency unwavering in our hope that the God of male and female, to be trained as to witness our Maiden General Assembly, and zeal that our ordained ministers, Mercy and Compassion will listen to our Catechists especially from among the a gathering of our Archdiocesan family to catechists and other pastoral workers must prayer and heal our world of this pandemic. indigenous groups of the Federal Capital discuss and examine our common pastoral put into the work of evangelization. It is not an We urge everyone to heed the prescribed Territory. action in the service of the mission of easy road, but Jesus Christ, the Missionary pastoral guidelines and regulations for 6. In our evangelization efforts, we Church of God in the Federal Capital Par Excellence, who gave His life for our liturgical worship and to adhere strictly to the continue to encourage families and Territory. Having prayerfully reflected on sake, urges us on. Let us not be discouraged. sanitary and hygienic practices such as social parishes to sustain an active role in the the theme, “Catholic Archdiocese of We commit all, especially those who find distancing, proper use of face masks, frequent religious formation of the youth and Abuja: Together in Evangelization,” we themselves in more challenging missionary hand washing and use of sanitizers to prevent young ones. now present this Pastoral Message to the fields to trust in God’s unfailing providence and control the spread of the virus. We call on 7. We call on our Catholic media family of God in our Archdiocese and and grace and to do their best with the the elderly and children at home who are professionals to volunteer at least, part- beyond. assurance that their labours will not go unable to join their parish communities for time services to our Catholic Television GRATITUDE TO GOD unrewarded. religious activities to take advantage of the and Good Shepherd newspaper to boost As a family, we cannot thank God PASTORAL GROWTH IN OUR live transmission of the Holy Mass and other the quality of their performance and enough for His numerous blessings and ARCHDIOCESE spiritual activities by our Catholic Television services. We also encourage all parishes, graces upon us in spite of our human Our Archdiocese has continued to (CTV), or other Catholic channels and social institutions and Catholic homes to acquire limitations and failings. We are grateful to witness rapid pastoral growth particularly in media platforms. Those who participate and install the CTV decoders to be God for the gift of the many pioneer the last two decades. On August 27, 2020, our physically at Mass and receive Holy enriched by its contents. missionaries, both living and dead, who Archbishop created thirty new pastoral areas Communion on the palm of the hand should 8. The Archdiocese, through the planted the mustard seed of faith that has in the Archdiocese, which is hoped, by the do so with appropriate decorum and spiritual Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, grown into the Archdiocese of Abuja. We grace of God, will grow into full fledged and disposition. distributed palliatives to the poor and fondly remember our venerable father, His self-reliant parishes in the future. We rely on OUR NEW CATHEDRAL PROJECT needy across the Archdiocese at various Eminence, Dominic Cardinal Ignatius the help of God and the support of the lay We express our immense gratitude to times during earlier phases of the Ekandem of blessed memory, who was the faithful to witness more of such giant strides. you all for your generous contributions and lockdown during the COVID-19 pioneer bishop of our Archdiocese and served We appeal to our numerous Parishioners and fervent prayers that has led to the pandemic. We call on generous Catholics the Church of God in Abuja with apostolic Catholics of means to generously adopt or co- commendable progress of the Cathedral at the Archdiocesan and parish levels to courage and missionary zeal. May perpetual adopt a new pastoral area for sponsorship; building thus far. At the moment, the replicate these efforts to alleviate the light continue to shine upon him. We also some of which have no church building or Archdiocese is in huge financial debt to the sufferings of the poor around us. thank God for the apostolic labours of John parish house. We also urge our parishioners in Italian contractors who are handling the 9. We condemn in unequivocal Cardinal Onaiyekan who took over from these areas to heartily welcome and support project. The cost of construction has also terms the attacks and gruesome killings of Cardinal Ekandem and led the Archdiocese the priests assigned to work with them, and to significantly increased due to the present innocent Nigerians in different parts of the for nearly three decades until his retirement see to their accommodation and welfare economic crisis and devaluation of the naira. nation by criminal elements of various in November 2019. During the tenure of needs. This has necessitated us as Archdiocesan stripes and shades. While we pray for Cardinal Onaiyekan, Abuja Archdiocese was For effective administrative and family, to give more thoughts and seek other lasting peace in our country, we call on blessed with the gift of an Auxiliary Bishop in pastoral purposes, eleven Archdiocesan strategies to offset our present debt and Government to ensure adequate security 2011, Most Rev. Anselm Umoren MSP. The Commissions were created or reconstituted. continue this project of faith. of lives and property. Where there is no heroic efforts of these Shepherds and other These are: Education, Health, Pastoral and A CALL ON OUR GOVERNMENT peace, development cannot thrive. p a s t o r a l w o r k e r s i n t h e w o r k o f New Evangelization, Family, Youth, We are all aware that our nation is going 10. The ravaging COVID- evangelization in Abuja confirm the saying of Catechetical, Liturgy, Communications, through tough and turbulent times. We are not 19 pandemic has revealed the deplorable the Apostle Paul: “I planted, Apollos watered, Interreligious Dialogue, Ecumenism and only contending with the ravaging COVID- state of our nation’s education and but it was God who gave the growth.” (1 Cor. Justice, Development and Peace 19 pandemic, but also facing critical national h e a l t h c a r e s e c t o r s . We c a l l o n 3:6). Commissions. In addition to the Priests problems such as high rate of insecurity and Government to partner with religious EVENTS IN OUR ARCHDIOCESE and Religious, the membership of these crime, hunger and starvation, and collapse in institutions and faith-based institutions We recall that on March 11, 2019, His commissions includes volunteer experts and our public education and health sectors which have shown great commitment in Holiness, Pope Francis, appointed Most Rev. professionals in various fields of human amongst others. We call on Government at all providing quality education and Ignatius Ayau Kaigama as Coadjutor endeavour. We call on our many more gifted levels and the Law Enforcement Agencies to affordable healthcare to a vast majority of Archbishop of Abuja, then Archbishop of Jos. and skilled Catholics to also volunteer their work together to resolve our current security citizens. Following the Holy Father’s acceptance of time and resources to build up our challenges. In these dire times, we call on all 11. We ask every Parish, the letter of resignation of John Cardinal Archdiocese and indeed our wider society as politicians and public office-holders to put on Pastoral Area and Chaplaincy to step Onaiyekan as Archbishop of Abuja on their services in these areas constitute a part of the spirit of patriotism in serving the nation. down the proceedings of the General November 9, 2019, Archbishop Kaigama the work of evangelization. We continue to pray for our President Assembly at a suitable time of the year. assumed responsibility as the substantive RENEWAL OF MISSIONARY ZEAL Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for CONCLUSION Archbishop of Abuja and Metropolitan of AND SENSITIVITY God’s grace and wisdom upon him and other As we pray and work together for Abuja Ecclesiastical Province and was The work done so far has been good, to stakeholders to adequately tackle the greater progress in our Archdiocese nearly installed on December 5, 2019, at the Twelve the Glory of God. Nonetheless, there is need numerous challenges confronting our nation forty years after its humble beginnings, let Apostles Cathedral, Papal Ground, for a renewed missionary impulse. We cannot as we give our unalloyed support to deliver us recall what Colossians 3:23-24 urges, Kubwa. Since then he has continuously rest on our laurels, knowing that there is still the dividends of democracy to our people. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your shown immense spiritual closeness and so much work to be done for God. Abuja is a OUR RECOMMENDATIONS: We heart, as though you were working for the pastoral solicitude to the flock of God home for all, hence, there ought to be a sense recommend the following: Lord, and not for men. You well know that entrusted to his watchful care. We also of co-responsibility. We must be a luminary 1. We urge all Catholics to intensify the Lord will reward you; you will receive witnessed the ceremony of the imposition of beacon, exemplary in the evangelization prayers for the growth of our Archdiocese and what he has kept for his people. For Christ the Pallium on Archbishop Kaigama by the mandate and collectively reach out to the very for a more prosperous nation especially the is the real Master you serve.” Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio extreme that are within the circumscription of prayer for Nigeria in Distress, Prayer against We commend our Archdiocese and Guido Filipazzi on behalf of the Holy Father our Archdiocese. People are hungry for God. Bribery and Corruption and the forty days our work of evangelization to the maternal on August 27, 2020 at Our Lady Queen of We encourage our priests to devote adequate prayer after angelus to end the incessant care and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Nigeria ProCathedral, Garki. We also time to the preparation of their homilies and to killings in Nigeria as directed by the Catholic Mary, Queen and Patroness of Nigeria and congratulate Monsignori Aloysius Udoh, show great diligence and respect for the Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria. Star of Evangelization. Conscious of her Anthony Onyeso, and Festus Nwadike for the Church’s laws in the administration of the 2. We appeal for more collaboration role in the redemptive mission of her Son recognition of their services to the Church as Sacraments. In the words of Pope Francis: “If a n d t r a n s p a r e n c y a t a l l l e v e l s o f Jesus, we fly to her patronage and ask her Chaplains of His Holiness. We also felicitate we succeed in expressing adequately and with administration (chancery, parishes, to support us in our efforts to build up the with other lay faithful of our Archdiocese beauty the essential content of the Gospel, institutions, sodalities etc) in the Archdiocese kingdom of her Son in our Archdiocese who have been honoured as Papal Knights surely, this message will speak to the deepest as we work in harmony according to the heart and in our nation Nigeria. and Dames as well as recipients of Papal yearnings of the people’s heart” (Evangelii and mind of Christ. Medals. This is evidently a recognition of Gaudium 265). 3. Some of our parishes need to grow their worthy services to the Church of God in COVID-19 AND LITURGICAL into self-reliance. We encourage them to Abuja and a sign of our pastoral growth and ASSEMBLIES carefully consider economic initiatives and development. We are all witnesses of the ravaging investments to support their growth and THE MISSIONARY NATURE OF THE COVID-19 pandemic which hit our world at development. CHURCH the beginning of the year 2020, with 4. We appeal to priests and other Since the Church is missionary in d e v a s t a t i n g s o c i a l a n d e c o n o m i c pastoral workers to commit themselves more n a t u r e , m i s s i o n a r y l a b o u r s a n d consequences. We mourn the loss of some of zealously to the teaching of catechism and the evangelization are a never ending endeavour our loved ones in our Archdiocese and many spiritual and moral formation of children and Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 7 Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of Prayer for Care of Creation

‘You shall thus hallow the and that genuine care for our own restoring their freedom version of colonialism” (SAINT fiftieth year and you shall lives and our relationships with and goods to all and JOHN PAUL II, Address to the proclaim a release throughout nature is inseparable from forgiving one another’s Pontifical Academy of Social the land to all its inhabitants. It fraternity, justice and faithfulness debts. We should not Sciences, 27 April 2001, cited in shall be a jubilee for you’ (Lev to others” (LS, 70). f o rg e t t h e h i s t o r i c Querida Amazonia, 14), one that 25:10) 2. A Time to Return exploitation of the shamefully exploits poorer Below is Pope Francis’ A Jubilee is a time to turn global South that has countries and communities message for the 6th World Day of back in repentance. We have created an enormous desperately seeking economic Prayer for Creation released this b r o k e n t h e b o n d s o f o u r ecological debt, due d e v e l o p m e n t . We n e e d t o morning (September 1, 2020 relationship with the Creator, mainly to resource s t r e n g t h e n n a t i o n a l a n d @10.25Am with our fellow human beings, p l u n d e r i n g a n d international legislation to *** and with the rest of creation. We e x c e s s i v e u s e o f regulate the activities of extractive You shall thus hallow the need to heal the damaged common environmental companies and ensure access to fiftieth year and you shall relationships that are essential to space for waste disposal. justice for those affected. proclaim a release throughout the supporting us and the entire Pope Francis It is a time for restorative 5. A Time to Rejoice land fabric of life. justice. In this context, I In the biblical tradition, a to all its inhabitants. It A Jubilee is a time to return repeat my call for the Jubilee was a joyous occasion, shall be a jubilee for you” (Lev to God our loving Creator. We aesthetic and contemplative sense” cancellation of the debt of the most inaugurated by a trumpet blast 25:10) cannot live in harmony with (Querida Amazonia, 56). The vulnerable countries, in recognition resounding throughout the land. Dear Brothers and Sisters, creation if we are not at peace capacity to wonder and to of the severe impacts of the medical, We are aware that the cries of the Each year, particularly with the Creator who is the contemplate is something that we social and economic crises they face earth and of the poor have become since the publication of the source and origin of all things. As can learn especially from our as a result of COVID-19. We also even louder and more painful in Encyclical Laudato Si’ (LS, 24 Pope Benedict observed, “the indigenous brothers and sisters, need to ensure that the recovery recent years. At the same time, we may 2015), the first day of brutal consumption of creation who live in harmony with the land packages being developed and also witness how the Holy Spirit is September is celebrated by the begins where God is missing, and its multiple forms of life. deployed at global, regional and i n s p i r i n g i n d i v i d u a l s a n d Christian family as the World where matter has become simply 3. A Time to Rest national levels must be regeneration communities around the world to Day of Prayer for the Care of material for us, where we In his wisdom, God set aside packages. Policy, legislation and come together to rebuild our Creation and the beginning of the ourselves are the ultimate the Sabbath so that the land and its investment must be focused on the common home and defend the Season of Creation, which measure, where everything is inhabitants could rest and be common good and guarantee that most vulnerable in our midst. We concludes on the feast of Saint simply our property” (Meeting renewed. These days, however, our global social and environmental see the gradual emergence of a Francis of Assisi on the fourth of with Priests, Deacons, and way of life is pushing the planet goals are met. great mobilization of people from October. During this period, Seminarians of the Diocese of beyond its limits. Our constant We also need to restore the below and from the peripheries Christians worldwide renew Bolzano-Bressanone, 6 August demand for growth and an endless land. Climate restoration is of who are generously working for their faith in the God of creation 2008). c y c l e o f p r o d u c t i o n a n d utmost importance, since we are in the protection of the land and of the and join in prayer and work for The Jubilee season calls us consumption are exhausting the the midst of a climate emergency. poor. We rejoice to see how young the care of our common home. to think once again of our fellow natural world. Forests are leached, We are running out of time, as our p e o p l e a n d c o m m u n i t i e s , I am very pleased that the human beings, especially the topsoil erodes, fields fail, deserts children and young people have p a r t i c u l a r l y i n d i g e n o u s theme chosen by the ecumenical poor and the most vulnerable. We advance, seas acidify and storms reminded us. We need to do communities, are on the frontlines family for the celebration of the are asked to re-appropriate God’s intensify. Creation is groaning! everything in our capacity to limit in responding to the ecological 2020 Season of Creation is original and loving plan of During the Jubilee, God’s global average temperature rise crisis. They are calling for a Jubilee for the Earth, precisely in creation as a common heritage, a people were invited to rest from under the threshold of 1.5°C Jubilee for the earth and a new this year that marks the fiftieth banquet which all of our brothers their usual labour and to let the land enshrined in the Paris Climate beginning, aware that “things can anniversary of Earth Day. and sisters share in a spirit of heal and the earth repair itself, as Agreement, for going beyond that change” (LS, 13). In the Holy Scriptures, a conviviality, not in competitive individuals consumed less than will prove catastrophic, especially We also rejoice to see how Jubilee is a sacred time to s c r a m b l e b u t i n j o y f u l usual. Today we need to find just for poor communities around the t h e L a u d a t o S i ’ S p e c i a l remember, return, rest, restore, fellowship, supporting and and sustainable ways of living that world. We need to stand up for intra- Anniversary Year is inspiring and rejoice. protecting one another. A Jubilee can give the Earth the rest it generational and inter-generational many initiatives at local and global 1. A Time to Remember is a time for setting free the requires, ways that satisfy solidarity at this critical moment. I levels for the care of our common W e a r e i n v i t e d t o oppressed and all those shackled everyone with a sufficiency, invite all nations to adopt more home and the poor. This year r e m e m b e r a b o v e a l l t h a t in the fetters of various forms of without destroying the ecosystems ambitious national targets to reduce should lead to long-term action creation’s ultimate destiny is to modern slavery, including that sustain us. emissions, in preparation for the plans to practise integral ecology enter into God’s eternal Sabbath. trafficking in persons and child In some ways, the current important Climate Summit (COP in our families, parishes and This journey, however, takes labour. pandemic has led us to rediscover 26) in Glasgow in the United dioceses, religious orders, our place in time, spanning the We also need once more to simpler and sustainable lifestyles. Kingdom. schools and universities, our seven-day rhythm of the week, listen to the land itself, which The crisis, in a sense, has given us a Biodiversity restoration is h e a l t h c a r e , b u s i n e s s a n d the cycle of seven years, and the Scripture calls adamah, the soil chance to develop new ways of also crucially important in the agricultural institutions, and many great Jubilee Year that comes at from which man, Adam, was living. Already we can see how the context of unprecedented loss of others as well. the end of the seven Sabbath made. Today we hear the voice of earth can recover if we allow it to species and degradation of We rejoice too that faith years. creation admonishing us to return rest: the air becomes cleaner, the ecosystems. We need to support the communities are coming together A Jubilee is indeed a time to our rightful place in the natural waters clearer, and animals have U.N. call to safeguard 30% of the to create a more just, peaceful and of grace to remember creation’s created order – to remember that returned to many places from earth as protected habitats by 2030 sustainable world. We are original vocation to exist and we are part of this interconnected where they had previously in order to stem the alarming rate of particularly happy that the Season flourish as a community of love. web of life, not its masters. The disappeared. The pandemic has biodiversity loss. I urge the of Creation is becoming a truly We exist only in relationships: disintegration of biodiversity, brought us to a crossroads. We international community to work ecumenical initiative. Let us with God the Creator, with our spiralling climate disasters, and must use this decisive moment to together to guarantee that the continue to grow in the awareness brothers and sisters as members unjust impact of the current e n d o u r s u p e r f l u o u s a n d Summit on Biodiversity (COP 15) that we all live in a common home of a common family, and with all pandemic on the poor and destructive goals and activities, in Kunming, China becomes a as members of a single family. of God’s creatures within our vulnerable: all these are a wakeup a n d t o c u l t i v a t e v a l u e s , turning point in restoring the earth to Let us all rejoice that our common home. “Everything is call in the face of our rampant connections and activities that are be a home of life in abundance, as loving Creator sustains our related, and we human beings are greed and consumption. life-giving. We must examine our willed by the Creator. humble efforts to care for the earth, united as brothers and sisters on a Particularly during this h a b i t s o f e n e r g y u s a g e , We must restore with justice which is also God’s home where wonderful pilgrimage, woven Season of Creation, may we be consumption, transportation, and in mind, ensuring that those who his Word “became flesh and lived together by the love God has for attentive to the rhythms of this diet. We must eliminate the have lived on the land for among us” (Jn 1:14) and which is each of his creatures and which created world. For the world was superfluous and destructive generations can regain control over constantly being renewed by the also unites us in fond affection made to communicate the glory aspects of our economies, and its usage. Indigenous communities outpouring of the Holy Spirit. with brother sun, sister moon, of God, to help us to discover in nurture life-giving ways to trade, must be protected from companies, “Send forth your Spirit, O brother river and mother earth” its beauty the Lord of all, and to produce, and transport goods. p a r t i c u l a r l y m u l t i n a t i o n a l Lord, and renew the face of the (LS, 92) return to him (cf. SAINT 4. A Time to Restore companies, that “operate in less earth” (cf. Ps 104:30). A Jubilee, then, is a time of BONAVENTURE, In II Sent., I, A Jubilee is a time to restore developed countries in ways they Rome, Saint John Lateran, 1 remembrance, in which we 2 , 2 , q . 1 , c o n c l u s i o n ; the original harmony of creation could never do at home” (LS, 51), September 2020 cherish the memory of our inter- Breviloquium, II, 5.11). The earth and to heal strained human through the destructive extraction of FRANCIS relational existence. We need from which we were made is thus relationships. fossil fuels, minerals, timber and © Copyright – Libreria constantly to remember that a place of prayer and meditation. It invites us to re-establish agroindustrial products. This Editrice Vaticana “everything is interconnected, “Let us awaken our God-given equitable societal relationships, corporate misconduct is a “new 8 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference

SOLIDARITY STATEMENT TO THE BISHOPS AND THE CHURCH IN MOZAMBIQUE

e, the Southern African and Reconciliation”, and clearly sets and your commitment to spare no in the Prince of Peace. We commend C a t h o l i c B i s h o p s ’ out the position of the Church and the effort in encouraging and supporting you to the motherly care and prayers of WConference (SACBC) role it should play. In the words the processes of promoting a culture Our Lady Queen of Africa for peace in greet you in the name of our risen attributed to St Francis of Assisi, we as of peace because as St. Paul reminds your country. Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We the Church are to be a channel of God’s us “Christ reconciled us to himself have been following with increasing peace. and gave us the ministry of Yours in Christ concern the rapidly deteriorating Our hearts are warmed by the news reconciliation”. Indeed, working for situation in the Diocese of Pemba, of the Holy Father’s phone call to the reconciliation is a responsibility Cabo Delgado Province - the Bishop of Pemba on 19 August 2020, placed upon all of us and as the widespread violence, destruction of and the encouragement it gave not only SACBC, we avail ourselves to +Sithembele Sipuka property, forced dislocation of over to the Bishop, but to all the people of cooperate with you in making justice, Bishop of Mthatha and 200 000 people and loss of life. The Cabo Delgado. In the same spirit of peace and reconciliation a reality in President of the SACBC God we worship, and whose children brotherhood and solicitude expressed your country. by the Holy Father, beginning with his We share the closeness of the we all are, is the God of Love and Khanya House, 129 Main “Urbi et Orbi” blessing on Easter Holy Father to you and we would Peace (cf. 2 Cor. 13:11). The violence, Street, Waterkloof, 0181 Pretoria; Sunday 12 April 2020, we send this welcome the opportunity of a suffering and death caused by P.O. Box 941, Pretoria 0001, South letter of solidarity to you brother solidarity visit once international ongoing armed conflict is an affront Africa. Tel: +27 (12) 323 6458, Fax: b i s h o p s a n d G o d ’s p e o p l e i n travel between our two countries to all of us. In moments of despair we + 2 7 ( 1 2 ) 3 2 6 6 2 1 8 , E - m a i l : Mozambique entrusted to your care. We resumes. In the meantime, we pray can cry out: “How long, Sovereign [email protected] Lord, holy and true, until you judge assure you of our prayers for peace in that you will remain steadfast in your the inhabitants of the earth and Cabo Delgado and for your well-being. efforts to minister in these difficult avenge our blood?” (Rev. 6:10). In the face of attempts by those circumstan The Pastoral Letter issued by the opposed to peace to sow division in ces and that “Congo Catholic Church Plays Vital Role Mozambican Bishops over the Mozambique, we commend you for you will be weekend of 22 August 2020 is unity issuing the Pastoral Letter. We sustained in in Pacification Process”: prophetic in its call for “Hope, Peace appreciate your call for reconciliation your hope Congolese Priest

Congo is experiencing a profound social crisis, COVID-19 Ironically Produces exposed to high levels of “p o v e r t y a n d ambient outdoor air pollution precariousness: At the origin Cleaner Air, Clearer Skies: and indoor air pollution from of these problems, there is the cooking and heating with interest of a minority in Jesuit Priest firewood and kerosene. having all the wealth of the Due to social injustices in c o u n t r y. N o t e v e n t h e such countries, he says, “women coronavirus pandemic has he Jesuit Conference and said he was convinced a n d c h i l d r e n s u f f e r m a n a g e d t o p a c i f y t h e o f A f r i c a a n d about economic activities on disproportionately” from air warring parties because there Madagascar (JCAM) pollution. T pollution, as they are mostly the are interests, for which on September 7 marked the “The results showed that human life seems to be worth ones carrying out household Fr. Muta maiden “International Day of over a period of 45 years, little, Fr. Christian Muta, a chores such as cooking and Clean Air” for blue skies. Nairobi has lost 60 percent of Congolese Priest of the Order heating. Reflecting on the day, a its visibility, meaning that the of Discalced Carmelites, has told the Agenzia Fides. “These are some of the member of the Society, Fr. average visibility dropped Fr. Muta, who works in the "Les Buissonnets" convent of poor that Pope Francis alluded Rampe Hlobo, said that from about 35 KM in the 1970s Lubumbashi, was speaking of the difficult situation in the African to in his encyclical on the although COVID-19 has had a to about 14 KM in 2010,” he country. environment, Laudato Si’ the th “devastating effect on many stated. Even the 60 Independence from Belgium celebrations, which Jesuit Priest further observed. things”, it has also “briefly and “Kampala and Addis the Democratic Republic of Congo marked on last June 30, took Established on December ironically resulted in desirably Ababa “showed a loss of place in a climate of tension. 19, 2019, the “International Day cleaner air and clearer skies.” visibility of 56 percent and 34 "Political instability, endemic poverty, despite the great of Clean Air” for blue skies aims resources, the presence of coronavirus and the news of a new Ebola “As the virus ravaged percent respectively,” he at raising “public awareness at outbreak in the western regions make the current moment very lives, countries went under added. a l l l e v e l s - i n d i v i d u a l , critical", noted Fr. Muta. severe lockdowns; travel “Most of the time the air community, corporate and He said among all these factors, the war has the greatest restrictions, together with we breathe is filled with tiny government - that clean air is weight: "Clashes have been bleeding the north-east of the Country industrial downturn, saw air invisible particles posing i m p o r t a n t f o r h e a l t h , for decades – he reports – and generate half a million internal pollution dropping,” he said serious dangers to our lungs, productivity, the economy and refugees as well as hundreds of thousands of external ones". “ … T h e a i r c l e a r e d , bloodstreams and bodies,” the environment.” Given “a very weak and absolutely insufficient response in mother earth and her creatures pollutants that not only deprive O n t h i s m a i d e n convincing the majority of belligerents to lay down their arms," he had a chance to breathe again,” us of clear skies and clean air, celebration, the UN “calls upon said "the Church, in this context, plays a very important role.” he declared. but also pose a danger to “our Fr. Muta said Congolese Bishops “invite the faithful to pray for everyone from governments and Fr. Hlobo referred to a health and wellbeing,” the reconciliation and are active in the Dioceses, contesting attempts of corporations to civil society and recent visibility study, which Jesuit Priest said. corruption and pointing out that the parliamentary majority does not individuals to take action to confirmed reduction in air He bemoaned the plight care about the good of people". reduce air pollution and bring a particle pollution in three o f t h e p o o r p e o p l e i n Both the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres and Pope transformative change in our African capitals: Nairobi, developing countries, majority Francis have called for a “universal ceasefire”. lifestyles.” Kampala, and Addis Ababa, of whom, he noted, are Agenzia Fides Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 9 State at the Holy See, His New Nuncio Calls Eminence Pietro Parolin. New The message in the letter Sports The Premier League fixtures (in Latin) was basically to Column on GCBC Prez i n t r o d u c e A r c h b i s h o p Jagodzinsky to the President of the Conference. The Premier League fixtures for the 2020/21 After presenting the letter, season have been announced (first batch) he promised to work closely with the hierarchy of the Church in Ghana. Kick-offs are 15:00 for Spurs v West Ham Archbishop Naameh in Saturdays and Bank Holidays West Brom v Burnley his response told the Nuncio unless stated otherwise. Saturday 24 October that he will be accorded all the collaboration needed to carry Saturday 12 September Arsenal v Leicester City out his mission in Ghana. Crystal Palace v Southampton Aston Villa v Leeds Utd A c c o m p a n y i n g t h e The Nuncio presenting a set of Nuncio were Msgr. Pavol Fulham v Arsenal Brighton v West Brom Chasubles to Archbishop Naameh. Talapka, Charge d'Affaires of Liverpool v Leeds Utd Burnley v Spurs Fulham v Crystal Palace he New Apostolic Nuncio to the Apostolic Nunciature in Ghana. Spurs v Everton Ghana, Archbishop Henryk Also present at the ceremony were West Brom v Leicester City Liverpool v Sheffield Utd Mieczyslaw Jagodzinsky on the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, West Ham v Newcastle Utd Man Utd v Chelsea T Bishop of Keta-Akatsi, Very Rev. Fr. second day of arrival called on the Southampton v Everton President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of Monday 14 September the National Catholic Secretariat, his West Ham v Man City Conference at the Centenary House and 20:00 Brighton v Chelsea Wolves v Newcastle Utd presented a letter from the Secretary of Assistant, Charles Boampong Sarfo and some senior staff of the NCS. 20:00 Sheffield Utd v Wolves Saturday 31 October Saturday 19 September are ongoing to have in place a fully Aston Villa v Southampton AFPNC Donates To equipped neo-natal care unit. A Arsenal v West Ham Burnley v Chelsea mother of a pre-term child herself, Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd Fulham v West Brom she knew what it felt like to have a Asankragwa Chelsea v Liverpool Leeds Utd v Leicester City child fight for his or her life right Liverpool v West Ham from delivery and started the Everton v West Brom Catholic Hospital foundation to help other babies Leeds Utd v Fulham Man Utd v Arsenal survive. Leicester City v Burnley Newcastle Utd v Everton he African Foundation for Pre- Dr. Steve Pampari, Medical Man Utd v Crystal Palace Sheffield Utd v Man City mature Babies and Neo-natal Superintendent and Mr. Ernest Abeka Spurs v Brighton Care recently donated items Newcastle Utd v Brighton T Aidoo, Chairman of the Hospital Board, Wolves v Crystal Palace towards the care for pre-term, sick and Southampton v Spurs were grateful to AFPNC for honouring small babies to the Father Thomas Alan Saturday 7 November their pledge to support the facility in Wolves v Man City R o o n e y M e m o r i a l H o s p i t a l i n helping pre-term, sick and small babies Asankragwa. Saturday 26 September Arsenal v Aston Villa have a higher survival rate. The donation was made possible after Brighton v Burnley The Chief of the area bemoaned Brighton v Man Utd the Joy News Channel highlighted the Chelsea v Sheffield Utd the state of the roads within the plight of the facility in a story months ago Burnley v Southampton catchment area and said health care Crystal Palace v Leeds Utd after a staff of the hospital had reached out, Crystal Palace v Everton access would be better if government Everton v Man Utd following a donation to the Effia Nkwanta Fulham v Aston Villa ensured the roads were in a better state Leicester City v Wolves Regional Hospital by the AFPNC. than currently. He also appealed to the Liverpool v Arsenal In presenting the items, Ms. Selina Man City v Liverpool Diocese and the general public to Man City v Leicester City Bentum, the Executive Director of the Southampton v Newcastle Utd expand and give old units of the hospital foundation, was hopeful that the donation Sheffield Utd v Leeds Utd West Brom v Spurs a facelift. of embrace warmers to the hospital will go Spurs v Newcastle Utd The Fr. Thomas Alan Rooney West Ham v Fulham a long way to help save the lives of babies West Brom v Chelsea Memorial hospital was built in 1954 and born pre-term, sick and small. Embrace Saturday 21 November managed under the Diocesan Health West Ham v Wolves warmers help keep babies warm for up to Service of the Catholic Diocese of Aston Villa v Brighton 24 hours after they are born, solving the Saturday 3 October Sekondi-Takoradi and is a 113-bed Burnley v Crystal Palace issue of hypothermia in pre-mature, sick facility. It serves as a referral centre for Arsenal v Sheffield Utd and small babies. Fulham v Everton cases from Enchi, Samreboi and private She also indicated the donation was Aston Villa v Liverpool Leeds Utd v Arsenal facilities within the catchment area. part of the bigger picture and so it was to Chelsea v Crystal Palace Liverpool v Leicester City Sekondi-Takoradi DEPSOCOM alleviate the current situation while plans Everton v Brighton Man Utd v West Brom Leeds Utd v Man City Newcastle Utd v Chelsea Leicester City v West Ham Sheffield Utd v West Ham Man Utd v Spurs Spurs v Man City Newcastle Utd v Burnley Wolves v Southampton Southampton v West Brom Saturday 28 November Wolves v Fulham Arsenal v Wolves Saturday 17 October Brighton v Liverpool Chelsea v Southampton Chelsea v Spurs Crystal Palace v Brighton Crystal Palace v Newcastle Utd Everton v Liverpool Everton v Leeds Utd Leeds Utd v Wolves Leicester City v Fulham Man City v Burnley Leicester City v Aston Villa Southampton v Man Utd Man City v Arsenal West Brom v Sheffield Utd Newcastle Utd v Man Utd West Ham v Aston Villa Sheffield Utd v Fulham

*Ms Bentum presenting the embrace warmers to Dr. Pampari 10 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020

he Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale has implored Priests Archbishop Naameh to Clerics: ‘Be in the World, but not of the World’ Tand seminarians to be wary of money and power, reminding them that the Christian call is to 'be in the world but not of the world'. At an investiture Mass recently at the St. Victor's Major Seminary, Tamale, Archbishop Naameh regretted the extent to which love for money and power was creating turbulence in the society. Nineteen seminarians, who made a transition from the Philosophy campus to the Theology campus were invested with cassocks, while 14 others were instituted as Lectors and 12 as Acolytes. The Archbishop challenged seminarians to open up to their Spiritual Directors and the other formation staff during their formation, adding that “they do not only need to pass through the seminary, but also to let the seminary pass through them”. In a brief preceding message, the Rector of the Seminary, Rev. Msgr. Thomas Anamooh, called on the St. Victor's community to continue with its family fostering spirit that has sustained the seminary over the years. He was optimistic about God's protection amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that “as we enter into a new academic year, we should trust that God will be there for us”. *Archbishop Naameh with the newly instituted Lectors. From Edward A. Abugri New Block for Health Centre Commissioned

appealed to the DCE to continue District Chief Executive and the supporting the Centre. Bishop to assist in establishing a Mr. Adjei, who delivered the Nursing Training School in the keynote address applauded the District. collaboration between the Church On his part, Mr. Ohene Kena, and the political community and praised the Catholic Church for her e n c o u r a g e d t h e h e a l t h y contribution in the district, and relationship. pledged a staff bungalow and a M r. A p u n g u K w o t i a , borehole to the Centre. appreciated the growth of the Agnus-Dei Media facility and appealed to the

Bishops Fianu and Asiedu being assisted by Sr. Orobisi to cut the ribbon to commission the new block

he Most Rev. Emmanuel George Adjei, Director of Health at the Fianu, Bishop of Ho and the National Catholic Secretariat, Mr. TMost Rev. John Alphonse Francis Apungu Kwotia, the District Asiedu, Apostolic Vicar of the Director of Health, Priests and some Donkorkrom Vicariate have jointly Religious in the Vicariate, chiefs and blessed a new medical block for the residents of Amankwah. Holy Rosary Health Centre at Bishop Asiedu lauded the Amankwah, in the Donkorkrom Missionary Sisters of the Rosary, who Vicariate. operate the Centre, and also extended The block was financed by the his gratitude to the financier of the M a n o s U n i d a s , a c h a r i t a b l e project. organisation in Spain. T h e R e v . S r . C a r o l i n e Present were Mr. Samuel Ohene Nkechinyere Oribosi, head of the Kena, the District Chief Executive Centre, acknowledged the support (DCE) of the Afram Plains North, Mr. from the Vicariate and the district, and Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 11

Archdiocese of Abuja: ‘Be Trustworthy, Generous Stewards’: Together in Evangelisation,” the September 4-5 maiden Nuncio in Nigeria Tells Abuja Catholics General Assembly brought together Bishops, Priests, Religious Men and Women, he Representative r e s p o n s i b i l i t y b y t h e their duty in the Church.” and a representation of the of the Holy Father M a s t e r , " A r c h b i s h o p The Italian-born Vatican Laity according to groups. in Nigeria, at a Filipazzi said during the T diplomat emphasised the T h e A s s e m b l y maiden General Assembly opening ceremony of the need for Catholics to foster discussed how to strengthen of the Archdiocese of General Assembly held at the unity with the Holy Father the faith of the people of God Abuja, has urged the Pro-Cathedral of Our Lady and the Church leadership. and how they can remain Clergy, the Religious and Queen of Nigeria, Garki, “The Nuncio strongly committed to God, amid the the Lay faithful to foster Abuja. exhorted the Assembly to COVID-19 challenges. values of trustworthiness, A c c o r d i n g t o t h e ensure that though they are A b u j a A r c h b i s h o p generosity, and selflessness National Director of Social different, 'difference must not Ignatius Kaigama, at the in their ministry”. Communications at the lead to division'; thus, all opening Mass of the General In a report, shared with *Archbishop Antonio Nigeria Catholic Bishops' Guido Filipazzi. must sincerely strive and Assembly, said “hopefully, the ACI Africa, September 5, Conference (CBCN), Fr. work for unity as there should we can explore during the the Apostolic Nuncio, Mike Umoh, the Nuncio by Christ, according to their be no room for division in the Assembly proceedings how Archbishop Antonio Guido urged Catholics “to do their different roles in the Church. body of Christ,” Fr. Umoh to continue to contribute to Filipazzi also urged the "An administrator is best to follow the way of the said in a report to the ACI the overall development, people of God to be “true neither a master nor a slave Master by being trustworthy, Africa. welfare and progress of our administrators of the divine who cannot decide anything, transparent, selfless and Organised under the Church, and the nation.” mystery” entrusted to them generous in the discharge of b u t o n e w h o i s g i v e n t h e m e , “ C a t h o l i c ACI Africa NCCE Advocates Participatory Governance to Strengthen Accountability

e t r o p o l i t a n , bearers and the masses, to r e q u i r e d t o c a m p a i g n , Municipal and enable the former explain advocate and lobby for D i s t r i c t M how the Assemblies were increased accountability and Assemblies (MMDAs) implementing development reduction in corruption in the s h o u l d b e m o r e projects and programmes. country, and compliance with t r a n s p a re n t i n t h e i r It would also give activities as they work for opportunity for persons the rule of law. the development of their o u t s i d e g o v e r n m e n t Issues that came up for communities. discussion at the launch of the Mr. Suraka Saani, the operations to influence programme ranged from Old Tafo Municipal Director p o l i c y - m a k i n g , of the National Commission i m p l e m e n t a t i o n a n d security, sanitation, social f o r C i v i c E d u c a t i o n evaluation of projects s e r v i c e s t o r o a d s a n d ( N C C E ) , s a i d t h e pertaining to issues such as infrastructural development. Assemblies existed to serve education, health, roads and Mr. Richard Appiah, the interest and welfare of the infrastructure, social services Presiding Member of the Old people. and employment. Tafo Municipal Assembly, and Consequently, they Others include; national a l s o A s s e m b l y m a n f o r must always know how the security, youth development, Pankrono-East, said the state resources were utilised. taxes, women and children, “We need to promote Assembly would not neglect housing, information and the people in their activities. regular discourse between communication technology M r . I s a a c K w a m e the citizenry and office (ICT), as well as energy and b e a r e r s o n p l a n n i n g , Mr. Saani addressing the participants Ellimah, the Municipal sports. implementation, monitoring Mr. Saani said the Planning Officer, said the a n d e v a l u a t i o n o f empower the citizenry to sidelines of the launch of p r o g r a m m e w a s b e i n g authorities had executed a development projects and number of projects in the area programmes. demand accountability from t h e N C C E ’s ‘ P u b l i c executed under ‘ARAP’, a of education, health, security “ T h i s w o u l d h e l p duty bearers,” he noted. Engagement on Social j o i n t a n t i - c o r r u p t i o n e n g e n d e r c o m m u n i t y Mr. Saani was speaking Auditing’. initiative between Ghana and a n d i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l ownership of development in an interview with the The programme is the European Union (EU), development for residents projects and policies, Ghana News Agency (GNA) i n t e n d e d t o e n h a n c e designed to foster good since the Municipality was increase awareness on the at Pankrono-Abed in the Old participatory governance governance. created about two years ago. Tafo Municipality of the operations of the local by bringing together at the Under ‘ARAP’, he GNA Ashanti Region, on the community level, office government system and also explained, the NCCE was 12 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Do Not Be Complacent With Mere Skills – Vice Chancellor r o f e s s o r E l v i s disciplines. Nyarko, the Vice- He said the University PChancellor of the h a d r e s t r u c t u r e d i t s R e g i o n a l M a r i t i m e operations as a result of the University (RMU) has challenges of COVID-19 to encouraged graduates to stand the internal and external look for cross-functional shocks that may occur in skills to enable them future, and that the Academic become versatile and Council had constituted a resilient in the modern committee to come out with workplace. recommendations on an P r o f . N y a r k o w a s a p p r o p r i a t e l e a r n i n g s p e a k i n g a t t h e 1 4 t h management platform to c o n g r e g a t i o n o f t h e deliver online or virtual University for 465 graduates, lessons. of whom 88 received a Although one of the One of the graduates receiving his certificate. M a s t e r ' s D e g r e e , 2 8 9 areas that the University had Bachelor's Degrees and 88 been hardest hit by the Diplomas. p a n d e m i c w a s t h e equipment for staff and students. sustaining the University. m a n a g e m e n t a n d t h e “Take advantage of the University's finances, he H e p l e a d e d w i t h a l l He also called on institution the needed opportunities that have come commended the government Member States, still indebted to stakeholders, particularly support. myjoyonline about as a result of the of the Republic of Gambia the University to fulfil their Member States, to give the COVID-19 pandemic and and Liberia for fulfilling fully financial obligations to the use the entrepreneurial skills their financial obligation, as RMU to enable it operate acquired to venture into well as Cameroon for partly effectively. CODEO Deploys Advance profitable enterprises,” he paying their Member State Dr. Captain Aaron Obeng implored the new graduates. contribution. Turkson, the Former Rector of Election Observers, Ahead The Vice-Chancellor He also commended the the University, also encouraged them to Ghana government for c o m m e n d e d of December 7 Elections form business groups, whose supporting and fumigating management membership should cut the University and for for prudently he Coalition of Domestic across the various academic p r o v i d i n g p r o t e c t i v e managing and Election Observers (CODEO) Thas trained and deployed 65 Long-Term Observers (LTOs) who will be observing Ghana's pre-election environment, beginning September 1 to Ghana’s Exports Rejected due to December 6, 2020. In an August 24 statement, the Aflatoxin: Ghana Standards Authority CODEO said they will also observe preparatory activities of the EC such as vote transfer and voter education as well as the exhibition of the provisional voter register. Each observer has been assigned to 65 selected constituencies from all 16 the extent of inclusion and participation of regions of the country, and will be marginalised groups in political activities monitoring constituency-level pre- and policy discussions. e l e c t i o n a c t i v i t i e s o f e l e c t i o n A c c o r d i n g t o C O D E O , i t s stakeholders, including the Electoral comprehensive observation of the 2020 Commission (EC), the National presidential and parliamentary elections Commission for Civic Education will include election-day observation, the (NCCE), the security agencies, political deployment of a Parallel Vote Tabulation parties, traditional and religious leaders, (PVT) to ascertain the accuracy of the hana's exports have been receiving warning alerts since 2007 because Civil Society or Community-Based presidential elections outcome. Organisations (CSOs/CBOs) and the The CODEO said it would keep the of the presence of aflatoxin in exported food products, according to the media. Head of Mycotoxins, at the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). public and stakeholders informed of G Also included in their monitoring findings from its pre-election observation “We realised that foods exported from Ghana to countries in the European assignments are the campaigning through monthly press releases, which will Union (EU) were often returned with alerts, which indicate high levels of aflatoxins activities of political parties and be based on weekly observation reports in the exported food product,” Derry Dontoh of the GSA revealed at a food candidates, civic education activities of submitted by the LTOs. relevant stakeholders, political sensitisation campaign at the Makola Market, Accra. discussions on local media platforms and He said the consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated foods posed many health risks so it was important that people were educated on moulds in food. “Our checks indicate that the number of liver cancer cases at the Korle-Bu Advertise in the Electronic Edition of Teaching Hospital has gone up and we realise that it is not due to Hepatitis B only, but also through contaminated food that we eat,” he said. The aflatoxin campaign seeks to create awareness on grains, such as maize and The Catholic Standard groundnuts, which are often susceptible to aflatoxin. Some major markets targeted for the campaign are the Madina, the Nima, the Agbogbloshie, the Dome, the Amasaman and the Kasoa markets. for better results The GSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of food and Agriculture (MOFA) with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), launched Call: 0302 424725 or the “National Aflatoxin Sensitization and Management” (NASAM) project. GNA Email: [email protected] Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 13 Despite COVID-19 Deaths, Work of African Sisters Goes On

[By Doreen Ajiambo, few other doctors were trained by Africa/Middle East correspondent Nigeria’s Ministry of Health on for the ‘Global Sisters Report’, with handling COVID-19 cases. With the contribution from Patrick Egwu, knowledge she acquired during the Nigeria and Rumbi Chakamba, training, she is now an advocate and Southern Africa] facilitator for other front-line health workers on how to respond to cases. ollowing the deaths of five “One of the challenges the team nuns in June due to COVID- has got, when going out to speak about F19 at the convent of the coronavirus, is the challenge of Missionary Sisters of the Precious culture. Our local community Blood in Mthatha, a town in South struggles to adapt to new practices. Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, the Shaking hands in the culture is a sign convent has been turned into a of acknowledging the other person; COVID-19 quarantine facility. when you refuse to shake hands there Before the tragic death, the is a belief that you are ignoring the convent the convent served as a home dignity of the person,” she told the ACI for elderly sisters. Africa in an interview in May. The nuns are Sr. Celine Nxopo, In Botswana, a landlocked Sr. Maria Wardhor, Sr. Martha country in Southern Africa, authorities Dlamini, Sr. Beautrice Khofu and Sr. declared a strict lockdown in the Ambrose Shabalala. Their deaths capital Gaborone on July 31 for two were triggered by a sister who had been weeks, closing schools and restricting infected, working as a nurse at the Life movements, after confirmed local St. Mary’s Private Hospital in COVID-19 transmissions doubled that Mthatha. week. “The nun who worked as a nurse The country with a population of was the prime source of the virus,” said *Four Surviving Rev. Sisters. Clockwise (from upper left) 2.3 million people has recorded 1,724 Precious Blood Missionary Sr. are Srs. Beautrice Khofu, Celine Nxopo, Martha coronavirus cases with six deaths since Nokwanda Bam, Head of the Dlamini and Maria Wardhor. the epidemic began, according to Motherhouse, who herself also tested Worldometer on Sept. 2. positive for COVID-19. through leaflets, have been focused Catherine of Siena Medical Centre — When Botswana recorded its first She further explained that the o n h y g i e n e a n d i n f e c t i o n a hospital run by the Lagos three cases of Covid-19 in March, Sr. sister in question “…was quarantined prevention, including social Archdiocese. Sunila Erumangalathu of the Sisters by authorities and later, other members distancing, hand-washing using Sr. Igbozulike said that the battle of Charity of Nazareth knew that she o f t h e c o m m u n i t y w e r e a l s o soap, and wearing masks. against the virus has parallels to had to act quickly to adapt to the discovered to be infected, resulting in The nature of the sisters’ work participating in a war. They are armed pandemic. five of them, all elderly, succumbing to puts them at an increased risk of with masks, gowns, gloves and A s t h e a d m i n i s t r a t o r o f the virus. More sisters have since been catching any communicable goggles for protection, sisters are Pabalelong Hospice in the village of infected, young and old.” disease, including COVID-19, working round the clock to defeat the Metsimotlhabe, she was not only Overall, “…more than 40 nuns of which has resulted in almost 30,000 virus while risking their own lives. tasked with taking care of her patients the convent were tested, of whom 21 deaths on the continent. “The situation we find ourselves but also ensuring that the staff members were found positive, but Tanzanians are still mourning in at the moment has not been easy, members at the hospice were healthy there have been no more deaths,” she the death of Sr. Anastasia Cristian but we have to take care of the sick,” and protected. This meant changing said. Malisa, who died of Covid-19 in said Igbozulike, who serves as the the way the hospice operated. “It’s shocking and I have never April, while serving in Italy as a administrator of the hospital. “We had to stop admitting seen such a thing in my life,” she said, caregiver at the Casa di Riposo Nigeria — Africa’s most patients from the community due to overcome with emotion. “The virus Santa Lucia of Rieti nursing home. populous country with a population of the fear of infection. We also decided attacked and killed nuns who were The Tanzanian-born Rev. Sister of more than 200 million — has the not to discharge any patients that were doing missionary work. We are all the Franciscan Order of St. Clare highest number of coronavirus cases admitted before the pandemic, as we devastated and deeply saddened by the (the Poor Clares) went to Italy at the in the West African region. There are did not want something to happen to deaths of our colleagues. We appeal for age of 34. “She died at the age of 60. about 54,000 cases as of Sept. 2, them after being discharged from our prayers.” “She was a sister who came according to the Nigeria Centre for facility. We had to ensure they test Thousands of the more than from Africa, simple, kind, fully Disease Control. More than 1,000 negative of the virus before admitting 70,000 Catholic women Religious in fulfilled in her vocation as a people have died from the coronavirus or discharging them,” she said. Africa are on the front line of the religious sister and dedicated to the in the country. Sr. Bam, at the Missionary Sisters coronavirus pandemic. They are at the service of the little ones and our dear Igbozulike said that, each day at of the Precious Blood’s Glen Avent highest risk of contracting the illness elderly,” her associate Poor Clares the community where the sisters live, convent in Mthatha, has called for and cross-infecting others, including described Malisa in a Vatican News they pray and make petitions for their prayers for sisters and health care their own Congregation members. report. vocations. When the sisters arrive at workers as they continue to be on the A majority of Religious sisters are Despite some losing their lives, the hospital at 8 a.m., they sing praises front lines of COVID-19. working in hospitals as nurses, doctors sisters are still braving the risk of and say their prayers before getting to “We are calling for prayers as or other hospital staff, all serving contracting the disease so they can work, she explained. sisters during this pandemic,” she said. Covid-19 patients. Others run schools reach out to vulnerable people and “We rely on God’s help for “We pray that God intervenes. The to educate children, undertake projects also deliver critical medical everything we do here by asking him virus has brought fear and stigma, and to serve individuals living in poverty, services. to take control of our activities,” she our colleagues are even being buried and run homes to care for the elderly. In Lagos, the most populous said. without dignity,” she said in reference Rev. Sisters have also been active city in Nigeria and the African Sr. Joycelyn Ezeugo of the to COVID-19 restrictions against in slums and poor villages across the continent, Sr. Prisca Igbozulike of Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy bathing and dressing the body before continent to disseminate information the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur is one of the doctors on the front line burial. about the virus. Their messages, some and four other sisters work at the St. responding to the pandemic. She and a globalsistersreport.org 14 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 15 New Apostolic Nuncio Arrives Continued from page 3 Croatian, Russian and Spanish. It may be recalled that the Holy See created the Delegation to Ghana and Nigeria – a single office in May 1973 with His Excellency Archbishop Girolamo Prigione as the Apostolic Delegate. On April 29, 1976, the Holy See and Ghana established diplomatic relations with His Excellency Archbishop Giuseppe Ferraioli as the first Apostolic Nuncio (1976- 1982). He was succeeded by the following Dame Kwofie presenting a gift to the Nuncio. Nuncios: His Excellences Archbishops Ivan Dias (1982-1987); Giuseppe Bertello (1987-1991); Abraham Kattumana (1991-1993); Andrè Dupuy (1993-2000); George Kocherry (2000-2007); Leon Kalenga A member of the Nunciature Community Badikabele (2008-2013); and Jean Marie Speich (2013- presenting a bouquet of flowers to the Nuncio 2019).His Excellency Archbishop Abraham Kattumana had the shortest duty tour, from 1991 to 1993, while His Excellency Archbishop George Kocherry had the longest stay of more than seven years from 2000 to 2007.

A member of the Nunciature Community presenting a gift to the New Nuncio

Msgr. Talapka giving a welcome address. Another gift to the Nuncio from friends of the Nunciature

Archbishop Jagodzinski with some sisters and friends of the Nunciature.

Archbishop Naameh welcoming the Nuncio

The new Nuncio addressing the gathering. The Nuncio with the Geralds. 16 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020

The Nuncio on arrival at the Nunciature from the Airport.

Photo gallery of the arrival of the new Nuncio to Ghana

The Accra Swing Quartet. Sunday, September 13 – Saturday, September 19, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 17 TH Reflection on 24 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Readings: Sir 27: 30 – 28: 7/ Ps 103: 1-2. 3-4. 9-10. 11-12 (8)/ Rom 14: 7-9/ Mt 18: 21-35 God's Word We also celebrate God's mercy in the By Rev. Fr. Samuel Christopher Vodzogbe forgiving God. It is in the light of this two sacraments of Healing: Confession teaching from Wisdom and Anointing of the sick. literature that Jesus also As part of our Catholic Tradition, we taught forgiveness of a learn to undertake examination of brother as a condition for conscience on daily basis. obtaining forgiveness from In face of all of these, to what extend do we willingly forgive others who offend ast Sunday’s readings and God. us? homily highlighted the need to One thing we must take note of is Some people nurse for a long time p r o m o t e h a r m o n i o u s the master of this unforgiving servant L wounds inflicted on them. These wounds relationship and pursue peace within did not rescind his decision to cancel are mental, psychological, moral and our communities. the debt merely because the servant physical. We are unable to heal ourselves One element that can promote peace failed to forgive the debt of his fellow or better still allow God to heal us because and harmony is forgiveness. Forgiveness servant. It is not as if sins forgiven by we are not willing to let go our hurt. Some however, is grounded on compassion. In God previously are recalled and Fr. Vodzogbe are waiting for ages for those who offend other words, one is able to forgive the punished. us to apologize to us before we forgive other if one is compassionate. On the The doctrinal lesson Jesus intends and on other prayer sessions. In this them. other hand, the opposite of forgiveness is to convey is God reveals Himself as a prayer we will beseech our Father in Today's readings are reminding us to the desire for revenge and this destroys merciful and forgiving God and since heaven to forgive us our trespasses, as learn to let go our hurt and extend to others communities. Vengeance is also grounded God reveals himself as a merciful and we forgive those who sin against us. the compassion and forgiveness we on anger and wrath as identified by the forgiving God we reflect the image of Is this a mere recitation or a prayer experience from God. That is a sure way author of the book titled Ben Sirach, who God in us when we are also merciful to God? For this to be a prayer, it has to be of reflecting the image of God in us and classifies them as things that God abhor. towards one another and also willingly put into practice. Let us recall the number opening the door of forgiveness even He went on to teach that those who forgive one another. In this way, God of times we plead for God's mercy in wider for ourselves. manifest those character traits also suffer sees the reflection of His own self in us; course of the Mass. We begin with the Let us remember that we make the the same from God. hence He readily forgives us when we Penitential Rite of the Mass; we implore world a more peaceful place for ourselves Ben Sirach went on to admonish his also sin against Him. God's mercy in the Eucharistic Prater; in when we willingly forgive each other. compatriots to emulate the God of the Today we shall pray the Lord's the Lord's Prayer and finally in the Agnus covenant who revealed himself as the Prayer and we do during every Mass Dei.

(Former Archbishop of Utrecht, Who Tried to Hold the Dutch Church Together, during Turbulent Times) Tribute to Late Cardinal Simonis hen Cardinal Adrianus rest of his life. In an interview with the Dutch media appearances that highlighted his Simonis was born, he was so Catholic newspaper Katholiek Nieuwsblad conviviality. Moreover, by the time he took Wfrail that the doctor told his he once shrugged and said: “They say part in the 2005 conclave, the polarization mother he was not sure if she would keep 'conservative', but I say with Saint Paul: 'Test in the Netherlands had slowly died out. At him for long. Cardinal Simonis, however, all things; hold fast what is good'. In that the time of his retirement in 2007, Cardinal lived for a long time, dying on September sense I am conservative.” Simonis was seen as a wise grandfather 2, at age 88. In 1985 John Paul II made He said his years in The Hague as a rather than the dogmatic extremist that him a Cardinal. chaplain saved him from the whims of those people had been taking him for. On his birth, November 26, 1931, times: “You heard nothing but slogans about However in 2010, he made negative Catholicism in the Netherlands was still a new Church and a new image of man. The headlines once more. Asked on television standing proudly. He was one of 11 children cultural and sexual revolutions of 1968 a b o u t t h e a b u s e s c a n d a l s i n t h e in a Catholic family, where faith and the announced themselves, while I was dealing Netherlands, he made the subsequently Church “were the air you breathed, as it on a daily basis with sick and dying people, quoted infamous statement: Wir haben es were,” he said during the celebration of his young and old.” nicht gewusst ('We didn't know') in sixtieth anniversary as a priest in 2017. Perhaps, thanks to his performance at German. It was the same stereotypical “As a six-year-old, when asked by an the Pastoral Council, he was appointed defense said to have been used by Germans aunt what I wanted to be when I grew up, I Bishop of Rotterdam in 1970, which came as about Nazi atrocities during the Second Cardinal Adrianus Simonis spontaneously answered: 'a priest', he said at a surprise to many. Fr. Simonis had just World War, especially the Holocaust. an interview. And so it was; Simonis was turned 39 and there was much resistance Cardinal Simonis would later apologize for ordained a priest on June 15, 1957 for the within the diocese with regard to his being I t w a s n o t o n l y t h e m o r e his answer. then-newly created Diocese of Rotterdam. named bishop. The then Cardinal of Utrecht, progressive side of the Dutch Church, After his retirement, the Cardinal Several years on as a chaplain, he studied in Bernard Alfrink, was also not pleased with who was critical of Archbishop Simonis. moved to the Focolare community in the Rome, where he obtained his doctorate in the appointment. Some on the conservative side also southern part of the Netherlands, where he 1966. Back home, he became a chaplain of a But Cardinal Simonis had the support complained that he wasn't vigorous was interviewed again by the Katholiek hospital in The Hague. of many ordinary believers. He was not too enough, and didn't sanction the Catholics Nieuwsblad in 2018. The conversation But just after the Second Vatican keen himself, he once said to Katholiek who did not keep in line with the Church's turned slightly melancholic, when he Council (1962-1965), the Dutch Catholic Nieuwsblad: “I was opposed to it, but when teachings. referred to the hundreds of thousands of Church was in a deeply turbulent phase: The they appealed to me again, I consented. But I “There were people who wanted children he had confirmed over the years. polarization had begun. There was pull of was never eager to become a bishop. I would me to throw out priests who didn't follow Where had they all gone? He had sighed. directions between the 'progressive' and have loved to remain a parish priest.” the rules,” he said to Katholiek Had he worked hard enough, and had he 'conservative', a battle that would hold the It shows the kind of man Cardinal Nieuwsblad in 2001. “But as a bishop you demonstrated holiness enough to his Dutch Church in its grip for decades. Simonis was. “I am more of a dutiful person, are a shepherd who needs to unite people. people? He doubted it. He was not aware A new 'Dutch Catechism' (1966) was I was brought up that way…I am not a It's about convincing people in a prudent that one of those numerous children was openly corrected by Rome. The infamous mystic,” ” he once said of himself. way, because coercion is not the way. actually interviewing him. Pastoral Council of Noordwijkerhout When Pope John Paul II appointed him And you have to give people time to That interview was a demonstration (1966-1970) was held, gathering the entire to the Archdiocese of Utrecht in 1983, the change, because that is a process.” of his great faith and a great confidence in Dutch Church and where the wildest ideas controversy had not yet blown over: Here, Cardinal Simonis wanted to keep talking God's mercy. He once said about his were put forward. too, a lot of people had very different ideas to Catholics on all sides. unrelenting work regime, that he could Fr. Simonis took part in it and about who the new Archbishop should be. Public perception of the Cardinal always rest in eternity. May that rest be defended the teachings of the Church. He When he took office, there were signs saying would change over the years, perhaps given to him now! was therefore branded a conservative for the 'Archbishop Simonis go to Rome.' also due to a number of more personal cruxnow.com Electronic Edition

fault may not be received refuses to listen even to the well, Pope Francis pointed out church, let him be to you as a that the Gospel says not to Gentile and a tax collector.' This give up but to seek the support expression, seemingly so of another person. scornful, in reality invites us to “Jesus says: 'If he does put the brother in God's hands: not listen, take one or two Only the Father will be able to others along with you, that show a greater love than that of every word may be confirmed all brothers and sisters put SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 by the evidence of two or three together … It is the love of Jesus, witnesses,'” the pope said. who had embraced the tax “This is the attitude of c o l l e c t o r s a n d G e n t i l e s , recovery that Jesus wants scandalizing the conformists of ‘Gossip Worse Than COVID-19’ from us,” he added. the time.” The third step of Jesus' This is also a recognition o p e F r a n c i s h a s He invited the pilgrims tells us: 'But, listen, you are wrong in pedagogy of rehabilitation is that after our human attempts implored Catholics not instead to follow Jesus' directive this. You should change a little in to tell the community, that is may fail, we can still entrust our Pto gossip, saying a gossip on fraternal correction, saying this.' Perhaps at first we get angry, but the Church, Francis said. “In brother who is in error to God “in closes the heart and is a worse that Catholics need to live out then we are grateful because it is a some situations the whole silence and prayer,” he added. evil than Covid-19. J e s u s ' “ p e d a g o g y o f g e s t u r e o f b r o t h e r h o o d , o f community gets involved.” “Only by being alone “Please, brothers and rehabilitation” — described in communion, of help, of recovery.” “Jesus' pedagogy is before God can the brother face sisters, let us make an effort not to chapter 18 of the Gospel of “To correct a brother who has a l w a y s a p e d a g o g y o f h i s o w n c o n s c i e n c e a n d gossip. Gossiping is a plague Matthew — “if your brother sins done wrong, Jesus suggests a rehabilitation; He always tries responsibility for his actions,” he worse than COVID,” he told against you”. pedagogy for rehabilitation … to recover, to save,” the pope said. “If things don't go right, pilgrims in the St. Peter's Square, He noted that “the great articulated in three steps. In the first said. prayer and silence for the brother during Angelus on September 6. talker is the devil, who always place he says: 'point out the fault Pope Francis explained and sister who is wrong, but “When we see a mistake, a goes about saying the bad things when the two of you are alone', that is, that Jesus expanded upon never gossip.” defect, a slip of a brother or sister, of others, because he is the liar do not air his sin in public. It is about existing Mosaic law, in going As usual, after praying the usually the first thing we do is go who tries to disunite the Church, going to your brother with discretion, on to explain that community Angelus Pope Francis greeted and tell others about it, to gossip. alienating brothers and sisters not to judge him but to help him i n t e r v e n t i o n m a y b e pilgrims in the St. Peter's Square, And gossip closes the heart of the and unmaking community. realise what he has done,” he insufficient. “It takes a greater i n c l u d i n g n e w l y a r r i v e d community, disrupts the unity of Pope Francis said “how explained. love to rehabilitate a brother,” American seminarians at the the Church,” Pope Francis said in many times have we had this Acknowledging that at times he said. Pontifical North American his Angelus address. experience: someone comes and this private disclosure of another's “Jesus says: 'And if he College in Rome and women with multiple sclerosis, who had completed a walking pilgrimage from Siena to Rome along the Via Francigena. ‘Ensure Decorum in Political Space’ ACI Africa

Continued from page 3 Registration exercise, President we all know that the goal we are Akufo-Addo said the case involving seeking is one of a sanitised public the Special Development Initiatives SUPPORT THE CATHOLIC STANDARD space where we debate on issues”, he Minister was being investigated by stressed. that Police and that he would only Kindly help us continue to provide you with the electronic version of The Responding to the request for a take a decision after Police Catholic Standard. Since the last week of March this year, we have not been able to sell President Charter for the CUCG, investigations. hard copies of the Paper due to COVID-19. President Akufo-Addo said the The President commended the We need your kind and generous donation. You can please send your donation to: national Accreditation Board is Catholic Church and other Religious MoMo number 0553921791 almost through with its work and bodies for their enormous support for in the name of Standard Newspapers and Magazines hope the Charter would be granted g o v e r n m e n t t o w a r d s t h e or follow the information below to send us your support. before he joins the University for its development of the country. He was Congregation and Matriculation particularly grateful to Religious ceremonies on October 31. Bodies for the great work in assisting On the independence and government to distribute food to the resourcing of State Institutions, he vulnerable during the lock down and said he was satisfied with the work also for offering their facilities for use done so far by his government, as isolation centres. explaining that government had “I am very much for these supported them with vehicle and meetings and I hope that in my second other logistics needed to enhance term, these could be organised their operation. “We have done more quarterly”, he concluded. than what our predecessor did; the bar The delegation of Bishops also was low but we have raised it”. included Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe The President said the Banking Kumordji, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi and financial sector was fraught with Diocese and they were accompanied many weaknesses and malpractices by Very Rev. Fr. Lazarus Anondee, which could not be allowed to go on, Secretary General of the National hence the move by the Bank of Ghana to bring sanity to the sector and Catholic Secretariat and his Assistant, assured that every depositor would be Rev. Fr. Charles Boampong Sarfo Jnr; paid 100 percent of their money. Rev. Fr. Dieu Donne Davor, Director He said the Bishops' request to of the Department of Social review resident permit fees for Communications; Rev. Sr. Elizabeth missionaries would be difficult if not Mgbaramuko, SHCJ and Sir Ben impossible to grant since there are Assorow, Managing Editor of The NGOs who are also undertaking Catholic Standard. similar social services and would With the President were the therefore leave it to the discretion of Chief of Staff, the Executive the Ghana Immigration Service. Secretary to the President and Mr. E. Speaking to the issue of Addo, a Director at the Ministry of v i o l e n c e d u r i n g t h e Vo t e r Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

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