VOL. 82 NO. 32 Electronic Edition GHANA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY ESTD. IN 1938 SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020 PRICE GH¢2.00

Politics Of Insults Even in Times of Darkness, Not Good For God is There – Pope Francis Younger Generation Story on page 10 – Mahama Baptism Using Plural Pronouns See page 9 Formula Not Valid: Vatican See page 3 Catholic Bishops Express Concern about Students’ Unrest Story on page 3 ABHOR ACRIMONIOUS POLITICS – GCBC To Ghanaians

By Angela Ofosu Boateng This call was contained in a Pastoral Letter issued by the GCBC on Monday, s the nation prepares for the August 10 and signed by its President, P r e s i d e n t i a l a n d Most Rev. Philip Naameh, who is also the AParliamentary elections in Archbishop of Tamale. December, the Ghana Catholic According to the Bishops, having Bishops' Conference (GCBC) has successfully conducted several elections urged Ghanaians to work consciously in the Fourth Republic, Ghana as a country towards peace building and abhor the should learn from the mistakes and Archbishop Naameh acrimonious type of politics now successes of the past in order to make the of Tamale, President of GCBC gaining currency in the country. Continued on page 3 2 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 CATHOLIC Tanzanian Priest Suspended for Going into Politics World News who sought nomination for the in the 2021 general elections Nkenge Constituency Assembly In 2006, the Bishop of ticket on Tanzania's ruling party, Uganda's Catholic Diocese of “Chama Cha Mapinduzi” (CCM) Kotido suspended Fr. Simon for the forthcoming October 28 Lokodo from active Priestly Ministry, after vying for a Catholic Priest from elections. The Tanzanian Priest has parliamentary seat in Dodoth Tanzania's Diocese of County. Similar fate befell Fr. Bukoba, who quit his joined his confrere, Fr. Charles A Onen from Uganda, who according Jacinto Ogwal who was suspended active Priestly Ministry to run to Uganda's Daily Monitor is by his Bishop of Uganda's Lira for a political seat in an Diocese in 2011 after he too had upcoming general elections, has among four candidates contesting for the Gulu East parliamentary seat expressed interest in vying for the been suspended by his Bishop. parliamentary seat in Otuke. “I am sorry to inform you “Thus, I suspend him from further directed, in the letter that Fr. Ildephonce Katundu wrote providing Priestly services in my copied to TEC Secretary General, me a letter to resign from the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba and Fr. Charles Kitima, that Fr. Priesthood of his own free will and wherever he may be,” said Bishop Katundu should “not be given Kenya’s Diocese Establishes leave to go unnoticed without any Bukoba, quoting Canon Law asylum in the residence of Priests discussion with me or my 285.3, which bars clerics from and Nuns.” Tree Nursery in permission,” Bishop Desiderius running for and occupying “Pray for the grace to enable Rwoma of Bukoba stated in a political positions. him to make sacred reflections that letter made public on August 3. Response to Laudato Si He added in the open letter, will ultimately help him one day However, he said, he did not addressed to members of the return and be one with us under approve of it. Tanzania Episcopal Conference Christ our Great Shepherd,” Bishop Rwoma revealed that (TEC) in reference to Fr. Katundu Bishop Rwoma pleaded. Fr. Katundu had in a July 24 that “So far he has no official According to a local media correspondence indicated his residence where he is known to report, Fr. Ildephonce Katundu got decision “to resign from the live. My efforts to contact him so zero votes during the party priesthood” and “run for the far have failed.” primaries held on July 11. He was Nkenge Constituency Assembly The 73-year-old Bishop has reportedly among 52 candidates (2020-2025).” ‘Tell Your Children, Husbands to Drop Arms’: Nigerian Bishop to Women *The model tree nursery by Kenya's Kakamega Diocese in response to Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si'. t a peace-building learn to forgive and see in one added that “the tensed Jukun-Tiv conference, organised to another the image and likeness of relationship seems like a stubborn he Kenya “Catholic Justice and Peace Commission” Aseek solutions to the God,” Archbishop Ignatius boil that refuses to go away." (CJPC) in the Diocese of Kakamega has initiated a 12,000 inter-ethnic violence between Kaigama said on August 6 at a He observed that “Land Ttree nursery project, in response to Pope Francis' the Tiv and Jukun communities Wo m e n P e a c e - B u i l d i n g disputes are a common feature Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si, a CJPC official has told the ACI in Nigeria, the Archbishop of Conference in Nigeria's Nasarwa among neighbouring ethnic Africa. Abuja, Nigeria has underscored State. groups (and) arguments over “The establishment of this tree nursery is therefore our way of the role women can play to bring “You women stand a better boundary issues often result in acknowledging the prophetic voice of our Popes whose words are well an end to the conflict, urging serious breach of peace." chance and have the moral and captured in the Encyclical and also responding to the appeal made by our them to reach out to their emotional advantage of talking to "These refuse to go away current Pope to 'work together in building our common home'," Arnold “children, husbands or relations your husbands, children and perhaps because of what may have to drop the arms.” relations,” Archbishop Kaigama become an unofficial policy in Ambei of the CJPC told the ACI Africa on August 7. “ D e a r Ti v a n d J u k u n reiterated. Nigeria that States or Local The tree nursery project is propagating both exotic and indigenous women, please tell your children, A r c h b i s h o p K a i g a m a , Governments are associated with trees such as Cypress, Caliandra, Mahogany, African Cherry (Prunus husbands or relations to drop the however, acknowledged that particular ethnic groups, instead of Africana), Markhamia Lutea and Whistling Pine, the Programs Officer a r m s ; t h e y s h o u l d a v o i d “many efforts at peaceful emphasising the citizenship of all said. prejudices and stigmatisation, and resolution have been made,” but irrespective of ethnic identity,” the He added “We plan to further propagate bamboo, grevillea and Archbishop said in reference to some fruit trees, as we approach the last quarter of this year.” The disputes over land. seedlings nurtured at the nursery will be distributed to approximately According to a report 500 diocesan institutions for planting. p u b l i s h e d b y t h e N e w Established with a diocesan Lenten Fund and supported by the Humanitarian, members of the environmental charitable foundation, the “Global GreenGrants Fund, Jukun and Tiv communities have the nursery is expected to have at least 20,000 seedlings by mid- been hostile towards each other for September, Ambei said. several decades, with violent The second Encyclical of Pope Francis calls on all humanity to confrontations reported in 1959, 1964, 1976, 1991, 2001 and 2019. care for creation, a call that is captured in the subtitle of the document, ACI Africa “on care for our common home.” *Archbishop Kaigama with Tiv and Jukun women at the Conference.

The Vatican office also noted that Pope Sends Aid to Lebanon immediately after the blast, the “Caritas Lebanon”, the “Caritas Internationalis” ope Francis has sent 250,000 euros donation sent through the Vatican Nuncio in and Catholic charity organisations from ($295,000) to Lebanon to help the Beirut “to meet the needs of the Lebanese around the world set to work, helping PCatholic Church and Catholic church in these moments of difficulty and everyone in need, providing medical care, charitable organisations there assist suffering.” shelter and distributing food and other people affected by the August 4 massive “This donation is a sign of His basic necessities. explosion in Beirut. Holiness' attention and closeness to the The explosion, which killed more According to the Dicastery for affected population and of his fatherly than 150 people and injured more than A man walks past rubble of damaged P r o m o t i n g I n t e g r a l H u m a n closeness to people in serious difficulty,” the 5,000, also destroyed homes, churches, Development, the funds were an “initial” Dicastery announced. buildings at Beirut's port area. monasteries and other buildings, CNS CNS photo/Aziz Taher, Reuters Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 3 Catholic Bishops and discipline. T h e y a l s o c a l l e d o n Ghanaian adults, especially, to ‘Abhor Acrimonious Express Concern show good examples to the youth, instead of encouraging things that about Students’ Unrest endanger their lives and those of Politics’ others. By Doreen Darko An August 3 online videos exposed nation has so far established as one of students of some SHS in Ghana destroying Continued from front page Africa's leading countries whose he Ghana Catholic Bishops' school furniture, smashing food bowls, impending December elections even democratic development is a shining path C o n f e r e n c e ( G C B C ) h a s school dining halls, attacking examination more successful. or beacon for others to follow. Tdescribed student unrest in some invigilators and journalists and threats to They reminded all Ghanaians, The Bishops added that for more than Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana as school authorities for being strict in especially politicians and all political a quarter of a century, Ghana has become an “disheartening” and a “show of invigilation during the WASSCE. actors, that “politics, according to the island of peace and stability in a sub-region disrespect for authority.” Elsewhere at the Tweneboa Kodua wisdom of the sages and the saints of all threatened by terrorism, insurgence and “The canker of violence that is Senior High School in the Ashanti Region, times (see Aristotle, Augustine, armed conflict, and socio-political gradually creeping into our society should some students threatened to boycott the Aquinas, Pope Francis,) is a noble instability. be of great worry to all people of peace and examinations, accusing teachers of being activity. In fact, it is one of the noblest The Bishops however expressed goodwill, and the earlier we nip this in the too strict in invigilation during the vocations of man, because it is, like concern about the worrying sources of bud, the better it will be for us”, they said in Integrated Science examination. religion, devoted to service of the tension that has recently characterised an August 7 Statement to the media. Viral videos showed students common good of all humanity (see Ghana's politics and called on the entire Reacting to videos of SHS candidates admitting receiving examination question Gaudium et Spes, 76). Politics should nation “to be on our guard and to grapple destroying property and attacking people, papers, and also accusing President Nana thus promote the integral development with lest we suffer unhappy consequences”. including institutional leaders and insults Akufo-Addo for “misleading” them and of all citizens as one human family.” against the President of Ghana, the GCBC providing them with past questions of no The Pastoral Letter, titled, Politics for The Bishops therefore called on Nation Building and Social Cohesion in statement said the Bishops were dismayed help. Ghanaians to embrace politics as an by the total disregard for the rule of law and In another incident, students of the Ghana, appealed to Ghanaians to put an end indispensable tool for nation building, to all practices that work against peace, and the wanton destruction of state properties. Bright Senior High School in the Eastern saying that in our historical and They called on the major stakeholders R e g i o n a t t a c k e d We s t A f r i c a n embrace the noble values of politics for the democratic development, therefore, this common and greater good of all. in education and the law enforcement Examination Council (WAEC) officials, is an opportune moment to celebrate our agencies to bring the perpetrators to book, supervising the WASSCE in their school. The Letter called for an end to success as an emerging democracy, and Monetization of Electoral Politics, in accordance with the rules and regulations Meanwhile, the Ghana Education also to reflect on how best to confront of the Ghana Education Service to serve as a Service has in a statement on August 7, Vigilantism and Electoral Violence, Media the inevitable socio-cultural and Sensationalism, Fake news and Politics of deterrent to others. reversed the dismissal of 14 students “for economic challenges that could pose a Insult, the Politics of Ethnicity, disrespect The Bishops further requested final indiscipline in the on-going” examination, threat to peaceful and credible elections for authority and for the Elderly, stressing year students writing the on-going West after President Akufo-Addo had in December and to our democracy in that “ensuring free, fair, peaceful and Africa Secondary School Certificate intervened. general. Examination (WASSCE) to concentrate on Also, the affected students have transparent elections, even in this era of the They stressed the need to strive to their studies, as against depending on offered apologies to the President and all COVID-19 pandemic, is a collective maintain the enviable reputation the leaked examination questions to pass Ghanaians for their misconduct. responsibility of all Ghanaians”. examinations, reminding them that there is no shortcut to success, except hard work

of the ecclesial ministry that is Sacrosanctum Concilium, the always at the service of God and Congregation stressed, that “no Baptism Using Plural Pronouns His people and not the exercise of a one, 'even if he be a priest, may power that goes so far as to add, remove, or change anything manipulate what has been entrusted in the liturgy on his own Formula Not Valid – Vatican to the Church in an act that pertains authority.'” to the tradition.” It added that a modification h e V a t i c a n Holy Spirit,” rather than the which baptisms have been It did not specify where these of the sacramental formula on Congregation for the traditional, “I baptize you…,” are administered using the words: “In modifications were taking place, one's own initiative “does not Doctrine of the Faith has valid? T the name of the father and of the but insisted that the “debatable constitute simply a liturgical ruled that baptisms, not using The Congregation's response mother, of the godfather and of the pastoral motives” behind the abuse, like the transgression of a the regular Church-approved acknowledged the apparent reason godmother, of the grandparents, changes point to an “ancient positive norm, but a vulnus formula nor based on the for a change in the regular formula, of the family members, of the temptation to substitute for the (wound) inflicted upon the Church's liturgical books, are n a m e l y “ t o e x p r e s s t h e friends, in the name of the formula handed down by Tradition ecclesial communion and the invalid. participation of the family and of community we baptize you in the other texts judged more suitable.” identifiability of Christ's action.” Such persons should rather those present, and to avoid the idea name of the Father and of the Son It maintained that “The “No group can make itself be baptised in forma absoluta, (in of the concentration of a sacred and of the Holy Spirit.” Sacraments, in fact, inasmuch as Church, but becomes Church in a regular formula), or be power in the priest to the detriment To modify the sacramental they were instituted by Jesus virtue of a call that cannot arise considered unbaptised, according of the parents and the community.” formula, the Congregation said, Christ, are entrusted to the Church from within the assembly itself,” it to a June 24 statement, signed by However, it said St. Thomas “ i m p l i e s a l a c k o f a n to be preserved by her”. Quoting said, both Cardinal Luis Ladaria, Head Aquinas had already ruled out the understanding of the very nature a n o t h e r p a s s a g e f r o m t h e When the minister recites the of the Congregation and the possibility of several people words, “I baptise you…,” the note Secretary to the Vatican's baptising an individual at the same said, “he does not speak as a doctrinal office, Archbishop time, quoting the Second Vatican functionary who carries out a role Giacomo Morandi, Council constitution on liturgy, entrusted to him,” but through his The Congregation stressed Sacrosanctum Concilium, that ministry signals the presence of that a person administering “when a man baptises, it is really Christ, “who acts in his Body to baptism not only lacks the Christ Himself who baptises.” give his grace.” a u t h o r i t y t o m o d i f y t h e “ W h e n c e l e b r a t i n g a This is not the first time the sacramental formula “to his own Sacrament, the Church in fact Vatican's doctrine office has made liking,” but he is also unable to functions as the Body that acts a ruling about sticking to the declare that he is acting on behalf inseparably from its Head, since it traditional baptismal formula. of others involved, such as the is Christ the Head who acts in the In 2012, the Congregation parents, godparents, friends or ecclesial Body generated by Him ruled that a baptism administered relatives. in the Paschal mystery,” the “in the name of the Creator, and of It was responding to the Congregation explained. t h e R e d e e m e r a n d o f t h e question whether baptisms I n a d o c t r i n a l n o t e Sanctifier” was invalid. The conferred with the formula, “We accompanying the response, the Pope Francis baptises a baby as he celebrates Mass on the feast formula had apparently been baptise you in the name of the Congregation noted that it has of the Baptism of the Lord in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican developed in order to avoid Father and of the Son and of the received a number of cases in on January 12, 2020. referring to the Trinity with masculine names.Crux.com 4 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) EDITORIAL Condemns The Recent Unrest And Hooliganism In Some Of Our Of Students Indiscipline: Spare Senior High Schools he Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has noticed with utter the Rod, Spoil the Child dismay the total disregard for the rule of law and the wanton Tdestruction of state properties that is taking place on the campuses of some Senior High Schools across the country in reference to ur Bishops have spoken clearly and loudly on students indiscipline and the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination cheating at examinations. In a statement issued on August 7, our Church OHierarchy spoke with one voice to condemn the brazen indiscipline, which (WASSCE). some high school students exhibited during the on-going WASSCE. Our We condemn in no uncertain terms this show of disrespect for authority, Lordships not only described the behaviour as “disrespect for authority,” but even going to the extent of insulting the President of the nation; the attacks on also made a call for the perpetrators to be brought “to book”. some heads of institutions, teachers, staff of the West African Examination The Christian Council of Ghana has equally condemned the behaviour of the Council (WAEC) and journalists, resulting in varied degrees of injuries students, too shameful and disgusting to even comprehend. Indeed, the suffered by the victims. These unfortunate incidents are very disheartening, to Christian Council “wants the parents of the children to come out publicly to say the least. condemn and apologize to the President, the government and the people of We, therefore, call on all the major stakeholders in Education and the law Ghana.” At the time of writing, no such apology has reportedly been offered. enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators of these acts to book in On a wider note, what does this omission say about modern parenthood? It is accordance with the rules and regulations of the Ghana Education Service as worrisome that The Catholic Standard, together with many Ghanaians, should well as the laws of the land to serve as a deterrent to others. be consumed in discussing a baneful behaviour as juvenile indiscipline. Nobody We equally call on all final year students writing the ongoing WASSCE to in their wildest dream would have imagined that High School students of today remain calm and to concentrate on their studies instead of looking for leaked would dare consider examination malpractice an entitlement, let alone act on it with or without impunity. But that is precisely what is happening! Are Ghanaian examination questions to enable them to pass their exams. We would like to adults, parents and wards reaping what we have sown? remind our dear students that there is no shortcut to success but only through Let us, for once, take the conversation on examination malpractice to a high level of hard work and discipline. We also urge them to desist from all forms of engagement, and discuss it with deep thought. The depth of indiscipline by school lawlessness and disregard for authority. children, culminating into a license to cheat at examinations, should be a wake- We finally call on all Ghanaians, especially adults, to show good up call on the conscience of a nation, evidently paralysed by partisan stupor, examples to the youth instead of encouraging them to do things that endanger adult indiscipline and fragrant dishonesty. Indeed, their misconduct is but a their lives and those of others. The canker of violence that is gradually pointer to a deeper juvenile malaise that our country has probably gone to sleep creeping into our society should be of great worry to all people of peace and over. goodwill, and the earlier we nip this in the bud, the better it will be for us. Who would be so dishonest as to deny that the behaviour in question is a factor of several determinants: Don’t politicians outdo one another in public insults? Don’t parents and school managements poorly handle student behaviour at home or at school? Don’t some bad parents seek after unfair advantage for wards and children in examinations or national service placement? Don’t school administrators and authorities work overtime to get their students pass unfairly? Given the above systemic bad practices, what examination system can be air- and watertight? But indiscipline is indiscipline and has been described as a public health disease, and rightly so. Youth indiscipline, fanned by drug abuse and toxic high-tech culture is FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020 exposing vulnerable teenagers to indecent behaviour at very, early ages. Insult- infested political discourse is regarded the new normal. Our social mess did not come about all of a sudden. Our Bishops are right on target in their statement that “there is no short-cut to success” and indirectly blaming adults, by calling on us “to show good examples”. Students do not set questions! It is examiners and tutors who do set them. The frequency and ease with which examination questions are leaked for sale to parents is shameful, but widely ignored. A valid examination is the type that predicts with reasonable accuracy the capability and future performance of students at higher levels of study. When examinations are so compromised, or when parents and students want them compromised, this country will have reached the trigger point for doom! If a student can attend High School for three years, but cannot pass examinations in the very subjects taught without cheating, something terrible must be happening! Students and parents, it is, who must first begin the self-introspection. Education (“exducere” in Latin, meaning to ‘lead out of ignorance’) simply is character formation, in ways the human conscience is conditioned to do what is right, without prompting or the fear of sanction. Indiscipline will not bring about justice, hard work, honesty; discipline does! Let not adults, particularly parents and political leaders, unwittingly chase discipline into the bush. It is for the above reasons that The Catholic Standard disagrees with the presidential intervention. What would have been more “deterrent to others”, quoting our Bishops, than imposing the deserving laydown sanctions, as the GES and the West African Examination Council have done? The GES-imposed and the WAEC sanctions, properly interpreted were no death sanction, which would have irreparable damage on the lives of the erring students. The sanctions did not violate the Children’s Act, 1998 and the principle of non-retrogression, provided in international conventions to which the State is a signatory. In fact, the opportunity to write the WAEC examinations was available to the students, albeit postponed to next year. Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 5 The Pilgrims THE TEN COMMANDMENTS REVISITED *Dr. Opoku Prempeh 9. Thou shalt not covet thy You will recall that I cried out to Notes neighbour’s wife. you about how low the value of a By Kasise Ricky Peprah 10. Thou shalt not covet thy human being has become. From neighbour’s goods. infanticide to genocide, from active Dear St. Jude, St. Jude, my recollection of my direct killing to negligence leading to catechism is hazy but I do remember, the death of others. We also have or many of us who will be due largely to my adolescent naiveté, murders committed in an apparent reading my letter to you, the that I was wondering why Our God and quest for wealth and status. Then we Father would bother to enumerate these Ten Commandments will have heartless policies that drive F rules which, to me, appeared common people to their early graves. Altogether, sadly appear a distant memory. sense. Admittedly we have imbibed it into “thou shall not kill' is being daily I wondered why with a God who our moral and ethical systems or mocked. could part the seas and whose Son could Extra-marital affairs are actually ought to have done so, and would raise the dead and walk on water, one The Columnist in vogue and either genders are almost usually be guided by them but many would even dare contemplate the of us will be found wanting if we are equally guilty and the battle against existence let alone the power of other with a laughable pension. At home, it's fornication appears lost. I have said challenged to recite them and even gods. I was soon to wake up from my no better, many are abandoned to a worse still, to recite them in their before that the 'damnation' that is innocence. pitiable existence while we, the threatened in the hereafter seems to be order. You may be wondering why I I also wondered why anyone, children they nurtured, consider them losing its punch or simply that folks am concerning myself with this knowing even a bit of the omnipotence almost a nuisance. At the very best they could not be bothered, I still stand by matter, it is simply because, these and omniscience of God our Father will are considered a business prospect, in that position. days, they are quite conveniently attempt to take his name in vain. Rather that when they die, their children may In today's world, there is no crime being relegated to the background. I promptly though was I to witness men well make a killing (pun intended) provide them below, first, to remind and women of all station swear by His from funeral contributions or at least so called stealing and surely no sin that us of those cardinal rules and name and proceed to go full scale on they hope. “Honour thy father and thy goes by that description. St. Jude, it is secondly, to hopefully rekindle in us transgressions. mother” has lost its bite despite being the pilferers who are paraded and 'hung the necessary observance of these Observing the Lord's Day has not the one commandment that offers a in the public square'. The real thieves admonitions. been a problem, it is keeping it holy that reward; 'that it will be well with thee receive applause and honour. The least 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou has been a problem but on that matter I on the Earth'. said about that palaver the better. If all shalt not have strange gods before defer unto God Himself except to say St. Jude, since even birth parents the aforementioned commandments me. that we appear to have managed to do not receive the respect, let alone which are not convoluted in meaning 2. Thou shalt not take the name convert the Lord's Day into a weekly honour of their birth children, you can and not subject to justifiable varied of the Lord thy God in vain. jamboree, which is characterised by well imagine how other senior citizens, interpretations, are scorned, ignored 3. Remember thou keep holy the frivolity and a farcical observance of our who have no blood relation to the and disregarded, what chance do the Lord's Day. duties. young people, are treated. The matter is remaining ones stand? Very little, for 4. Honour thy father and thy St. Jude, I have complained on so particularly heart wrenching in the bearing false witness and coveting of mother. many occasions about the moral political arena. Everyone is fair game, one's neighbour's goods or wife are all 5. Thou shall not kill. decadence that has taken over our as long as you dare enter that arena. The matters that can be deemed subjective. 6. Thou shalt not commit society but I may just have failed to tell most saddening aspect to this whole St. Jude, pray we are awakened to adultery. you that it appears to be a curse to grow p h e n o m e n o n i s t h a t w e h a v e our duty as Christians, knowing fully 7. Thou shalt not steal. old these days. Many senior citizens are inadvertently transferred it to our well that no amount of pharisaic 8. Thou shalt not bear false being shortchanged by our country for children, and I do not know how we can d i s p l a y s c a n r e p l a c e t h e Te n witness against thy neighbour. which they laboured for dozens of years reverse it. Commandments.

After first Mass, it was finished and those who came Koforidua Priest in Mushroom Cultivation for the second Mass were positively angry that the months. In a day, you can also mushroom is finished”, he he Rev. Fr. Bright harvest about 20 bags.” said. K e n n e d y Twenty pieces of the 4kg H i s n e x t l i n e o f Agyapong, Parish T or 5kg sacks of mushroom marketing and distribution is Priest of the St. Peters seedlings from the farm or to reach out to clinics in the C a t h o l i c C h u r c h i n from the manufacturer cost vicinity with mushroom. He Koforidua in the Eastern only two cedis. urges citizens, COVID-19 Region, has ventured into Mushroom production, isolation centres, and mushroom cultivation and which has become a part-time hospitals to add mushrooms production. venture for Fr. Agyapong to their daily dietary intake. aside his full-time ministry, is The reason, he said, was Fr. Agyapong is also available for individuals who to boost the immune system encouraging the youth, may want to buy directly for i n t h e w a k e o f t h e especially graduates, to immu n e b o o s ter, an ti- consumption or for sale. coronavirus pandemic, by given the right temperature, venture into mushroom inflammatory, and as well “People in Somanya are making mushroom available mushroom seedlings can be production without delay, aware now so they walk in to to the general public. lowers cholesterol. ready for consumption or for s a y i n g m u s h r o o m buy from the mission house. A c c o r d i n g t o F r . He claims mushroom is the market within a week. production is lucrative, with And on Sundays especially, Agyapong, “The fibre also good for pregnant “After one week of a low capital start-up of one women and helps prevent Parishioners come and buy content of mushroom is so nursing, it can be harvested thousand cedis. cardiac diseases. and each particular sacks of and today [Sunday] for high that it…fights against Agnusdei media Fr. Agyapong says, seedling can last for three instance, we run out of stock. cancer in the system. It is an 6 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Keta-Akatsi Seminarian Wins ‘Blogger of the Year’ Award likem Kwabla Akakpo, a I n a r e m a r k , A k a k p o P a u l ' s C a t h o l i c S e m i n a r y Catholic seminarian has appreciated all those who believe Sowutuom-Accra, where he is Ewon Blogger of the Year in him and keep pushing him up. undergoing formation to become a Award at the maiden edition of the He dedicated the award to his Catholic Priest. His love for Ghana Media Students Awards parents, Vincent and Gifty, creative writing and literature was held at the studios of the 'GH counting the many times he nurtured in Senior High School Media' School. promised to make them proud. (Minor Seminary). A parishioner of the St. Anthony For reason of his Catholic He is not only a blogger award of Padua Parish, Threetown-Denu in faith, Akakpo writes and publishes winner, but also poetry/writing the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Akakpo articles by himself and others on award winner , having won the started blogging in 2016. His current the 'Brave Catholic Voices'. This, poet/writer award at the first self-owned blogs include the he says, is one of the many ways he edition of the Volta Youth Awards 'Ghnewz', the 'Typical Black' the can put his talent at the service of 2019, as well as international 'Magazine Airlly Heritages' and the the Church. poetry awards, such as the 'Brave Catholic Voices'. ‘Poetritis Nirvana Africa’. Elikem Kwabla Akakpo Akakpo is a student of the St.

he Christian Education Coalition Urges GES to C o u n c i l o f Christian Council TGhana (CCG) has condemned some Enforce Ban on Politics in Schools final year students for Condemns WAEC r i o t i n g o v e r t h e he Ghana National disciplinary actions by the GES. “We, therefore, add our ongoing West African S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l Riotous Students Education Campaign “In our view, instilling a voice to calls to allow these Coalition (GNECC) has C e r t i f i c a t e T sense of discipline and integrity students to complete the Examination (WASSCE), and urged the Ghana Education in children is an important part examinations in order to avoid insulting President Nana Service (GES) to enforce its ban of education," it said, adding l o s i n g t h e c o n s i d e r a b l e Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. on political activities in first and “By first, rioting on "We believe the sanctions meted investment of time and scarce second cycle schools. campus because they alleged the resources in their education”, it A statement signed by out are adequate enough to deter invigilators were too strict, and Joseph Homadzi, Interim Chair of other students from engaging in stated. two, for insulting the President the GNECC, which was copied to similar acts.” The Coalition also urged because they are claiming he is the Ghana News Agency, said behind the difficult examination However, the Coalition parents to take more active roles partisan political activities, in instilling positive values in questions. And all that must be whether direct or indirect must be said "That notwithstanding, as condemned by all,” the Most children and not leave the kept away from schools because an organisation that has Rev. Paul Boafo, Chairman of Most Rev. Boafo of their potential to undermine promoted access to quality and responsibility entirely to the Council said recently in an discipline. relevant education for every schools. interview with the Ghana News depend on some fake questions”. Agency . “It is a big shame for even The statement condemned Ghanaian child for more than 20 “Education is a shared "the gross misconduct" of some responsibility and every The Most Rev. Boafo, students to come out to riot when they years, our position is that the have written a paper, which they think final year students writing the who is also the Presiding Bishop application of sanctions should stakeholder must play their role of the Methodist Church of is difficult. Some of the reasons are West African Secondary School not be detrimental to the welfare to ensure proper development of Ghana, indicated that past that they were given past questions. C e r t i f i c a t e E x a m i n a t i o n s the country's human resources," questions were “only a guide for And they thought those were the (WASSCE) and some teachers, and prospects of the child,” it it said. students to prepare and go into questions to drop were untenable,” he and commended the swift said. examinations, and not to go in to said. Tamale Vocational Institute Gets Mechanised Borehole

he Don Bosco Youth Network (DBYN), West Africa, a Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute, Rev. Non-Governmental Organisation of the Salesians of Sr. Cynthia Monica Anabire, FMM, Headmistress, the TDon Bosco Congregation, has provided a mechanised staff and students of the Institute. borehole to the St. Mary's Vocational Training Institute in From Francis Monnie, Camp-G Tamale. The donation, which also included fridges, sewing machines, rice and steam cookers, electric irons, gas cookers, tables, blenders, electronic weighing scales, weaving looms, among others, was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development. Handing over the supplies to Lazarus Nyuurbome, the acting Manager of the Archdiocesan Catholic Education Unit, the Project Coordinator of the DBYN, George Tetteh-Coffie, requested the Institute to label the supplies, in order to secure them from loss. The Vicar General of the Tamale Archdiocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Yitiereh, commissioned and blessed the borehole and the supplies. He thanked the donors on behalf of Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Archbishop of Tamale. Miss Mary Salifu, a physically-challenged student, Very Rev. Fr. Yitiereh cutting expressed gratitude to the donors on behalf of her colleagues. a tape to commission the borehole Present at the ceremony were Nicodemus Gampie, the Fr. Yitiereh blessing the items. Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 7 Priestly Ordination In Wa Diocese he Most Rev. Richard Kuuia Municipal Chief Executive; Mr. Anthony Baawobr, M.Afr., Bishop of Wa Mwinkaara Somah, National Democratic TDiocese recently ordained two Congress Parliamentary Candidate for Deacons into the Sacerdotal Order at Nadowli/Kaleo Constituency as well as the St. Andrew's Catholic Cathedral, other political figures, Religious Men Wa. and Women, relatives and friends of the They are Rev. Frs. Vitalis Aabe-Ikuu new priests. Saakum from St. George's Parish, Piina In a Good Will message, Mr. Bin and Stephen Dassah from St. Raphael's Salih, acknowledged and appreciated the Parish, Hain. significant role the Catholic Church Addressing the Deacons before their plays over the years towards the ordination, Bishop Baawobr urged them development of the Upper West Region to lead exemplary lives and always be in particular, and in Ghana in general, ready to serve rather than to be served. especially in areas of Education and He urged the newly ordained to Health. always devote time to pray, meditate and He lauded the Church for assisting reflect on the Word of God as they prepare Government in the fight against COVID- and sanctify the people God has entrusted 19 through the provision of Personal into their care through the celebration of Protective Equipment (PPE) and its the Sacraments. constant education of her congregants to The Bishop also charged them to observe the COVID-19 protocols to cooperate with their fellow priests as well ensure the safety of all in the church. as the faithful. He donated Gh¢ 2,000 to the Bishop The occasion was graced by Most in response to the Bishop's financial Rev. Paul Bemile, Bishop Emeritus of Wa; appeal to people to help him acquire a the Upper West Regional Minister, Dr. means of transport for the newly ordained Bishop Baawobr with the new Priests. Hafiz Bin Salih; Sir Dr. Edward Gyeder, Priests. Madam Christiana Bonbanye, Jirapa From Rev. Fr. Aloysius Kpiebaya Four New Priests for Techiman Diocese

he Most Rev. Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, Bishop of the Techiman Diocese, recently ordained four TDeacons into the Priesthood at the St. Joseph's Parish, Kintampo in the Techiman Diocese. They are Rev. Fr. Alfred Kwasi Effah Opoku, Rev. Fr. Francis Kofi Effah, Rev. Fr. George Owusu Adjei and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Gyimadu. Bishop Yeboah Nyarko said that “the Priesthood is a ministry that demands total respect for oneself and the Church as a whole.” *Bishop Yeboah Nyarko with the Priests. He urged the new Priests to foster “respect and live in unity with senior Priests,” cautioning them against pride, thinking that because they were fresh from the M.Afr. Gets New Priest seminary, they know it all and better than those ordained years ev. Richard Abobopuo advising the new Priest to “avoid before them. Dery, a Deacon of the chasing material things but rather T h e B i s h o p a l s o RSociety of the Missionaries focus on your ministry as a of Africa (M.Afr.) was recently e n c o u r a g e d t h e m t o b e Missionary Priest”. ordained Priest at the St. Anne courageous in their ministry and Bishop Angkyier urged Fr. Dery Cathedral, Damongo by the Most to “be compassionate, recognise your be ready to serve wherever they Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier, Bishop of weaknesses and ask the Lord to are sent, inspired by servants of the Damongo Diocese. s t r e n g t h e n y o u i n y o u r God like prophet Jeremiah. T h e B i s h o p i n a s e r m o n ministry...Your life must reflect the He was hopeful that the new emphasised the need for selflessness message you preach to the people. Priests “will become good in the ministry of a Priest, saying that You are an ambassador of Christ and “you are not a Priest for yourself or Priests in the Lord's vineyard” you are to represent Him as such.” Fr. Dery a n d u rg e d t h e L a i t y “ t o your family but for the people you are He urged the Priest to see his call continuously support Priests called to serve.” as “a privilege and be grateful to God He noted that “the Priesthood is wants you to know that you have a with your prayers, so that they despite the challenges you might task to bring positive change to the can work together in building the God's gift to the Church and His encounter in your journey.” People. It is a call to service,” world through your ministry,” Bishop kingdom of God.” “Despite your limitations, God Angkyier told the new Priest. 8 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Fr. Azambawu Marks 25th Priestly Anniversary ev. Fr. David Azambawu o f t h e N a v r o n g o - RB o l g a t a n g a D i o c e s e r e c e n t l y p r e s i d e d o v e r a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Anthony Catholic Church at Bawku to mark his 25th Priestly anniversary. The Mass was attended by dozens of Priests, family members, friends and parishioners. The Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, acknowledged Fr. Azambawu and his classmate Rev. Fr Paul Kapochina, and expressed his Bishop Agyenta (4th right) with Fr. Azambawu and other gratitude for their fidelity and concelebrants. loyalty to Christ and His Church, asking the faithful to emulate them. groups and societies must resist the pursued a Master's degree in Spiritual “A jubilee of this kind is a time temptation to choose and pick Priests, and Pastoral Care at the Loyola to give thanks to God, especially for and the Priests must not allow University in Maryland, USA. this unmerited gift of the Priesthood, themselves to be owned by any Fr. Azambawu has served in it is a time to be grateful to the many, individual. Diocesan capacities as a chaplain, many people who have been of Fr. Azambawu had his basic Vocation Director, pastor and a support to you over the years, it is a e d u c a t i o n i n C h i a n a , b e f o r e Provincial Formator at the St. Victor time to let go any unpleasant proceeding to the St. Charles Minor Major Seminary. He is currently the memories.” said Rev. Fr. Albert Seminary and the St. Victor Major Parish Priest of the St. Anthony Wugaa, the homilist. Seminary in Tamale for further Parish, Bawku. He said faith communities, Fr. Azambawu education and formation. He later From Fr. Jonas Atara

OBUASI DIOCESAN HEALTH SERVICE ASHANTI REGION-GHANA VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL, PRAMSO

POSITION : NURSE MANAGER (MATRON) under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Desirable Ÿ Demonstrate ability to work on own Job Title : Head of Nursing (Matron) Experience of multi-agency networking. initiative. Experience of human resource issues Ÿ Computer skills. Responsible To : Head of Facility Ÿ Excellent problem-solving skills Knowledge & Experience Accountable To : Diocesan Director Ÿ A satisfactory service with any of the Ministry of Mode of application Health Agencies. Application letter should be accompanied with the Mandatory: Applicant must be a Practicing Ÿ Broad knowledge and understanding of quality following; Nurse/Midwife assurance issues Ÿ Curriculum Vitae (CV) Ÿ A broad knowledge base and experience of Job Purpose: To promote excellence in patient care by Ÿ Copies of certificates CHAG/NCHS policies and operating advancing the quality and scope of nursing/midwifery Ÿ One page vision for the facility procedures. practice and to support ward/unit managers in ensuring Ÿ efficient and effective management of nursing and Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary midwifery services in the facility. team environment. Address hardcopy to; Ÿ Supervisory/team leader experience The Director, Obuasi Diocesan Health Service Person Specification Ÿ Wide range of clinical experience in all aspects Catholic Secretariat Criteria of hospital services. P.O. Box 701 Educational Qualification Ÿ Knowledge in policies and operating procedures Obuasi Essential and in Patient Charter. Ÿ Registered General Nurse/Midwife with Skills & Abilities OR Degree in Nursing/Midwifery or Equivalent Ÿ Excellent written and verbal communication Email softcopy to: [email protected] and FIVE (5) years' working experience at the skills. /[email protected] level of Principal Nursing Officer and evidence Ÿ Planning, organization and supervisory skills of continuing professional development and Ÿ Tel Nos: 0245745547 / 0244763476 training in Management Ability to work, lead and manage a multi- disciplinary team /0208759433 Ÿ A postgraduate qualification will be added th Ÿ Ability to organize and manage workload, work CLOSING DATE: Friday, 4 September, advantage as well as DDNS 2020 Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 9

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang gave Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, Politics Of Insults Not Good the assurance that she would thanked Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commit herself to work for the good for the visit and assured her of their of the country and not to please any prayers and support, saying that individual. their desire was to see a prosperous For Younger Generation She was also introduced to the nation. National Chief Imam, Sheikh Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also Osman Nuhu Sahrubutu at his paid a courtesy call on the Shai- – Mahama residence at Fadama, Accra. Osudoku Traditional Council In another development, Prof. where she introduced the NDC Opoku-Agyemang, paid a visit to parliamentary candidate, Linda By Angela Ofosu Boateng the Greater Accra Regional House Akweley Ocloo, to the chiefs and of Chiefs in Dodowa to officially people. he flagbearer of the introduce herself to the traditional Earlier, the NDC running National Democratic rulers in the region. mate visited Central Region, TCongress (NDC), John She commended the Chiefs making a first stop at her Dramani Mahama has assured for the effective leadership roles hometown, Komenda, in the Ghanaians that he and his they play in their communities and Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem running mate, Prof. Jane Naa assured them that the NDC District, where she visited the Opoku-Agyemang will not government would continue to Chief and spoke on the need for engage in politics of insults, dialogue with them on pertinent p e a c e a n d h a r m o n y i n t h e saying that it is not a good Former President Mahama Prof. Opoku-Agyemang national issues so as to develop a community. e x a m p l e f o r t h e y o u n g e r p o l i t i c s o f i d e a s t o f o s t e r A c c o m p a n i e d b y t h e generation. country to change course from the development and promote national Chairman of the Party, Mr. Samuel He said “Our children are despicable destructive and Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic unity. Ofosu-Ampofo and other party watching, listening and copying unprincipled kind of politics Council, congratulated Prof. Opoku- Prof. Opoku-Agyemang used executives, she paid a courtesy call what we do and it is important that currently being witnessed and Agyemang on her appointment as t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o c a l l o n on the Central Regional House of we continue to serve as good role engage in a politics of exchange of the NDC running mate and advised Ghanaians to put national interest Chiefs. They were welcomed by models to them.” ideas. politicians to refrain from trading above individual interest and called Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi, President Former President Mahama H e a p p e a l e d t o t h e insults in this year's political for a collective effort to develop the of the National House of Chiefs said this when he presented Prof. leadership of the CCG to boldly campaigns. country. who advised her to remain Opoku-Agyemang to the Christian speak against wrong doings in the He encouraged Politicians to She expressed gratitude to the objective, stay focused and resist Council of Ghana (CCG) and the country and not be afraid of being make peace the hallmark of their Chiefs for their support over the any attempt to be drawn into the G h a n a P e n t e c o s t a l a n d tagged as belonging to a particular campaigns and ensure that their years and asked for their continued politics of insults that has Charismatic Council (GPCC) in political party. political messages are factual and guidance and prayers. dominated political discourse in d e v o i d o f i n s u l t s a n d Accra. R e v. P r o f . P a u l Ya w The President of the Greater the country. unsubstantiated claims. He stressed the need for the Frimpong-Manso, President of the Accra Regional House of Chiefs, The Assumption of Mary: The Signature of God’s Grace

Fr. George Adimike writes from Rome way of incarnation, and thus chose the way of 19:7-9; 2 Cor 11:2; Rev 21:9; Eph 3:32; Is prevented her from the corruption of the Mary. In so doing, what Eve was at creation 54:5; Mk 2:19-20; Rev 22:17; Jn 19:25-27; grave. On account of being thus hoever understands grace before the Fall typified what Mary became at Acts 1:14; Matt1:18-20; Jn 2:3-5; Lk 1:28- honoured, she is blessed uniquely as an appreciates the mystery of the re-creation. In Mary's arresting narrative of 35; Mk 6:3; Lk 1:42-45; Matt 2:11). exemplar and model of the transformation WAssumption, which registers grace, what the first Eve lost, the second Eve By the singular act of God through the by grace. Acknowledging this honour Mary's entire life as a project of grace. She retained. While Satan, symbolised by the Holy Spirit, Mary, full of grace, became the removes nothing from God's glory; was divinely elected by grace, saved by serpent, confronted and defeated the first vessel of honour, who bore the divine Son, instead, it affirms and glorifies God's grace, sinless by grace and assumed by Eve, the second Eve (Mary), through grace, Jesus Christ. God's salvific plan began with majesty. grace. In other words, grace parses her life overcame evil, symbolized at its nascent the Spirit's anointing of Mary's womb as the In the light of the mystery of grace, and provides the context of its meaning. stage by the serpent (cf. Gen 3:15) and at its prelude of the work of salvation wherein the Mary's Assumption into heaven bears the Officially defined as a definitive truth by developed stage by the dragon with seven radical intersection of the divinity and stamp of divine affirmation of the power Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950, the heads (cf. Revelation 12). God chose Mary to humanity set off. Given her anticipated of the grace of Christ. Delinking this Assumption is the significant ramification represent the power of grace and to express vocation, God completely soaked her with dogma from the Paschal mystery of Christ of Mary being full of grace, and the logical the victory of good over evil, both in the ointment of the Holy Spirit, wholly accelerates its obfuscation thus harming c o n s e q u e n c e o f t h e I m m a c u l a t e principle and in its ultimate expression. The transforming her as an anticipation of the the adoration to God and devotion to Conception. The super-abundance of figure of Mary liquidates the temptation of end of what humanity will become. She was Mary. Accordingly, “the Assumption of grace in Mary explains the mystery of her presenting God as competing with his thoroughly suffused by grace, she was full the Blessed Virgin is a singular life and deflates any possible attempt to creature, the evil one. As such, the mystery of of the Spirit, and consequently, consecrated participation in her Son's Resurrection confuse her nature with that of Christ. Mary speaks to the all-prevailing and ever- for the unique vocation of divine and an anticipation of the resurrection of Unwittingly, the unique role of Christ victorious presence of God among his motherhood. Mary's Assumption into other Christians” (CCC 966). As the as the mediator is often juxtaposed with people. She is the mother of God's people in heaven is one of the ramifications of Mary's bearer of the plenitude of grace, Mary Mary's intercessory vocation, leading many the order of grace. Like all mothers, hers is a possession of the full ointment of the Spirit. deserves the honour and devotion of all to consider her an obstacle to a relationship vocation to exemplify God's gracious and Grace completely funds her life in a very children of God as an extension of the with God. Mary's role in no way conflicts tender care for his people. Without doubt, it is efficient and effective manner that in her is praise of the prodigies of the Lord. In the with that of her son and saviour, Jesus the a gift and responsibility, which is most the unique, comprehensive and highest words of a Protestant theologian, Joel B. Christ. As the first beneficiary of Christ's expressly spelt by a tender and tenacious expression of the possibilities of grace in all Green, “to say Mary is the 'blessed One' is salvation, she perfectly embodies and relationship of care and support. human persons. Hence, that gratuitous grace to join the Spirit of the Magnificat, to represents the salvation from her son by the Precisely because the magnitude of of God enabled her to represent humanity's prophesy about who God is and what God singular privilege of God's grace. In effect, G o d ' s b e i n g i s b e y o n d h u m a n destiny, which the Assumption symbolizes, has done. Mary is the blessed one because Mary recognises her lowliness as the comprehension, one labours fruitlessly to stands in no need of further clarification. of what God has done in her and through maidservant (cf. Luke 1:38) and her understand him without help. As a result, Needless to say, with her yes to the will her. Not to bless Mary is to turn away from greatness because of God's grace (cf. Luke God makes his presence felt in icons and of God, Mary entered salvific equation not the work of God”. Similarly, Joseph 1:49) and very readily proclaims both. Such a sacraments. Motherhood, certainly, to its out of her merit but as part of the divine Ratzinger had earlier made the point. person at no time struggles with or degree, is a sign, vestige or mirror of God's salvific plan. God rendered her ready for the According to him, “the Magnificat shows constitutes an obstacle to the true worship of tender and maternal care. In their imperfect responsibility even before her conception us that Mary is one of the human beings God. While it is absolutely wrong to consider manner, mothers radiate this divine and equipped her by the overshadowing who in an altogether special way belong Mary a goddess or a benevolent element of motherhood or maternal aspect of God. On presence of the Spirit (cf. Lk 1: 35). The to the name of God, so much so, in fact, divinity or even as the caring mother, who the spiritual plane and at the universal level, mysteries of Immaculate Conception and that we cannot praise him rightly if we appeases the mean God in constant need of both Mary and the Church share this vocation Assumption are simply the registers of the leave her out of account. In doing so, we placation, which is a form of idolatry, it is and responsibility. While Mary on an power and gratuity of grace in her life, forget something about him that must not also a form of atheism to reject Mary. A individual level exercises this ministry of which represent the grace-insured be forgotten” (Joseph Ratzinger, “Hail, wrong relationship to Mary can be a motherhood by grace, the Church exercises it beginning and end (Immaculate Conception Full of Grace”, 1997, 116). It is, therefore, manifestation to some degree either of the on a corporate level as the bride of Christ and and Assumption). In a radical way, she was a privilege to celebrate the feast of the two extremes, namely idolatry or atheism. hence the mother of all, who by grace belong filled with the Spirit as his temple, an action holy mother, Mary, and in the joy of grace, In his plan of salvation, God chose the to him through faith (cf. Eph 5:25-27; Rev of God, which preserved her from sin and I wish you all a happy feast of Assumption. 10 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Even in Times of Darkness, God is There – Pope Francis

hen caught in difficult and waves. starting with the Lebanese, to moments or trials, turn “The boat at the mercy of the storm collaborate for the common good of Wyour heart to God, who is is an image of the Church, which in every this beloved country,” he said. near even when you do not search for age encounters headwinds, sometimes “Lebanon has a peculiar identity, Him, Pope Francis said in his Angelus very hard trials,” Pope Francis noted. the result of the meeting of various address recently. “In those situations, [the Church] cultures, which has emerged over time “Having faith means, in the midst of may be tempted to think that God has as a model of living together,” he the storm, keeping your heart turned to abandoned her. But in reality, it is noted. “Of course, this coexistence is God, to His love, to His tenderness as a precisely in those moments that the now very fragile, we know, but I pray Father. Jesus wanted to teach this to Peter witness of faith, the testimony of love that, with the help of God and the loyal and His disciples, and also to us today, in and the testimony of hope shines the participation of all, it may be reborn moments of darkness, moments of most,” he said. free and strong.” storms,” the Pope said on August 9. He pointed to the Gospel: In this Pope Francis invited the Church S p e a k i n g f r o m a w i n d o w moment of fear, the disciples see Jesus in Lebanon to be close to her people overlooking St. Peter's Square, he said walking to them on the water and think it during this “Calvary,” and asked the “even before we begin to seek Him, He is is a ghost. But He reassures them and Pope Francis international community to be present beside us lifting us back up after Peter challenges Jesus to tell him to generous in helping the country. our falls, He helps us grow in faith.” come out onto the water to meet Him. “And please, I ask the Bishops, “Perhaps we, in the dark, cry out: Jesus invites Peter to “come!” Priests and Religious of Lebanon to 'Lord! Lord!' thinking that He is far away. “Peter gets off the boat and takes a “And the gesture of Jesus, who stay close to the people and to live a And He says: 'I'm here!' Ah, he was with few steps; then the wind and the waves immediately reaches out His hand and lifestyle marked by evangelical me!” Pope Francis continued. frighten him and he begins to sink. 'Lord, grasps that of His friend, must be “God knows well that our faith is save me!' he cries, and Jesus takes him contemplated for a long time: Jesus is poverty, without luxury, because your poor and that our path can be troubled, by the hand and says to him: 'You of little this, Jesus does this, it is the hand of the people suffer, and suffer so much,” he blocked by adverse forces. But He is the faith, why did you doubt?'” Pope Francis Father who never abandons us; the concluded. Risen One, do not forget this, the Lord recounted. strong and faithful hand of the Father, The Pope also noted the 75th who went through death to bring us to This episode “is an invitation to who always and only wants our good,” anniversary of the atomic bomb attacks safety.” abandon ourselves with trust to God in he said. on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which In his message before the Angelus, every moment of our life, especially in After praying the Angelus in Latin, took place on August 6 and 9, 1945. the Pope reflected on the Gospel reading the hour of trial and turmoil,” he said. Pope Francis noted the presence of a “While I remember with emotion from St. Matthew, when Jesus asks the “When we feel strong doubt and group of pilgrims holding the Lebanese and gratitude the visit I made to those apostles to get in a boat and cross to the fear and we seem to sink, in the difficult flag in St. Peter’s Square and said his places last year, I renew my invitation other shore of the lake, where He will moments of life, where everything thoughts have been with the country to pray and to commit ourselves to a meet them. becomes dark, we must not be ashamed since the deadly explosion in Beirut on world totally free from nuclear While still far from shore, the to cry out, like Peter: 'Lord, save me!'” August 4. weapons,” he said. disciples' boat gets caught in some wind “It is a beautiful prayer!” he noted. “The catastrophe calls everyone, ACI Africa

all indigenous peoples in UN Secretary General: Indigenous Peoples Must employment have no education, compared to 17 percent of their Be Included in Pandemic Strategies non-indigenous counterparts. This gap is even wider for women. he UN Secretary- America. The August 9 observance General, in a video COVID-19 reportedly commemorates the date of the Tm e s s a g e f o r t h e has devastated more than 476 inaugural session of the International Day of the million indigenous people in 'Working Group on Indigenous World's Indigenous Peoples some 90 countries through Populations' at the United on August 9, said indigenous increased land encroachment Nations in 1982. This year's populations need to be by illegal miners and loggers, theme was “COVID-19 and c o n s u l t e d o n re c o v e r y b e c a u s e o f l a p s e d I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e s ' s t r a t e g i e s a g a i n s t t h e e n f o r c e m e n t o f Resilience”. COVID-19 pandemic. environmental protection. Pope Francis, it will be “Indigenous peoples must Many of them have been recalled, convoked a Synod on be consulted in all efforts to victims to threats and the Pan-Amazon Region, from build back stronger and recover violence, and many have lost October 6-27 in 2019. Earlier better,” he said, adding that their lives. in January 2018, the Pope “From the outset of the global *A Huitoto indigenous man on a boat in Colombia. A c c o r d i n g t o U N visited the Amazonia region for pandemic, United Nations figures, indigenous peoples the first time. agencies have been working to He pointed out that their The UN Secretary-General, make up 6.2 percent of the Prior to that, during his uphold indigenous peoples' traditional occupations and h o w e v e r , p r a i s e d t h e world population and are visit to Brazil in 2013, the Pope rights”. subsistence economies have “ e x t r a o r d i n a r y r e s i l i e n c e ” nearly three times as likely to pointed out that the Church's The UN Chief lamented been adversely affected by the demonstrated by the indigenous live in extreme poverty, presence in the Amazon cannot that even before COVID-19, p a n d e m i c . Wo m e n , w h o peoples, who have autonomously compared to their non- be one of someone with bags the indigenous people “faced provide food and nutrition for managed lands and medically indigenous counterparts. packed and ready to leave after entrenched inequalities, their families, have been hard cared for themselves through More than 86 percent of having exploited everything s t i g m a t i s a t i o n a n d hit with the closure of markets traditional medicine. indigenous peoples globally possible. d i s c r i m i n a t i o n ” , w i t h for their handicrafts, produce He cited the strategies such as w o r k i n t h e i n f o r m a l In his encyclical, Laudato i n a d e q u a t e a c c e s s t o a n d o t h e r g o o d s , w i t h the “Kroh Yee” (village closure) of economy, compared to 66 Si', the Pope urges care for healthcare, clean water and indigenous children not having Thailand's Karen people to fight percent for their non- “indigenous communities and sanitation which increases their access to virtual learning the pandemic, also applied in other indigenous counterparts. their cultural traditions”. vulnerability. opportunities. Asian countries and in Latin Globally, 47 percent of Vatican News Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 11 Pope Francis Baptises Former Conjoined Twins

ope Francis on August miles outside Bangui, the skin and cranial bones. But the started to separate and rebuild of the Bambino Gesù, met the 7 baptised at his Casa capital of the Central African greatest challenge was that they the membranes and venous twins in July 2018, during a visit PSanta Marta residence Republic. were joined at a deeper level, systems. The second, in June to Bangui, where the twins had the previously conjoined After surgery, Dr. Carlo sharing membranes inside the focused on the confluence of been transferred after birth. twins, and later separated, at Efisio Marras, Director of skull as well as the venous sinuses in the brain, a critical Enoc was helping to oversee the the Vatican's Bambino Gesù Neurosurgery of the Bambino system, through which blood phase of the treatment, given expansion of pediatric services Paediatric Hospital on June 5 Gesù hospital told the CNA that used by the brain is transported “the operating space was a few in the CAR, in response to an this year. the twins had a high chance of back to the heart. millimeters.” Then, came the appeal from Pope Francis. She The Papal baptism was at living normal lives after The separation took place third and the final phase of decided to bring the girls to the request of the twins' mother, u n d e rg o i n g t h e 1 8 - h o u r in three stages. In the first, in complete separation on June 5. Rome for surgery. Ermine, who came with the operation, which involved more May 2019, neurosurgeons Mariella Enoc, President CNA twins from the Central African than 30 medical staff. Republic (CAR) for the A multidisciplinary team, surgery. including neurosurgeons, “If we had stayed in Africa anaesthesiologists, and plastic I don't know what fate they surgeons, prepared for more would have had. Now that they than a year for the condition are separate and well, I would described as “one of the rarest like them to be baptised by and most complex forms of Pope Francis who has always cranial and cerebral fusion,” taken care of the children of and known as “total posterior Bangui,” said the girls' mother craniopagus.” Ermine on July 7. T h e B a m b i n o G e s ù The twins, named Ervina hospital said the twins were and Prefina, were born on June joined via the back of the head, 29, 2018 in a village about 60 including the nape, sharing both

Pope Francis Calls for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons

eventy-five years after the first ever nuclear attack on Japan, Pope Francis has once again called “for prayer and Scommitment to a world completely free of nuclear weapons.” On August 9, the Holy Father recalled his notable visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2019, where he called for nuclear Pope Francis with the conjoined twins, their mother (on his left) disarmament and the elimination of stockpiles of nuclear weapons “with and some Vatican staff after the baptism. deep emotion and gratitude." At Hiroshima, Pope Francis said, “We continue even today to hear the cries of those who are no longer. They came from different places, had different names, and some spoke different languages. Yet, all were united in the same fate, in a terrifying hour that left its mark forever not only on the history of this country, but on the face of humanity.” WHO Urges Equitable Access to At the time, he repeated, “the use of atomic energy for purposes of war is today, more than ever, a crime not only against the dignity of Future COVID-19 Vaccines human beings but against any possible future for our common home. The use of atomic energy for purposes of war is immoral, just as the he World Health Organisation a plan for an equitable response to the COVID- possession of atomic weapons is immoral.” (WHO) in Africa has joined 19 pandemic. At Nagasaki, the Holy Father reiterated “Convinced as I am that a immunisation experts to urge the The WHO is collaborating with the Gavi, world without nuclear weapons is possible and necessary,” he said, “I T international community to take concrete the Vaccine Alliance and the Coalition for ask political leaders not to forget that these weapons cannot protect us actions toward equitable access to COVID- Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to from current threats to national and international security. We need to 19, vaccines when developed. ensure a fair allocation of vaccines to all ponder the catastrophic impact of their deployment, especially from a humanitarian and environmental standpoint, and reject heightening a “Too often, African countries end up at countries, aiming to deliver two billion doses climate of fear, mistrust, and hostility fomented by nuclear doctrines.” the back of the queue for new technologies, globally for high-risk populations, including one Vatican News including vaccines. These life-saving products billion for low and middle-income countries. must be available to everyone, not only those Globally, there are nearly 150 COVID-19 who can afford to pay,” said the WHO vaccine candidates, of which 19 are in clinical Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso trials. Moeti. Earlier, this month the WHO Africa's At the launch of a project “Access to principle advisory group on immunization COVID-19 Tools” (ACT), he noted “It is clear policies and programmes – the African Regional that as the international community comes Immunization Technical Advisory Group together to develop safe and effective vaccines (RITAG) – also noted the need to ensure and therapeutics for COVID-19, equity must equitable access to COVID-19 and other be a central focus of these efforts.” vaccines in the region. The ACT aims at accelerating the “As the world focuses on finding a vaccine development, production and equitable access for COVID-19, we must ensure people do not to COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and forget that dozens of lifesaving vaccines already vaccines. exist. These vaccines should reach children It brings together leaders of government, everywhere in Africa – no one can be left global health organisations, civil society behind,” said Professor Helen Rees, Chair of the Pope Francis prays at the Peace Memorial in groups, businesses and philanthropies to form RITAG. Hiroshima during his last year’s Apostolic visit to Japan 12 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Coronavirus: Putin Says Vaccine Has Been Approved For Use

ussian President Vladimir He said he knew the vaccine was clear message to the world regarding the Putin has said a locally "quite effective", without giving further prowess of Russian science. But simply Rdeveloped vaccine for COVID- details, and stressed that it had passed being first is not enough. 19 has been given regulatory approval "all needed checks". No COVID-19 vaccine being after less than two months of testing on Media caption Coronavirus vaccine: developed has yet been shown to offer humans. How close are we and who will get protection against coronavirus. That Mr. Putin said the vaccine had it? central question remains unanswered. passed all the required checks, adding that Mr. Putin also said the vaccine had What reaction has there been to his daughter had already been given it. been given to one of his daughters, who Russia’s vaccine efforts? Officials have said they plan to start was feeling fine despite a brief The progress Russia says it has mass vaccination in October. temperature increase. made on a coronavirus vaccine has been "I think in this sense, she took part Experts have raised concerns about President Putin met with scepticism by health officials the speed of Russia's work, suggesting in the experiment," Mr. Putin said, and media outlets in the US and Europe. that researchers might be cutting corners. without specifying which of his two Last month, America's leading Amid fears that safety could have daughters had received the vaccine. vaccine had "proven to be highly infectious diseases expert, Dr. Anthony been compromised, the World Health "After the first injection, her effective and safe", hailing it as a big Fauci expressed doubts about the rigour Organisation (WHO) urged Russia last temperature was 38 degrees, the next step towards "humankind's victory" of the testing process in fast-track over COVID-19. week to follow international guidelines day 37.5, and that was it. After the vaccine efforts in Russia and China. second injection her temperature went Russian officials said the vaccine for producing a vaccine against COVID- WHO spokesman, Christian up slightly, then back to normal." had been named Sputnik-V, in honour 19. Lindmeier has echoed those sentiments, It is rare for President Putin to talk of the world's first satellite. Sputnik is On Tuesday, the WHO said it had t e l l i n g r e p o r t e r s o n A u g u s t 4 : publicly about his daughters - named the Russian word for satellite. been in talks with Russian authorities "Sometimes individual researchers claim about undertaking a review of the Maria Vorontsova and Katerina They have likened the search for Tikhonova in media reports - and their a vaccine to the space race contested they have found something, which is of vaccine, which has been named Sputnik- course, as such, great news. V. lives have been shrouded in secrecy. by the Soviet Union and the US during "But between finding or having a Currently, the Russian vaccine is not What do we know about the the Cold War. clue of maybe having a vaccine that among the WHO's list of six vaccines that vaccine? Russia has previously been works, and having gone through all the have reached phase three clinical trials, The Russian vaccine uses adapted accused by the UK, US and Canada of which involve more widespread testing in strains of the adenovirus, a virus that seeking to steal research related to stages, is a big difference." humans. usually causes the common cold, to COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Moscow-based More than 100 vaccines around the trigger an immune response. Russia's vaccine data cannot be A s s o c i a t i o n o f C l i n i c a l Tr i a l s world are in early development, with In July, Russian scientists verified Organisations (ACTO), which represents some of those being tested on people in announced that early-stage trials of a Russia is fast-tracking its the world's top drug companies in Russia, clinical trials. vaccine developed by the Gamaleya C O V I D - 1 9 v a c c i n e a t a n urged the health ministry to postpone Despite rapid progress, most experts Institute had been completed. extraordinary pace. It began the first approval until after phase-three trials. think any vaccine would not become But the vaccine's approval by clinical trials on June 17, months after A C TO E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r , widely available until mid-2021. Russian regulators comes before the teams in China, the US and Europe. Svetlana Zavidova told the Russian What did President Putin say completion of a larger study involving Unlike other groups, the MedPortal site that a decision on mass about the vaccine? thousands of people, known as a phase- Gamaleya Institute in Moscow has not vaccination had been carried out after a Calling it a world first, President three trial. released any safety or immunity data combined first- and second-phase tests Putin said the vaccine, developed by Experts consider these trials an from its studies. This makes it on 76 people, and that it was impossible Moscow's Gamaleya Institute, offered essential part of the testing process. impossible for independent scientists to confirm the efficacy of a drug on this "sustainable immunity" against the Despite this, Russian Health to make an assessment. basis. coronavirus. Minister Mikhail Murashko said the President Putin is keen to send a bbc.com Msgr. Nwosu remembered in Ghana M e m o r i a l a n d when he first arrived in Rome of the Church. Regional Seminary at Pedu, Thanksgiving Mass for further studies at the The main celebrant of the Cape Coast and St. Paul's Awas recently held in Pontifical Institute (University) Mass, Most Rev. Gabriel Seminary, Sowutuom, Accra. Accra for the late Rev. Msgr. of Pontificatium Athenaeum Charles Palmer-Buckle of Msgr. Nwosu was born Dr. Emmanuel Christopher Anselmianum. Cape Coast and Vice President on December 18, 1942 to Chukwuemeka Nwosu of the He said it was Msgr. of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Mazi Philip Kanu Nwosu and Diocese of Orlu in Nigeria. Nwosu who was then about Conference (GCBC), on behalf Ezinne Anna Ogonnaya He was the brother of Sir completing his studies who o f h i s b r o t h e r B i s h o p s Nwosu, both of blessed Ralph Nwosu of the Christ made him, a fresh student, commiserated with Sir. Nwosu memory. He was ordained to the King Parish in know more about the university and his family for the loss of his the Priesthood on April 17, Accra. and advised him on his studies brother. 1971 by Bishop Mark O. In a homily, and the books to buy for his He assured him of the Unegbu and was conferred M o s t R e v . course and for future use in prayers of the GCBC and with the title of a Monsignor Joseph Afrifah- Ghana by him and other Priests. commended him for his by Pope John Paul II in 2003, A g y e k u m , Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum invaluable support to the having served in many Bishop of the also recalled with great Church in Ghana. capacities as the Diocesan K o f o r i d u a appreciation Msgr. Nwosu Concelebrating the Mass Liturgical Commission D i o c e s e , a t t e n d i n g h i s E p i s c o p a l at the Christ the King Parish in Director, Member of the r e c a l l e d t h e Ordination in Koforidua on July Accra were the Secretary College of Consulters, guidance and 1, 2006. General of the National Member of the Diocesan s u p p o r t h e H e d e s c r i b e d M s g r. Catholic Secretariat, Very Rev. Presbyterian Council and received from Nwosu as a man who loved the Fr. Lazarus Anondee and other Vicar General of the Diocese M s g r. N w o s u Church and died in the service P r i e s t s o f t h e A c c r a of Orlu, among others. Archdiocese, St. Peter's Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 13 ‘POLITICS FOR NATION BUILDING AND SOCIAL COHESION IN GHANA’: A PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE (GCBC)

May the peace of Christ be with you! politics, and distorts people's power and will under all Ghanaians. However, some institutions of state bear influence of money; thus politicians are elected not for their greater responsibility. In about four months, we shall be participating in good leadership qualities, their high moral and ethical a) The Presidency holds in its hands the people's another momentous democratic exercise to elect our values, as well as the noble vocation to serve the common trust, and must ensure that citizens live in conditions of president and our 275 legislators to steer the affairs of our good and the country, but for “mammon”. Let us eschew adequate peace and security, and also ensure a level such political and electoral corruption! country for the next four-year political mandate. As your playing field for all contestants, political parties and Shepherds, we deem it appropriate to issue this pastoral letter candidates in the December 2020 elections. II. Vigilantism and Electoral Violence: These twin b) The Electoral Commission of Ghana is to ensure as a reminder to you, our fellow citizens to embrace politics as evils have again reared their ugly heads at recent elections an electoral process that is free, fair and transparent for an indispensable tool for nation building. We, therefore, urge and shockingly in the course of the voter registration all political parties and candidates in order to prevent all Ghanaians to work consciously towards peace building exercise. If not duly exorcised from our body politic, these people who may feel unfairly treated resorting to and abhor the acrimonious type of politics now gaining threaten to plague the 2020 elections, in spite of the violence. currency in our dear country. enactment of legislations and the endorsement and signing c) The Security Agencies, especially the National of an inter-party code of conduct and a roadmap to peace. Election Security Task Force (NESTF), whose special By God's grace, in Ghana, we have successfully duty is to ensure that the nation goes to the 2020 elections conducted several elections in the Fourth Republic, and, as a III. Media and Sensationalism, Fake news and and comes out of it in peace and tranquility. country, we should learn from the mistakes and successes of Politics of Insult: We cannot but call upon our media d) The Political Parties should ensure the peaceful comportment of their members and supporters, stop the past in order to make the impending ones in December this practitioners to uphold the highest journalistic standards, vigilantism, the politics of insults, vote buying and year even more successful. All Ghanaians, especially ethics and values in their reportage of the electoral selling, and support their candidates, both women and politicians and all political actors, need to be reminded that processes and activities. Journalism is also an men, to win parliamentary seats. politics, according to the wisdom of the sages and the saints of indispensable component of the noble vocation of politics. e) The Faith Based Organizations and the Clergy all times (see Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Pope Francis,) Of late, however, the increasing use of virtual space and should desist from openly taking part in partisan politics, is a noble activity. In fact, it is the noblest vocation of man, from preaching predictions of election results, and from electronic medium of communication has also heightened because it is, like religion, devoted to service of the common pronouncing prophecies of electoral results, the death of the threat of widespread use of fake news, insulting good of all humanity (see Gaudium et Spes, 76). Politics public personalities, etc. should thus promote the integral development of all citizens language as well as dirty propaganda in election campaigns f) Civil Society Organizations should intensify as one human family. and in political discourse. This must stop. It is not civilized. voter and civic education, help monitor the election processes and conduct, call attention to errant behaviours In our historical and democratic development, IV. The Politics of Ethnicity: Ghana, our dear and whatever would undermine the noble values of therefore, this is an opportune moment to celebrate our country, is our only heritage. We should avoid the negative peace, tranquility and political development of the and highly divisive politics of ethnocentrism, mud-slinging success as an emerging democracy, and also to reflect on how nation. and attacks on ethnic groups and personalities… Let best to confront the inevitable socio-cultural and economic g) Finally, we appeal to all our fellow citizens to challenges that could pose threat to peaceful and credible politics focus on issues that serve the greater good, that will uphold the highest and noblest of ethics and good elections in December and to our democracy in general. bring unity and peace, development and dignity to all our fellow citizens and even the “stranger” living in our midst conduct, and, of course, to observe religiously all the As a nation, let us do everything in our power to (see Lv. 19:33-34). COVID-19 hygienic protocols. Please, let us all stay safe maintain the enviable reputation we have so far established as to serve God and Country. one of Africa's leading countries whose democratic V. Disrespect for authority and for the Elderly: We of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference have development is a shining path/beacon for others to follow. consistently denounced the politics of insults, abuse and CONCLUSION For more than a quarter of a century, Ghana has become an disrespect in our body politic. This practice is not only un- island of peace and stability in a sub-region threatened by We Ghanaians pride ourselves on being a peaceful Ghanaian and uncultured, it also inhibits the free flow of terrorism, insurgence and armed conflict, and socio-political and peace-loving people. We appreciate all efforts that diverse perspectives, rich ideas and opinions that are instability. bring us happiness, peace and joy, even if in the process critically needed for nation-building and solving the we have to suffer a little or make some sacrifice. It goes complex socio-political problems facing our society today. without saying that we cannot achieve perfection in one We should, however, not be complacent at all. The past Civility is nobility in politics! We, therefore, call on all day. We must admit our limitations, fully aware that what experiences of seven relatively peaceful and credible political actors and communicators to remain civil when matters is that we do not lose hope or give up our struggle presidential and parliamentary elections were the result of canvassing for their respective political parties and to consolidate our political gains and improve upon our very hard work and commitment to the noble values of personalities. democratic credentials. politics and democracy. Of late, unfortunately, there are Closely related to this culture of insults and disrespect Surely, a measure of excitement and partisanship is worrying sources of tension that require the entire nation to be towards authority is a growing phenomenon of disregard inevitable and permissible during the course of election on our guard and to grapple with lest we suffer unhappy and disrespect for the elderly in our society. The Ghanaian campaign. We, however, happily join our voices to the consequences. culture, wisely built on courtesies for the elderly, deferring exhortation of St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians and to them appropriately, loving and offering them assistance, also say: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever LIVING IN SAFETY, PEACE AND UNITY exercising patience with them and concern for their well- is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, Every election year comes with its own challenges to being, most especially when they are frail and infirm of whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any our nation, and in this particular election year, the COVID-19 mind, is still our time-tested and virtuous foundation. excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, pandemic has added a special one to our usual election year It is in this regard that we were very saddened and we think about these things. Keep on doing what you have concerns. hereby register and express our absolute disgust at the learned and received and heard and seen… Then the We now have to face the difficulty also of protecting unthinkable ordeal meted out to the 90-year old woman, God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9). ourselves from this corona virus, the economic downturn in Madam Akua Denteh in the Kafaba community, leading to the livelihoods of our fellow citizens triggered by this her painful death in full view of on-lookers. This gruesome In conclusion, our prayer is that “…the Lord of pandemic, and, at the same time, we all have the grave act and similar ones must never more be tolerated in our peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. responsibility of ensuring free, fair and transparent, as well as society and country; it must be met with very severe The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thess. 3:16). We wish violence-free elections before and after. punitive measures according to the law, so as to serve as all our fellow citizens a free, fair, peaceful, transparent deterrent for individuals and communities who may still To achieve this, we, hereby, appeal to you our fellow and COVID-19 free 2020 elections. Ghanaians to put an end to all practices that work against harbour such inhuman ideas. peace, and embrace the noble values of politics for the common and greater good of all. We appeal, especially, to SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY fellow Ghanaians to strive against the following: Dearly beloved fellow citizens, now, ensuring free, I. Monetization of Electoral Politics: Namely, the buying and selling of votes. This corrupts the nobility of fair, peaceful and transparent elections, even in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a collective responsibility of MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2020 14 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Electronic Edition Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Regional breakdown of Registration Exercise By the Electoral Commission After 36 days Mass Registration plus 2 days Mop Up Sunday, August 16 – Saturday, August 22, 2020 Electronic Edition THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 15 20th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Reflection on Readings: Is 56:1, 6-7. Rom. 11:13-15. Mt 15:21-28 God's Word By Rev. Fr. Samuel Christopher Vodzogbe worship in the Temple. particular charism they are gifted At the time of this narrow with. As such, they feel entitled to God criteria to access to God and God's favour more than the others. in the Temple, God The Gospel however teaches us that to already, through the merit God's favour, one must measure prophet Isaiah, made up to the threshold set by the Canaanite woman who stood toe to toe in her here is that tendency in known to the People that the whole dialogue with Jesus even as they both people since the days of old world, and by extension, every spoke in parables. We must, like this to appropriate God to person belongs to Him and He cares woman, have faith in God through T for all. themselves. People use various Jesus and persevere in our quest to be criteria for this appropriation. Even though the Temple at the answered. Israel of biblical times once had the time of Jesus admitted non-Jews, As Jesus demonstrated in the notion of God being their 'National' often referred to as Gentiles, they Fr. Vodzogbe Gospel, God is open to embrace all God, hence their reference to God as were restricted to the outer section those who seek Him with a sincere the God of Israel or the God of their called the Court of the Gentiles. with Him, Paul, known as the Apostle heart and approach Him with fathers and they were the chosen This mind of God made known to the Gentiles, toiled so much to reverence. God is close to all who seek People of God. through Isaiah is given concrete bring the good news of Jesus Christ to to love Him and love their neighbour. The criterion for membership of manifestation in the Gospel reading the wider world, to enable them enjoy A demonstration of love of God is this People of God is the Covenant at in which Jesus ministered to the the mercy of God just like the seeking to do only what pleases and M o u n t S i n a i w h e r e t h e Te n non-Jewish woman who requested descendants of Abraham. avoiding anything that offends Him. Commandments were given. And to Jesus' intervention in respect to the Unfortunately, some Christians The same applies to love of neighbour. be a member of this covenantal ill health of her daughter. today still fall into the mind-set of the This has been the teaching of Jesus and c o m m u n i t y , o n e h a s t o b e a Later, Jesus opened the doors people of old that has been echoed by the Apostles. descendant of Abraham through to formal membership of the People discounted by God and given a And so long as there are others Jacob. Thus, other nations that of God by way of faith in the Gospel concrete demonstration by Jesus. who do not belong to our religious emerged from Abraham outside Isaac when He sent out the Apostles to Some people feel they are special tradition but live these tenets, they and Jacob were not considered preach the Gospel to all nations and because they are Christians. Even also, like the woman in the Gospel, members of the People of God. baptise all who believe. within Christianity, some feel more will have access to God's grace when This criterion of membership In line with God's design that righteous with God because of their they approach God with their requests. eventually translated into entry and all come into formal relationship particular denomination or the

Justice, Peace Members Attend Governance Workshop

embers of the participant, Albert Aauune J u s t i c e a n d and a former Assemblyman MP e a c e for the Tangpuor Electoral Committees (JPCs) in the Area in the Lawra Municipal Tamale Archdiocese and Assembly, described the t h e W a , N a v r o n g o - workshop as “marvelous”, Bolgatanga, Damongo and adding “It would greatly Yendi Dioceses from July benefit my people”. 29-August 9 attended a The workshop was w o r k s h o p o n l o c a l funded by Konrad Adenauer governance at the Centre Stiftung as part of a Local for Pastoral Formation, G o v e r n a n c e p r o j e c t Tamale. launched in 2016. It is being The workshop was to implemented by the GJPD in create civic awareness, several Dioceses in Ghana to through the organisation of sensitise the citizenry to Town Hall Meetings to p a r t i c i p a t e i n l o c a l enable the electorates engage governance. p a r t y p a r l i a m e n t a r y *Participants from the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese. From Francis Monnie, c a n d i d a t e s i n t h e i r CAMP-G constituencies. Participants were taken t h r o u g h t h e 1 9 9 2 Meetings, among other (GJPD) at the National Catholic Advertise in the Electronic Edition of C o n s t i t u t i o n , t h e topics. S e c r e t a r i a t , A c c r a t o l d The Catholic Standard Legislature, the role of the In a closing remark, the participants not to use it as a G h a n a i a n M e m b e r o f Rev. Fr. Clement Adjei, the p l a t f o r m f o r p a r t i s a n for better results P a r l i a m e n t , L o c a l Resource Person and also the comments. G o v e r n a n c e a n d t h e Director of the Governance, In an interview with The Call: 0302 424725 or organisation of Town Hall Justice and Peace Directorate C a t h o l i c S t a n d a r d , a Email: [email protected] Electronic Edition Statistical Service Postpones Population Census to 2021

he Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has disclosed that the SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020 – SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020 TNational Population and Housing Census (PHC) will be conducted next year. The GSS explained that the Cardinal Turkson coronavirus pandemic and destabilisation of Ghana's population by the upcoming general elections and related activities necessitated the postponement. Promotes Rural The 2020 Population and Housing Census (PHC) was fixed for March 15, 2020, but was rescheduled twice to May Tourism, Amid 15 and then to June 28, this year. The GSS explained that the June 28 date was to allow for the service to conduct a mapping process and build COVID-19 quality data for the main census exercise. Following the upsurge in the eter Cardinal Appiah “ T h e s u s p e n s i o n o f COVID-19 cases in the country, the GSS Turkson has mooted international flights, the closure decided that the exercise would be done at Pr u r a l t o u r i s m t o of airports and borders, the a later date within the year. encourage travellers explore adoption of severe travel This is not the first time Ghana has “hidden places” as a new restrictions, including domestic postponed the census. normal tourism, amid the o n e s , a r e c a u s i n g a n In post-independence Ghana, five coronavirus pandemic. unprecedented crisis…those population censuses have been conducted — 1960, 1970, 1984, 2000 and 2010. According to the Prefect of most hidden are places to d i s c o v e r o r r e d i s c o v e r, Over 51,000 enumerators had been the Vatican Dicastery for Cardinal Turkson trained for the exercise. Promoting Integral Human precisely because they are more Development, travelling in a enchanting and unspoiled,” he “conscious and sober way” can explained. also help people to “grasp the Cardinal Turkson noted the Kindly help us continue to provide you with the electronic version of differences, small or large, grave impact the coronavirus The Catholic Standard. Since the last week of March this year, we have among the traditions, places and pandemic has and will have on not been able to sell hard copies of the Paper due to COVID-19. communities encountered.” the tourism industry and on We need your kind and generous donation. You can please send your “So why not turn to tourism those whose livelihoods depend on it. donation to: MoMo number 0553921791 t h a t e n h a n c e s r u r a l a n d in the name of Standard Newspapers and Magazines marginal areas by meeting them He cited “fears that in the or follow the information below to send us your support. while walking?” Cardinal Peter worst-case scenario, at the end Turkson asked in an August 7 of 2020 there will be a decrease message for the 2020 “World o f a b o u t o n e b i l l i o n Day of Tourism” on September international tourists, with a 27. global economic loss of about “This will allow us to slow 1.2 billion dollars,” saying “The down and avoid the risks of result would be a huge loss of frenzy… “It begins with the jobs in the entire tourism invitation to take seriously and sector”. put into practice sustainable As the global economy development which, in the field braces to lose billions in of tourism, means a greater international tourism in 2020 interest in extra-urban tourist due to coronavirus travel destinations, small villages, restrictions, “Tourism and hamlets, roads and little-known Rural Development”, the theme and less frequented places,” the of the “World Day of Tourism”, Cardinal said could indicate a way forward This would in turn also for the industry once the on- help the rural economy, on going COVID-19 pandemic which many farmers, families, ends. and small businesses depend, he The United Nation's 41st argued. World Tourism Day will be September 27. CNA

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