VOL. 80 NO. 34 GHANA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 PRICE GH¢2.00 FAMILIES MUST BE SOURCE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

ope Francis has called on families to become a source of Pencouragement to others and bear witness to the sacrificial love of Jesus, “that alone can save our world – POPE from its bondage to sin, selfishness, greed, and indifference to the less Sunday, August 26. fortunate.” The Pope insisted on the He made the call in his homily at Continued on page 3 the Phoenix Park in Dublin, Ireland at the Pope Francis conclusion of the World Meeting of Families on Do Away With Divisiveness Spend September in – Fr. Kornu Prayer and Penitence Archbishop Palmer-Buckle directs faithful of Accra Fr. Kornu Read story on pg 3 By Angela Ofosu Boateng ev. Fr. Godwin Kornu, MCCJ, Priest in-charge of the Our Lady of RAssumption (OLA) Catholic Church, IN Don’t Be New Achimota in the Accra Archdiocese, has Navrongo Gets called on Catholics to desist from acts that THIS Intimidated By Your bring division among the faithful. New Chief He made the call when he presided over a Background Eucharistic celebration to climax the 35th ISSUE See pg 16 See pg 12 Continued on page 3 2 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018

TH CATHOLIC 80 The Holy Family Is A Bright Light Anniversary 2018 World News 1938 In Dark Times - Cardinal

ardinal Oswald together with Pope Francis to family of families,” Cardinal G r a c i a s o f strengthen the Church, to Gracias said the mission at the end of the global meeting CBombay, India has make the Church what Jesus is to return home “with a u r g e d t h e C h u rc h t o intended it to be: a replica of imitate the Holy Family, passion to strengthen the the Holy Family of Nazareth. Church and to deepen its which shines through the As the family is to be fruitful, darkness. apostolate.” so the Church is called to be He said, “In the midst of “If the mission of the fruitful, evangelising new Church is to become a the great assaults on family members,” he urged. family,” he continued, values, and on the institution Recalling Pope Francis’ “conversely, the mission of of the family itself, the Holy words in Amoris Laetitia, the family is to become more Family stands out like a which called the Church “a and more the Church.” bright, dazzling light.” Cardinal Gracias CNA/EWTN The Cardinal made this statement in a homily at the important announcement of “To both we belong,” salvation history, and in fact, just ended World Meeting of he emphasised. “We work of all history.” F a m i l i e s g a t h e r i n g i n hard for the growth and Rome, Venue of 2021 H e e x p l a i n e d t h a t development of each. Both Dublin, Ireland. “Mary’s ‘yes’ was the Celebrating the Feast of are intimately connected. In World Meeting beginning of the family of recent times, the Church has the Queenship of Mary, Nazareth,” and invited indeed had many challenges, Cardinal Gracias said it was Catholics to reflect on the of Families but the Church is you and I,” fitting that the Gospel during two families they belong to: the Mass told the story of the their own family in the home, he stated. “We are the ardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Vatican Annunciation, because that and the spiritual family of the Church.” Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, has announcement was “the most Church. “We need to stand Cannounced that the next World Meeting of Families would take place in Rome in 2021. Respectful of tradition, the announcement came at the Pope Renews Apology: Asks Forgiveness end of the closing Mass. The name of the venue for the next For Abuses In Ireland World Day of Families is a closely-guarded secret, known only by a handful of people, including the Pope, who has to n an unprecedented called “abuses approve the decision, and the Prefect of the Vatican gesture during the o f p o w e r , Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, which has the Iclosing Mass for the conscience and World Meeting of Families sexual abuse, responsibility of organising the event. in Dublin's Phoenix Park, perpetrated by The year 2021 will also mark the fifth anniversary of Pope Francis has asked members with the publication of Pope Francis’ post-Synodal Exhortation pardon for a litany of abuses r o l e s o f on the joy of love, Amoris Laetitia, which provided much of committed by some clergy responsibility of the Church against men, in the Church”. the basis for reflection both before and during the present women, and children in H e a s k e d World Meeting of Families, aside from being the inspiration Ireland. f o r g i v e n e s s for its theme: “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World”. The Pope's gesture was specifically for It was the Prefect of that Dicastery, Cardinal Kevin unexpected and it came at the “those cases of Farrell, who made the announcement on August 26 in start of the Penitential Rite, exploitation the moment during Mass t h r o u g h Dublin’s Phoenix Park, where Pope Francis finished when the celebrant and manual work Pope Francis celebrating the closing Mass of the Ninth World Meeting, faithful acknowledge their that so many together with families who had come from all over Ireland sins, repent and pray for “Mother and Baby” homes for w o m e n a n d m e n w e r e and the rest of the world. mercy and forgiveness. subjected to”, on the part of unwed mothers and their children put up for adoption In his closing remarks, Cardinal Farrell noted that “various types of institutions Speaking in Spanish, Pope without the mother's consent. r u n b y m a l e o r f e m a l e thousands of families came “in order to share the joy of the Francis began by referencing Some women were told it his meeting with eight abuse Religious and by other would be a “mortal sin” if they Gospel. They came in a spirit of ecclesial communion and survivors in Ireland and, on members of the Church”. tried to reunite with their friendship”. The Cardinal spoke of how the experience of the basis of what they told Similarly, the Pope asked children. This is not a mortal participating in the World Meeting of Families will be a him, said he wanted to “place f o r g i v e n e s s “ f o r s o m e sin”, the Pope insisted. source of inspiration to families and their children, who will before the mercy of the Lord members of the Church's E a c h r e q u e s t f o r t h e s e c r i m e s , a n d a s k hierarchy who did not take forgiveness was met by be “even more aware of the meaning of their nuptial and forgiveness for them”. charge of these painful applause from the 300,000 family vocation within the Church as they return to their situations and kept quiet”. strong congregation standing Pope Francis began by respective communities and Parishes”. The Pope's final prayer in the rain in Dublin's Phoenix asking pardon for what he Vaticannews.va. referred to the so-called Park.vaticannews.va Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 3

TH ost Rev. Charles Gabriel 80 P a l m e r - B u c k l e , Spend Anniversary 2018 Apostolic Administrator 1938 ‘Families Must M of Accra, has directed the faithful in the Archdiocese to spend the month September of September in prayer and Be Source Of penance for forgiveness, healing in Prayer and especially change among the Priests and Religious in the Church. Encouragement’ He also asked Priests in the and Penitence Archdiocese to organise a 72-hour Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament the Pope issued a letter to the people of Continued from front page is called to 'go forth” to bring the words of from September 13 to 15, 2018 and God aplogising for the crimes. eternal life to all the peripheries of our tasked the Liturgical Commission to Archbishop Palmer-Buckle need for encouragement in the modern world.” come up with modalities and entreated the Priests and faithful to world, and said that “one of the fruits” of He concluded with a stirring guidelines for the triduum. access the Holy Father's Letter to the the World Meeting of Families would be challenge for the whole Church, “parents The Archbishop gave the people of God issued on August 20, for participants to return to their homes and grandparents, children and young directives when he ordained 18 meditate on it and practise what it “and become a source of encouragement people, men and women, Religious Deacons to the Priesthood at the Holy contains. to others”. Spirit Cathedral in Accra as part of the He thanked the new Priests for Brothers and Sisters, contemplatives and th Taking his lead from Sunday's 125 Anniversary celebrations of the opening their hearts and souls to missionaries, Deacons and Priests” to Gospel reading, Pope Francis said Jesus' Catholic mission in Accra. Of the 18 receive God's call to work in His “Share the Gospel of the family as joy for words, “with the promise of the gift of Priests, ten are Diocesan, seven from Vineyard and their parents for the world!” the Holy Spirit, are teeming with life for the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) releasing their children for the service The Meeting held from August 21- us who accept them in faith.” and one from the Congregation of the of the Church and humanity. 26, 2018, in Dublin, Ireland, was attended It is a promise “of a new Holy Spirit (SPIRITANS). Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Pentecost, a domestic Pentecost, a fresh by thousands of families and individuals This was in response to Pope also commended their Formators for Francis' call for the Church to take up their hard work and sacrifices in outpouring of the Spirit, the Paraclete, from all over Ireland and the world. Held intense prayer and penitence for the nurturing their vocations to fruition. whom Jesus sends as our Advocate, our every three years, this major international event brought together families from across reparation of the horrible sins and He urged the new Priests to Consoler, and indeed, our Encourager,” crimes committed by some Priests acknowledge that they are not chosen he added. the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the and Religious by sexually abusing because they were the holiest, the best B u t th e H o ly F ath er als o children and vulnerable adults. or most intelligent but to become family as the cornerstone of our lives, of acknowledged that “the task of bearing According to the Holy Father, if one Sacrament of Christ to the world. witness to this Good News is not easy. society and of the Church. member suffers, all suffer together The Archbishop of Cape Coast Recalling great Irish missionaries like St. The five-day Meeting was on the with it. advised them to be holy Priests and Columbanus, Pope Francis said, “Their theme: The Gospel of the Family: Joy for It will be recalled that after the mirror Christ through their words, extraordinary missionary success was the World, was an interactive multimedia Pennsylvania Attorney General's deeds and comportment, urging them not based on tactical methods or strategic platform of catechetical resources, largely Department published a report to always pray for the intercession of plans, but on a humble and liberating drawn from the Apostolic Exhortation, detailing seven decades of sexual Mother Mary in their Priestly journey. docility to the promptings of the Holy Amoris Laetitia ('The Joy of Love'), abuse from six Diocese of the eastern part of the United States of America, Continued on page 4 Spirit.” published by Pope The Pope said that “through the Francis in March S a c r a m e n t s o f B a p t i s m a n d 2016, following the Confirmation, each Christian is sent S y n o d s o n t h e forth to be a missionary, 'a missionary family held in 2014 disciple'.” In fact, “the Church as a whole a n d 2 0 1 5 . Vaticannews.va ‘Do Away With Divisiveness’

Continued from front page that instead of rejoicing over others shortcomings, “we *Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, Frs. Angmor and Osei Yeboah A n n i v e r s a r y o f t h e should be bold to point out with the new Priests (with bouquets). establishment of the OLA t h people's weaknesses to them C h u r c h a n d t h e 1 0 and help them overcome such Anniversary of its elevation to challenges”. faithful, saying that it was their families. Church derived its name. the status of a Parish. Recounting the history through this that “we could grow The Priest in-charge On August 15, 2008 Fr. Kornu bemoaned the of the Church which was to become the family of God”. urged the present generation to during the Church's 25 t h situation where some faithful started in 1983 by a few Fr. Kornu reminded the emulate the zealousness of the Anniversary, Most Rev. come to Church not to pray and families that came together faithful that the Church is not the founders of the Church, take up Charles Gabriel Palmer- listen to the word of God but to for prayers, Fr. Kornu structure in which we worship but the mantle and contribute their Buckle and Most Rev. Leon spread falsehood and gossip stressed the need to form each individual who makes up the bit to the growth of the Church Bedikabele Kalenga, former about others. Small Christian Communities Church. and the spread of Good news. Archbishop of Accra and H e s a i d i t w a s (SCC) which would bring the He lauded the founding unfortunate that instead of The OLA Church was Apostolic Nuncio respectively, faithful in a particular locality members of the Church for concentrating on the Holy started by a few families who jointly consecrated the new together for prayers and maintaining the words of the Lord Eucharist, some faithful focus had resettled in New Achimota Church building for the OLA Masses. “Man does not live on bread alone more on the liturgical errors and its environs. The first Mass community after which He said these small but on every word that comes and lapses made by Priests, was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Archbishop Palmer-Buckle communities would help from the mouth of the Lord”, Joseph Tetteh Addy on August elevated it to a Parish status saying that such acts directly or especially in that year of famine bring Parishioners closer to 1 5 , 1 9 8 3 , t h e F e a s t o f with the installation of Rev. Fr. indirectly retard the growth of when parents were preoccupied each other and develop a Assumption of the Blessed Eugenio Petrogalli as the first the Church. with the thought of subsistence of He however advised sense of unity among the Virgin Mary from which the Parish Priest. 4 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 LETTER Parishes must EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR support youth to Dear Editor, participate in he fourth edition of the Find a more suitable Ghana Version of the upcoming WYD TWorld Youth Day (WYD) has ended. About 3,000 youth from all the Dioceses in Ghana catechesis and formation programmes location for the attended. The number was not as well as have encounter with the encouraging since Parishes and Dioceses could have sponsored Holy Father. National Cathedral more youth to meet others and I am personally saddened that also share experiences. the number of youth from Ghana to Since the next Ghana version the International World Youth Day is he Catholic Standard supports the many calls to the will be hosted by the Kumasi lower as compared to other countries. Government and the Committee working on the Province in three years, it is my hope that Parishes would budget for the As Pope Francis mentioned in Tconstruction of a National Cathedral to take a youth to actively participate. his 2018 WYD message, it is time adults in the Catholic Church boost second look at its plan to pull down some buildings between The International version is the confidence of the youth by Ridge circle and the State House/Parliament House to make coming on in Panama, Central America, from January 22 to 27, engaging them with important room for the citing of a National Cathedral. 2019. Efforts should be made by responsibilities. This Paper wholeheartedly supports the construction of a Parishes to sponsor at least one The current generation of youth young person to participate in the National Cathedral; in fact this has been long overdue. need the necessary help and support event. through formation programmes to We commend President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo- The international WYD event overcome obstacles hindering their Addo for this brilliant idea. started in 1985 by Pope St. John Paul spiritual and economic development. Our first concern for pleading with the stakeholders to find II, brings together young people Mawuena Kojo Tsiadza New Achimota from all over the world to undertake an alternative place for the construction of the Accra Cathedral is that it will cost the Ghana a lot of money to pull down such expensive structures on the proposed site, it will also cause a lot of inconvenience to people Spend September in who are already occupying those buildings, offices or residential accommodation. Some of the building there Prayer and Penitence are not only new but very expensive that it is not expedient to destroy them at this stage for this purpose. Secondly, we feel that having the Cathedral built in the heart Continued from page 3 Raguel Quansah, Richard Gilbert Arhin, Isaac Kojo Adofo, Francis Nyalemegbe, of the city will result in the increase of heavy traffic He said “holiness is not just our Cyril Kalewe, Francis Maslow Gave and when major events are being held. The traffic situation calling, nor it is just our mission; in fact, Mark Mandela Anyigbah. it is our very nature, for God, who in the city is so unbearable that having such a huge The rest are: Rev. Frs. Philip H i m s e l f i s h o l y, d e s i r e s t h e edifice at that location will make matters worse. sanctification of every one of his sons Tekpertey Abaya, SVD, Theodore Atsu We would like to caution against the use of foul language and and daughters”. Afanyedey, SVD, Stephen Appiah, SVD, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Samuel Aboo, SVD, Gideon Awudi, the whipping up of religious sentiments for or against urged the faithful to pray for the young Priests to grow in holiness and mature to SVD, Stephen Osei Asante, SVD, one or the other religious group regarding this matter. the full stature of Christ. Stephen Nyantey, SVD, and Eugene Sound arguments could be made by any person without Rev. Fr. Anyigbah on behalf of Yayra Kwabla Awayevu C.S.S.p. his colleagues thanked God for the gift T h e o r d i n a t i o n M a s s w a s insults or intemperate language. of the Priesthood. He also expressed concelebrated by about two hundred The Catholic Standard is of the conviction that the gratitude to Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, F o r m a t o r s , t h e i r f a m i l i e s a n d Priests including Very Rev. Fr. George Government and the various stakeholders will find a benefactors for their support during Angmor, Provincial Superior of the more suitable place for the building of the Cathedral. As their formation. He also asked for their Divine Word Missionaries and Very Rev. continuous prayers and support. Fr. Daniel Osei Yeboah, Superior of the the saying goes: The voice of the people is the voice of The new Priests include: Rev. Congregation of the Holy Spirit God. Frs. Prince Adjei Marfo, Jacob Christos (SPIRITANS). Also present was a large Nyarko, Derrick Dowuona-Hammond, number of the faithful. Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 5 letter from Pope Francis The Pope said that, in on Amoris laetitia has ‘Amoris Laetitia’ must be read treating “ethical situations,” the Abeen published in which Exhortation “follows the classical the Pope says the 2016 Apostolic doctrine of St. Thomas Aquinas,” Exhortation is “always in ‘always in continuity’ the thirteenth century Theologian continuity” with the traditional whose work is commended teaching of the Church, and must specifically by the Church for the be read and understood “in its with Church teaching, Pope says f o r m a t i o n o f P r i e s t s a n d entirety and from the beginning.” theologians. Pope Francis wrote to British authorising Catholics living in considered a handbook for Fr. Petri told CNA that the Author, Stephen Walford in August irregular unions to receive handling particular cases. Pope Pope’s invocation of Aquinas made 2017. Mr. Walford released the text C o m m u n i o n , e v e n w i t h o u t Francis also wrote that attempts to sense. ahead of the launch of his abstaining from sexual relations. lift particular sections out of their “Regarding the Pope’s forthcoming book on the Apostolic Those arguing for a change in c o n t e x t l e f t t h e m o p e n t o description of the Exhortation as Exhortation, and confirmed that the Church teaching or discipline on the misreading. within the classical tradition of Pope’s letter would be included as issue of remarriage by Catholics “It cannot be considered a Thomistic thought – if the the book’s preface. The letter was following divorce saw some of the vademecum [manual] on different document is read properly and published by Crux, a Catholic news language of chapter 8 as an opening issues. If the Exhortation is not read according to the Pope’s own site. to the possibility that couples could in its entirety and in the order it is instruction then yes it is,” Fr. Petri Writing to Walford, Pope receive the Sacraments, even while written, it will either not be said. Francis stressed that “Amoris continuing to live together as understood or it will be distorted,” “Chapter 8 itself at one point Laetitia is a unified whole which husband and wife. the Pope wrote. references the Summa and Many Theologians argued out means that, in order to understand Fr. Petri told CNA that this Aquinas’ observation that the more that such an interpretation would its message, it must be read in its Pope Francis was an important point in the detailed and complicated a contravent the unbroken tradition of entirety and from the beginning. Pope’s letter. “I appreciate the Holy situation is, the less general norms T h i s i s b e c a u s e t h e r e i s a the Church’s teaching on the the Exhortation, especially chapter Father’s point that the document and teaching can seem to be development both of theological indissolubility of marriage, and that 8 on “accompanying, discerning has to be read as a whole, and applicable, and this is true. reflection and of the way in which the debated sections of the and integrating weakness.” particularly his insistence that it be “Of course, it is important to problems are approached.” Exhortation had to be read and read in order and in its entirety for Dr. Jacob Wood, Assistant understand that, for Aquinas and CNA spoke to Theologians understood within the wider context its meaning to be understood,” he Professor of Theology at Franciscan for the Church, this applies to about the Pope’s letter, and his of the Church’s teachings. said. University in Steubenville, Ohio, human law and even natural law, to instructions for interpreting Amoris At the time, several Bishops’ “I think part of the reason said that the Pope’s letter “tells us a a degree, but certainly not to the laetitia correctly. Conferences, including the Pope’s Amoris laetitia has been considered lot about how he wants the Church native Argentina, issued pastoral words of the Lord in the Gospel – Rev. Fr. Thomas Petri, a ‘controversial’ by some people is that is a completely different Moral Theologian and the Vice to understand his teaching in Guides for implementing the precisely because there have been Amoris Laetitia.” Exhortation’s teaching which matter.” President and Academic Dean, misguided attempts to read chapter The Pope’s letter quoted St. At the time of its publication appeared to read Amoris as a P o n t i f i c a l F a c u l t y o f t h e 8, or even specific lines of chapter Vincent of Lerins, a fifth century in 2016, and for some months d e p a r t u r e f r o m p r e v i o u s Immaculate Conception at the 8, in isolation and outside of the Monk, on the development of afterwards, Amoris laetitia was the sacramental discipline. Dominican House of Studies in essential context of the preceding Church teaching, citing him in focus of strong debate among The Pope’s letter emphasised Washington, D.C., said that the chapters. The necessary context of L a t i n : “ u t a n n i s s c i l i c e t Theologians and even Bishops, Amoris’ continuity with past letter could serve as a correction to the wider document clearly does consolidetur, dilatetur tempore, with some arguing that certain teaching, saying there was “no previous “misguided” readings of situate Amoris within the Church’s sublimetur aetate.” CNA p a s s a g e s c o u l d b e r e a d a s rupture,” and that it should not be traditional teachings.”

The Pilgrims ARE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS STILL SPIRITUALLY BINDING?

myself empathising with Old Moses, trying the message of the day. It appears at first Notes to imagine how it would have felt to be the glance to be at variance with the two leader of such an incorrigible pack of preceding Readings but in fact is an exercise By Kasise Ricky Peprah ingrates. The Red Sea had parted before in elucidation. In it, Jesus lays bare our them and manna and quail had rained for hypocrisy and highlights what can be termed Dear St. Jude, them, yet here they were frolicking with ‘the spirit’ of the law. We find Pharisees smaller deities and heathen casts, purporting to uphold the law when in fact not s a young boy, I was permanently prostrating themselves before meaningless i n d r e a d o f t h e T e n being mindful of the real intent of the idols and it fell upon him to be the one to Commandments, constantly legislation or practice. Here one is presented A face God, man to God and bear the full judging my actions against the ones I wrath of His justifiable anger. Poor Moses! with a literalist approach to the law being could remember and every so often St. Jude, one eminent immutable of roundly condemned by Jesus Christ who then coming up short. To me, they were my humanity is our aversion for laws and proceeds to make that pre-eminent statement first encounter with rules and regulations, regulations, even the outright beneficial. It The Columnist ‘nothing that goes into someone from save the many household regulations that appears that we are hell bent (pun intended) prevailed and I believe they are the outside can make that person unclean; it is to defy every order, law, rule, regulation or or amend the law and places emphasis on the bedrock of what I now consider my the things that come out of someone that utility of obedience stating that ‘keep them, conscience. Though only ten, they fan out commandment for the simple reason that it makes that person unclean’. How telling put them into practice, and other peoples t o e n c a p s u l a t e a l l m a n n e r o f prescribes or proscribes an action. It is this for the many of us who concern ourselves unfailing zeal to rack up transgressions that will admire your wisdom and prudence’. transgressions, in fact, liberally with only outward show of piety, despising has time and again found us afoul of God’s The Second Reading is a continuation i n t e r p r e t e d , t h e y c o v e r e v e r y one another for matters of little import while simple dictates and landed us countless of the message, reiterating that ‘all that is transgression that the human is capable steeped in grave corruptions of our hearts and of. times in deficit of God’s grace. The good, all that is perfect, is given us from minds. St. Jude, even today, I can mentally question that begs asking is how we can above…..so do away with all impurities St. Jude, all the Ten Commandments visualize Old Moses having that encounter possibly expect to maintain and nurture a and remnants of evil. Humbly welcome concern issues of intent and calculated action with God, Moses on knee and God relationship, the building blocks of which the Word which has been planted in you and it is these we have chosen to discard into bellowing down from an ominous cloud and we show such disregard? Viewed from a and can save your souls’. It ends on a very the bin of the inconvenient and have, in their Moses finally gingerly descending the legal standpoint, how can a contract pragmatic note, giving examples of what place, enamored ourselves with perfunctory mountain, tablet in hand and an expectant survive such constant, calculated and finds favour with God; ‘pure unspoilt displays of pseudo-piety. That is why I ask if crowd of fatigued yet errant Israelites flagrant breaches? the Ten Commandments are still spiritually gawking in curiosity and disbelief. That Today’s First Reading is a very religion, in the eyes of God our Father, is binding. Cease not in your intercession for us image has actually never left my mind, in uncomplicated appeal to us to abide by the this, coming to the help of orphans and so that we will acquaint ourselves with the fact, it has remained permanently resident in laws of God, telling us that they are the only widows in their hardships, and keeping ways of God and daily seek to abide by His my mind and conscience. On more oneself uncontaminated by the world’ way to gaining the Promised Land. It tells Commandments. occasions than I can recollect, I have found us to know our place and not to seek to bend The Gospel today is a curious finale for 6 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018

consisted in teaching about Jesus. The 80TH INCULTURATION method was pedagogical. Jesus was CHRISTIAN MISSION EDUCATION, Anniversary 2018 not known and had to be made known. 1938 OF THE GOOD NEWS Evangelisers taught truths about Jesus. TEACHER PROFESSIONAL Imposition FROM THE AFRICAN But when evangelisation took TRAINING AND the shape in which missionary Congregations and others were NATION BUILDING (5) PERSPECTIVE involved and lands were targeted to preach Christ, the period of imposition By Archbishop Emeritus was ushered in. This is a process by By Rev. Msgr. Prof. Stephen Ntim Peter K. Sarpong which doctrines, religious customs, morals and ways of praying and acting, Fallen Reputation of Teacher he Lord Jesus commanded us were brought from outside, from an Image in Ghana to preach His good news and alien culture and tradition and imposed to bear witness to Him till the or forced upon the new culture. Teachers are indispensable in T every nation. Nevertheless, the ends of the earth. This is the mandate The new religion or gospel is set which we try to fulfil, whether as over the old culture. Christianity must numerous stories on the headlines and laymen or Religious or Priests. We be accepted in the form in which it is on social media in respect of teachers do this by making Christ present in given, whether it be Irish, French or and school heads who are alleged to be our hearts so that we can make Him German Catholicism. The problem culpable of sexual misconduct Msgr. Ntim present in the hearts of others. with imposition is that it sees especially with their students continue T h i s i s w h a t w e c a l l Christianity as a finished product or a to denigrate teachers' reputation, and perpetuated by corruption, evangelisation. Evangelisation can be compared to the good old days when continue to diminish the capacity of looked at from two angles. Preaching some of us were growing up in the mid the Good News to those who have never our institutions of society to govern 1960s. Headmasters have been heard of Christ or have heard of Christ human affairs to promote the common interdicted. If gold rust, what will iron but have not accepted Him is primary g o o d . I n t h e l i g h t o f t h e s e do? So goes the maxim. If teachers evangelisation. But we have situations considerations, it has become who are epitome of character and where people know Christ, have imperative, in our educational process accepted him before but now deserted mentors for the younger ones are to go back to the roots of our moral, H i m . T h e s e n e e d s e c o n d a r y themselves implicated in immorality, evangelisation. For both types of what becomes of the ordinary person? religious, cultural and spiritual values. evangelisation, the principal agent is Whether or not these reports are true, T h e B r i t i s h C o l o n i a l the Holy Spirit. But the Holy Spirit uses the onus is on teachers themselves, Government saw the Religious secondary agents. Secondary agents especially those trained in Mission Bodies as indispensable collaborators can be human – Pope, Bishops, Priests, Colleges to go out there and redeem in the human capital formation in this Brothers, Sisters, Catechists, other lay the fallen image of the teacher. country in the colonial days. What people – or structural – schools, Mission Schools and Nation hospitals, guest houses and others. reason have we not to deepen this Whatever they are, they are involved in Building partnership? Education is too the preaching of the Word which St. Mission Schools professional Archbishop Sarpong important an enterprise to be the Paul says he must do otherwise he is training of the teacher fosters a culture monopoly of government alone. To of respect for ethical, religious and doomed. “Woe to me if I do not preach cultivate in the hearts and minds of our the Good News” (1 Cor. 9:16). package that can be neatly exported moral values. This enables the younger generation a certain ethos, Inculturation from one culture to another. All that younger generation, who are potential the Religious Missions started formal I n c o n n e c t i o n w i t h might be needed was to translate the p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r s , p u b l i c evangelisation, the word ‘inculturation’ writing on the package. administrators, high court judges, etc. e d u c a t i o n , w i t h a f o c u s o n has come into currency. The emphasis Translation who come into contact with such professional training of the teacher- placed on inculturation stems from two Hence, translation, rendering teachers to be formed and moulded catechist. We need more than ever facts. First, we have become more and existing texts into vernacular with integrity. In this way Mission before, to entrench this educational more aware that the Church is languages, was introduced in the missionary. This realisation throws a Schools contribute to nation building partnership between Church and State challenge to all of us. Second, we have process of evangelisation. It is a good by nurturing the integrity of future which goes back to colonial times. become equally conscious of the starting point. Obviously, some public officials who do not misuse That is the antidote, in the considered degree of communication between the culturally pluralistic nature of our their power for selfish interest. view of this writer, to the blatant old and the new cultures is necessary. Any nation which fails to world. Peoples differ and, what is corruption which continues to vitiate more, no culture is superior or inferior The danger, however, is that establish a fully moral and ethical and destroy the key ingredients of to others. translation becomes not only the society, whose citizens are not strong There are two schools of thought starting point but the only method, that in moral, religious and spiritual values social capital without which, the on inculturation. One would have is the entire catechism, the prayers and would continue to produce leaders machinery of governance cannot inculturation placed at the service of the liturgy and Bible are simply who do not have any remorse function. evangelisation. Inculturation, for this rendered into the new languages with misusing the public purse. Sixty years (Editor's note: This article was school, is a means to an end. For the no creative adaptation or modification after independence, we have some originally the writer's keynote other it is an end in itself; it is meant to in accord with the local customs or address delivered at the Second transform society and bring about a new success story to tell. At the same time, thought patterns. Translation can also Graduation Ceremony of St. Ambrose creation. In this sense, inculturation we need also to admit humbly the involve symbols. Striking the chest, College of Education, on the 20th of becomes equivalent to evangelisation endemic hyper-corruption in our the Asante sign of defiance, is imposed July, 2018, at Dormaa Akwamu, in the and as we shall soon see, this latter political system as an indication of the as a sign of repentance instead of Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, opinion seems to have legitimacy in the serious moral crisis that we are placing the back of the right hand in the abridged and tailored for newspaper example of the life of Jesus himself. experiencing. Pedagogy palm of the left hand. Walking a one- publication. The original title was: Sixty years after independence, The mandate of Jesus to make way street, the pastoral agent does not Ghana at 60: The Role of the Mission social injustices, abject poverty Him known to the ends of the world was enter deeply into the local situation. Schools in Training Professional among many of our compatriots, lack taken very seriously by the Apostles and To be continued next week Teachers for Nation Building) . their followers. In the beginning, it of credibility of public trust generated Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 7 abuse and overeating to seek thrill and TH 80 Marriage and escape boredom. Boredom can kill Anniversary 2018 Spicing up your marriage. It is therefore important that we 1938 Family Life By Dr. John Boakye kill the boredom in our marriages before it kills our marriages. One simple approach marriage? it to spice up your marriage; add t is beautiful to fall in love. You It is important to appreciate that excitement, interest or performance to have a ‘mystical spark’ during boredom is not about having too much make it healthy. Iwhich the brain releases a cocktail to do or little to do. It is not about How to spice up your marriage of chemicals like dopamine and nor- environment but lack of imagination. Have a positive mental attitude. epinephrine that contribute to a rosy Wherever you find yourself does not Your mind is your greatest weapon. You outlook of life. You find yourself falling count. This means you can be in a win with your mind. Have a positive in love with life and feel a better person beautiful home with many people and mental attitude to win. Nothing good can with yourself, friends, work and the still be bored because you do not see happen in your marriage or relationship if world around you. You have a strong the beauty around you. you do not resolve to win. Acting alone, feeling of personal attachment and In boredom, you feel something you can spice up your marriage. respond emotionally to each other’s or someone else will be more exciting. Feel good about yourself and needs. You feel special and good about Your mind drifts from the present to always focus on the good qualities in you. yourself. You open your heart and you what you think will be more exciting. It is only when you savor positive are ready to share your life. This is You focus on the future instead of expression of yourself that you can show what we see as falling in love. enjoying the moment. You cannot gratitude to your spouse and others. Feel The ‘mystic spark ‘or romantic love Dr. Boakye relax or enjoy yourself and may feel good about good things you do in your is nature’s anesthesia to bond you to your tired even when you are relaxing. Your marriage. Feel good and attractive. lover so that you get attached. After the mind is not present and you feel ‘Happy yourself’. Stay in the present and attachment, ‘mystical spark’ or romantic and the relationship becomes dull. frustrated. enjoy what you do. It is nobody’s business love does go away as early as three What is boredom? Effect of boredom to make you happy. months into marriage and usually lasting Boredom is an emotional state Boredom predisposes you to self- Accept your lover just as he or she not later than eighteen months. Realities resulting from inactivity or disinterest pity and gives you a feeling that is. Let him or her be himself or herself. of life take over. Falling in love is everything around your life is a waste Rethink your focus each day on the good therefore a temporary experience. It does in opportunities surrounding you. of time. The world’s second crime is things your lover has or does, no matter not mean you stop loving you partner. It is Three factors may predispose you to boredom; the first is being bored (Cecil how small they may appear to be. As you just that the ‘in love ‘feeling tends to pass boredom. First is the personal factor Beaten). It kills (Jack Kevorkian). reflect on them, they expand in your mind. away. like illness and mental challenges. Note that some studies suggest about Again, according to Jared Wilson, Have a mission and vision. Helen As you stay together doing the same a scripture expert, boredom is a sin. He 40% of Ghanaians have mental Keller who was blind, deaf and dumb said things, you get used to each other. You writes boredom is a proof that our travel roads you have been down many challenges of some sort. The second is the only thing worse than blindness is to hearts have wondered form Jesus and have sight without a vision. Have a road times before. You do not have new stories interregnal factor like personality therefore not resting in the only one to tell .The fun and excitement may slow differences and lack of mutual interests map and stay focused on your mission who can give us rest’. statement. Regularly evaluate your down. The joy of discovery is gone and and friendship. Third is the external Boredom is like a little fox in your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and what is left can be seen as habit as your factor like lack of finance, dependent garden because it transforms into threats as you progress in your journey. partner becomes very familiar to you. children, social isolation, lack of something bigger like infidelity or With continued exposure to the same choices and friends. other ways like pornography, substance To be continued next week person, the chemical reaction changes

THE CONCEPT AND PURPOSE OF ‘DEVELOPMENT’ (2) Continued from (belongingness, gregariousness, alienation and incompetent without involving the intended last week’s Edition recognition and esteem), citizenship. beneficiaries. This is an error, a c h i e v e m e n t ( u n f e t t e r e d Participation f a l l a c y a n d a t r a g e d y. HUMAN NEEDS p e r s o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t , Any development effort or Development planning should Since it is the human optimisation of individual initiative, if it is to achieve its be based on the needs and person together with his needs talents). These needs are not purpose of promoting humanity, wishes of the people and not the t h a t i s t h e s u b j e c t o f necessarily hierarchical; they are m u s t h a v e i t s i n t e n d e d whims and prejudices of office- d e v e l o p m e n t , w e m u s t really in a continuum throughout b e n e f i c i a r i e s a s a c t i v e b o u n d l o c a l o r f o r e i g n necessarily ring-fence what participants in the process. t e c h n o c r a t s . W h e n t h i s constitutes his “needs” and the life of a person. Practitioners mentality is not done away with, distinguish them from “wants”. of development, whether Participation, as given by the Greater minds have already individuals, governments or Church, is a voluntary and we risk dotting our various rural provided veritable knowledge private organisations, must generous engagement of a person communities with ‘white about human needs in various regard these basic requirements i n s o c i a l i n t e r - c h a n g e . elephants’. Examples of market ways and have put forward a as a composite goal for all their Participation must originate from stalls that stand unused and yet clear distinction between “basic within and not slapped on from buying and selling take place action plans and they must Sir. Banahene need” and “wants”. pursue their plans in such a way outside. Participation, in this e l s e w h e r e i n t h e s a m e More often we refer to respect, is not only related to what community, clinics built and yet t h a t e v e r y p e r s o n i n t h e and recognition of himself as a “need” when in actual fact what is done in physical terms but also people visit the local herbalist, community, irrespective of his or worthy entity and thus, builds in we desire is just a “want”. at the ideational level and general Churches built and yet people go her station in life, does not suffer him a proud sense of his process of decision-making. to the fetish shrine, schools built “Needs” pertain to ontological from unsatisfied primary needs. treasured, dignified humanity It is when they participate in and yet parents do not send their perspectives of a person and so CRITICAL CONCERNS – Participation enables the the decisions of his community children there, borehole sunk they are primary, basic, few and The principal problems c o m m u n i t y t o m a x i m i s e finite, while “wants” are myriad, f a c i n g a u t h e n t i c h u m a n that they can ensure their needs but people still drink directly are met. This idea of participation benefits of the unique gifts that insatiable and have the character development can be narrowed from the river – all these point to is premised on two elements, individuals are endowed with of a mirage. These basic needs down to four areas, namely, the indispensability of local namely; The mentality that “unless absence of participation, people’s participation in what is relate to subsistence (food, – P a r t i c i p a t i o n we do it for them, they cannot do obsession with economically- done in their interest. health, clothing and shelter), psychologically predisposes the it”, invariably leads evelopment defined growth, technological s o c i o - c u l t u r a l e x i s t e n c e participant to an acceptance practitioners to do things To be continued next week 10 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 Donkorkrom Vicariate Celebrates Assumption

he Donkorkrom Vicariate in the a thanksgiving Mass presided over by the Afram Plains marked the Vicar General of the Vicariate, Very Rev. TAssumption of the Blessed Fr. John Duah Prempeh, SVD. Also in Virgin Mary at the Bonkrom Grotto attendance were Priests and Religious under the St. Joseph the Worker Parish from within and outside the Vicariate, the at Maame Krobo. Bonkrom Chief and his elders who were Parishioners from the eight very instrumental in the organisation of Parishes in the Vicariate participated in the the Assumption Day. three-day programme. I n a h o m i l y, F r. P r e m p e h Rev. Fr. Samuel Abo, SVD, in a encouraged the pilgrims to give their best homily at the Opening Mass encouraged to the service of Christ and the Church. the pilgrims to trust in the intercession of There was a fundraising for a Mother Mary. KVIP facility for the Grotto. The Assumption was climaxed with From Matthew Akakpo * Bro. Inalegwu (middle) with the two leaders of the Congregation. Bro. Inalegwu Professes First Vow

ro. John Mark Inalegwu recently professed his first Religious Vows as a member of the BPresentation Brothers in a ceremony at the Novitiate Chapel, St. Joseph Logre in Bolgatanga. It was attended by many Presentation Brothers including their Congregation leader, Bro. Francis Xaviour Agoah. The ceremony was presided over by Rev. Fr. Cletus Anthony Cap. Bro. Inalegwu made the vows before the Province Leader, Bro. Emmanuel Aminenta. He has been posted to the school community and assigned to work with the Sharing Education and Learning for Life (SELL) project, a collaborative ministry between the Presentation Brothers and St. Patrick's Missionaries Society (Kiltegan Fathers) co.wicklow, Ireland. A cross section of the pilgrims at the Grotto. From Rev. Godfrey Kuubagr

St. Mary's Church fetes Senior Parishioners

he St. Mary's Parish at South Suntreso in the TK u m a s i A rc h d i o c e s e recently held a Mass for the elderly Parishioners of the Church. Dubbed Senior Parishioners Day, it is celebrated annually to honour elderly Parishioners. Very Rev. Fr. Peter Osei Amoateng, the Parish Priest, advised young people to take good care of the elderly and learn from their experiences. He also thanked the senior citizens for their contributions towards the growth and development of the Church, their families and society. The senior Parishioners were later feted by the Church. *Some of the senior Parishioners after the Mass. Sunday, September 3 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 11 r. Paul Eduafo Report Enninful has been Accra West Minstalled the new Accra West Regional Grand 'suspicious payments' Knight of the Knights of Marshall with Madam Sarah Region – Special Prosecutor Aklibosu as the Regional Noble Lady. Dr. Henry Awuviri and Sister Installs News Desk Report Barbara Adiza Dickens were also installed as the Deputy Grand New r. Martin Amidu, the K n i g h t a n d N o b l e L a d y Special Prosecutor, has respectively. cautioned Ghanaians and M At a thanksgiving Mass at public office holders against Officers accepting suspicious payments of the Saints Peter and Paul Parish, public funds into their bank New Aplaku, Rev. Fr. Charles and Ladies of Marshall presented an accounts. Ackon urged the new Regional In a recent article, he narrated undisclosed amount to the Saints Grand Knight and Regional Noble how he confronted his bankers to Peter and Paul Catholic Church, New return money deposited into his Lady to rely on God’s grace for the Aplaku. account without his knowledge. The task. At a personal level, Mr. money was from a judgment awarded F r . A c k o n c h a r g e d Enninful also made a donation of four in his favour by the court. Marshallans to support the new Mr. Amidu said: “Many fellow Chasubles, a projector and an citizens are not aware that the banks officers while the Parish Priest, electronic screen to the Church on holding their various accounts on their Very Rev Fr Vincent Owusu, Mr. Amidu behalf of his family. behalf are under a penal statutory invoked God’s blessings on them The items were received by Mr obligation to report to the appropriate for the next two years. agency lodgements and withdrawals Richard Acolatse, the Chairman of into his account or to give the Bank such The Accra West Regional of money exceeding certain thresholds the Parish Pastoral Council standing instructions as will protect the Council and Court of the Knights into and from their accounts.” account holder,” he added. From Sarah Aklibosu According to the Special Prosecutor, the responsibility to ensure He noted that as that one does not fall foul of the part of measures to fight banking laws lies with the owner of the c o r r u p t i o n , t h e bank account who is customer to the responsibility is upon bank and not the bank. citizens to instruct their “The bank is under penal b a n k e r s t o r e t u r n statutory responsibility to report suspicious payments of suspicious transactions to the public funds into their appropriate agency of government and accounts, as it buys one the customer is under a banking time to investigate the responsibility to call the bank’s transaction and to attention as soon as he notices any decide whether it is suspicious transactions or payment genuine for one to accept it or not. Ngleshie Amanfro Church Fetes The Sick, Aged

he St. Peter’s Catholic community as part of the Church at Ngleshie Church’s activities for the year. TA m a n f r o i n t h e Rev. Fr. Francis Xavier Archdiocese of Accra recently Dzakpasu, a son of the Church, Worthy Bro. Paul Enninful addressing the held a Mass for the sick, aged who presided over the Mass, Parishioners, non-Parishioners encouraged the sick and aged to congregation and to his right is Respected Lady Sister Aklibosu. and their families in the have hope in the Lord and prayed that God would continue to protect and guide them. are taken back home after close of A party was thrown for them work. The home takes care of them by Rev. Sr. Bridget Agbenyo, HDR, and feeds them until they are sent assisted by Rev. Sr. Angelina back home. Anyimah, HDR and a team from the She said doctors and nurses St. Vincent de Paul Home for the visit the Home every third aged at Community 5, Tema. Wednesday of each month to treat T h e y f e t e d t h e m a n d the sick and aged of their various presented items to Rev. Fr. diseases. She also said the Home Emmanuel Acheampong, the Priest moves all over Parishes in the in-charge, which was distributed to Archdiocese to donate to the sick them. The sick and aged were also and aged from gifts received from entertained by the St. Michael individuals and benevolent groups. Singing Group in the church. S h e a p p e a l e d t o Sr. Agbenyo said the Home Organisations and the general was founded by the Handmaids of public to assist the Home with a bus the Divine Redeemer (HDR) in 2010 for their outreach programmes to and that it is a home where the sick r e d u c e t h e h i g h c o s t o f and aged are brought in by their transportation. Sr. Agbenyo with some of the sick and aged. relatives for care during the day and From Simon Fedah 12 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018

o s t R e v . J o h n TH Bonaventure Kwofie, 80 Don’t Be Intimidated By Your Background Anniversary 2018 CSSp, Bishop of Sekondi- M 1938 Takoradi, has challenged students not to be intimidated by their Bishop Kwofie Exhorts Students backgrounds in their quest for behaviours that are desirable in the knowledge. them, emphasising that in the During the opening ceremony after society, to study hard and avoid drugs He made the call in a homily at classroom all students are equal. the Mass, Miss Micah who represented and examination malpractices. the opening Mass of the second edition He reminded the Students that the Principal of Holy Child College of This year’s Sekondi-Takoradi of the Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic t h e S u m m e r S c h o o l w a s t o Education as the Guest Speaker Catholic Summer School had 103 Summer School Programme at St. complement the regular School and highlighted the importance for the Students coming from the Deaneries John’s School, Sekondi. a l s o t o p r e p a r e t h e m t o b e students to be part of such programmes of Asankragwa, Tarkwa and Half He asked the students not to focus honourable, intellectually capable during the holidays. Assini. on their past but on what lies ahead of and honest future leaders. She challenged them to exhibit The opening Mass was presided over by Bishop Kwofie with Rev. Msgr. Francis Abuah-Quansah, Very Rev. Fr. Rapheal Mensah, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Appiah Himin Asante, Very Rev. Fr. Samuel Ebuley Afful, Rev. Fr. Vincent Dan Tieko and Rev. Fr. E m m a n u e l D o l p h y n e a s concelebrants. A l s o p r e s e n t w e r e M r s . Rosemond A. Acquah, Regional Manager Catholic Education Unit; Mr. S.M Morrison, Rev. Fr. Naana Eboo, Rev. Fr. Jerome Toku Appiah, Bro Stephen Aidoo, Mr. Kwamena Salia, Sr. Joana Duker, Mrs. Fanny Donkoh, as well as some of the tutors, facilitators and Chaperones. Madam L o u s i a C . A g g r e y w a s t h e Chairperson. From Rev. Fr. Emmanuel *Bishop Kwofie with the students and the invited guests after the opening ceremony. Dolphyne First Anniversary Mrs. Faustina Selina Asubonteng (1947 - 2017)

“Lord , for your faithful people, life is changed, not ended. When the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death, we gain an everlasting dwelling place in heaven”. Lord , grant eternal rest to your handmaid.

Fondly remembered by the Anona Kusubentsir Ebusua of Abandze and Anomabo, the Anona Ebusua of Hotopo-Ahanta District and the Asakyiri Abusua of Adweratia-Kwabre. Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 13

80TH Mpohor Parish Organises Anniversary 2018 1938 YOUTH Children Camping

represented the Bishop, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, called on the children to take advantage of the opportunity of the camping to learn and also make good friends. He also presented to the Parish Priest an undisclosed amount from the Bishop to support the programme. Ms. Cecilia Quaicoe, the Guest Speaker, advised the children to fear God, be respectful and obedient to the elderly. She urged them to take good care of the environment. Osaberema Kwaw Entsie, the Omanhene of Mpohor, charged the *Msgr. Abuah-Quansah (middle) and Fr. Gyan, Parish Priest with the children. children to be disciplined and also respect the tradition of their he St. Anthony’s Parish at communities. Mpohor in the Sekondi- Present were Madam Faustina Techiman Comitium Takoradi Diocese, recently Yenkey, the Chief Inspector of Police T of the Mpoho District; the Assistant held its third week-long Children Headmaster of Mpohor Secondary Camping Programme on the School as well as 150 children from Elects Officers theme: “The Fear of the Lord is the Banso, Bopp, Estate, Amuzukrom Beginning of Wisdom”. and Mpohor. Rev. Msgr. Francis Abuah- From Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Quansah, Vicar General who Dolphyne Bishop Afoakwah Urges Catholics To Profess Faith

ost Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, Bishop of MObuasi Diocese, has *The new Officers. urged Catholics to hold their Catholic faith and always honour embers of Help of Christians Comitium of Legion of Mary in the the Holy Mary, mother of our Techiman Diocese recently elected new Officers to man the affairs Lord Jesus Christ who came into Mof Legionaries in the Comitium. the world to save mankind. They are Mr. Patrick Adu, President; Mr. Samuel Nyame, the Vice President; Bishop Afoakwah said this Miss Ophelia Boahemaa, the Secretary; Mr. Ferdinand Suglo Kandivi, the Assistant Secretary and Miss Helena Anoa, the Treasurer. Rev. Fr. Lawrence when he celebrated Mass for over Kwadwo Adu, is the Spiritual Director. 4,000 Catholics and non-catholics They were inducted into office by Rev. Fr. Solomon Ramzi Agbe, the at the Mary Queen of Heaven and Assistant Cathedral Administrator of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Techiman and advised Earth Grotto at Abono near the new Officers to listen to the views and suggestions of the members and be visionary leaders. Kuntase in the Obuasi Dioceses to Mr. Adu thanked the Legionaries for the confidence reposed in him and his climax this year ’s feast of team of Officers and for electing them to lead them and asked their support, prayers Assumption. and maximum co-operation. He said Christ Jesus came to Bishop Afoakwah From Michael Akornoba save the poor, sick and needy and called on Christians to love and Mr J. K. Assuming, the District Advertise in support one another. Chief Executive for Bosomtwi, He advised Catholics not to commended the Catholic Church The Catholic Standard leave the Church but remain for it is developmental projects like

for better results steadfast in the faith and seek advice Schools, Hospitals, Good drinking Call: 0302-424725 from their Catholic Priests than water and Church buildings and Email: [email protected] Pastors of other Churches. urged them to keep it up. From Paul Antwi Mensah [email protected] 14 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 Ghana’s Ambassador to Don't be discouraged by Vatican Wins Sexual Abuse Cases

Trachoma Award Catholics urged of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Archbishop also condemned CAMP-G Member moral decadence and corruption relating ost Rev. Charles Palmer- it to the recent news in the banking sector Buckle, Metropolitan and the impunity of some political hana’s Ambassador to the MArchbishop of Cape Coast, vigilante groups. Va t i c a n , M r. J o s e p h has called on Catholics not to He stated: “In the last two to three GAkudibillah was among backslide, in spite of the 'sins' of some weeks in Ghana, we have heard about individuals awarded recently for their Priests of the Church. how banks have taken money and failed pioneering role in helping to eliminate The Archbishop was commenting to use them for their intended purpose. Trachoma in Ghana. on recent revelations by a Grand Jury in When you do not belong to a political This took place at a ceremony in the United States of America's State of party, you do not get anything, and the Accra where the World Health Pennsylvania of many incidents of tendency is to say 'evil is victorious so let Organisation adjudged Ghana as the first sexual assault on children by Priests in me also be evil', but do not.'' country in the world to eliminate the Pennsylvania Archdiocese. The dedication ceremony was Trachoma, the leading cause of According to the report released attended by scores of Catholics, who blindness. on August 14, 2018, more than 300 renewed their faith and prayed for the It has been two decades after the Catholic Priests in six Dioceses of the success of the country and the Catholic global community committed itself to Pennsylvania Archdiocese allegedly Church. eliminating Trachoma worldwide. abused more than 1,000 children The Catechetical Centre was built by the late Archbishop Emeritus of the Ambassador Akudibillah was the sexually over seven decades. Mr. Akudibillah Accra Archdiocese, Dominic Andoh, in Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said Trachoma Control Co-ordinator for 2000 to serve as a prayer and retreat the revelations of sexual abuse of minors Ghana and at a point the Co-ordinator of Concern, he noted, adding that it was centre. Abridged from daily Graphic the Bawku Rural Eye Programme. by some Priests of the Church in some estimated to be at 16 to 20 percent of active In an interview, Ambassador countries had the tendency to erode the trachoma and 8 to 10 percent trachoma Akudibillah said the Award was in faith of many Catholics and force them to Trichiasis, the end stage of the disease. recognition of his tireless pioneering give up on living a chaste life. “When I returned from London after work on Trachoma Control in Ghana, “You have heard about Priests my studies in Community Eye Health from saying that “It was least expected, and Bishops who have been involved in the University College of London (UCL), because I left the programme at a point homosexual practices. How can these Institute of Ophthalmology, I did a lot of lid and went into politics.” people preach about God, Christ and surgeries for Trichiasis whilst embarking on He stated that “this was at a time holiness, yet they are so sinful? out-reach programmes to offer eye care “It is, therefore, tempting to give when we had achieved so much in services to the rural poor sponsored by controlling Trachoma in Ghana.” up on doing the right thing, but do not Christophel Blinden Mission (CBM) of give up because that is the temptation of According to him, Trachoma is a Germany,” he stated. contagious bacterial infection of the the devil,'' he said. He noted that “We used the Lid In a Sermon during the dedication inner surface of the eyelid, causing Surgeries, Antibiotics, Face washing and inflammation. In the chronic stage, it of a Labyrinth at the Archbishop Environmental changes (SAFE) strategy Dominic Andoh Catechetical Centre at leads to scarring of the conjunctiva, recommended by the WHO, GET 2020 in turning in of the eyelashes (Trichiasis) Kordiabe in the Dangme West District in the control of the disease in the Northern and the Greater Accra Region. A Labyrinth is which painfully rub on the eyeball and Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Upper West Regions. a meditational ground, which has a statue may lead to avoidable and irreversible The Ambassador expressed gratitude blindness. to Dr. McCurry and Dr. Allen Forster, a It is very common in water starved renowned Ophthalmologist and now the areas, inadequate sanitation and the Director of CBM who was his lecturer and abundance of eye-seeking flies, he mentor. Former Pastoral Council added, stressing that Trachoma is a He also acknowledged Dr. Maria public health problem in many countries Hagan who was the Head of Eye Care Unit at Chairman Enskinned worldwide. the MOH for her leadership. Dr. Ahaji of the as the traditional Chief of In Ghana, the Trachoma endemic Disease Control Unit of the Ministry of r. Barnard Bugre, a areas were the Northern and Upper West Health and Prof. Cook of CDC, Washington former Chairman of N a m o a l o g i n t h e Region where it was of a Public Health DC for his technical input as well as the Mthe Pastoral Council TalensiTraditional Area in the WHO. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Upper East Region with the stool C h u r c h , A d e n t a n a n d a n name Naab Mangkobig Kugbaa Accountant at the College of Gbiamir. THANK YOU ST. JUDE NOVENA Humanities at the University of The ceremony was performed Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the b y t h e N a y i r i o f M a m p r u s i Church honours and invokes you universally, as the patron of hopeless Ghana, Legon has been enskinned cases, of things almost despaired of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and Traditional Area at Nalerigu recently. alone. Make use I implore you, of that particular privilege given to you, N a a b to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come Gbiamir retired to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, from the services particularly - (here make your request) that I may praise God with you of the University of and all the elect forever. Ghana after having I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully s e r v e d t h e encourage devotion to you. Amen. U n i v e r s i t y f o r Say this prayer 9 times a day for 9 days. By the 8th day, your prayer will be twenty years. answered. It has never been known to fail. From James Publication must be promised. K. Madakena – By R.A.A Naab Gbiamir Sunday, September 2 – Saturday, September 8, 2018 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 15 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY OF THE YEAR —YEAR B 80TH Reflection on Anniversary 2018 READINGS: Deut 4, 1-8; Ps 14; Jam 1, 17-18. 22-27; Mk 7, 1-8, 14-15, 21-23 1938 God's Word THEME: OBEYING GOD’S COMMANDMENT WITH A PURE HEART By Rev. Fr. Daniel Tetteh Tackie

Pharisees with their religious spiritual; that is the source of obedience to cousins, the Scribes. If we set the divine laws. life of Jesus as a screen story, He In our desire to show that we are (Jesus) will qualify as the protagonist while the Pharisees, holy, we might also give too much any of us consider ourselves good Scribes, Sadducees and others will form the credence to externals, following rules Christians because we practise antagonist group. This group seemed to have without thinking about the intention Mcertain rites and repeat certain had one common interest (apart from their behind them. Jesus reminds us that we do devotions. Are these exterior show of doctrinal difference) and that was to attack not make ourselves holy by our actions. religiosity what determine who is a disciple Jesus Christ. Their whole concern was to Rather, we become holy when we allow of Christ? catch Jesus on something offensive to the God’s Spirit to transform us. Our actions All the Readings of this Sunday are on law (See Luke 20:20). A careful perusal of should be an expression of the conversion the Gospel reading reveals the following the commandment of God and the best way to of our heart to God and to God’s ways. about Jesus and what He teaches: obey it. The First Reading praises the ‘Law of True religion is not only a question First, he abrogates the application of God’ and declares that it must be left as it is, of going to Church regularly, praying and without enlarging it or diminishing it. It may be many Old Testament rules and regulations concerning foods that the people should not following carefully the precepts of the rejected but never modified. The Second Church. ‘Less lip and more heart’ – good Reading contains a call to practise the true eat. Second, he restores the true and genuine * Fr. Tackie meaning of the Law and its application. advice for prayer. Real prayer life begins religion that does not stop at fruitless practices for many people in recognising God in the but is committed to helping the orphan and the Mere external observances do not constitute being hounded by antagonists – some of whom heart. Religion is a matter of the heart. widow. The Gospel tells us that the teachers in religion and authentic worship. have come from Jerusalem for the purpose. They “This people honours me with lip-service, Israel have distorted the ‘Commandments of Third, He teaches that holiness resent the fact that the disciples of Jesus ‘do not respect the traditions of the elders’ and observe while their hearts are far from me” (Mt. God’ with their traditions and put external depends on purity of heart: if the heart is ritual purifications. The response of Jesus has an 15:8; Is. 29:13). cleanliness among the strictest observances of holy, the person is holy; if the heart is unclean in God’s sight, the person is unclean. important lesson for every age, as we endeavour For Jesus, to be pleasing to God has the Law. to make Church regulations that are truly life Outward observances do not constitute nothing to do with ritual cleanliness. Jesus The Gospel of the 22nd Sunday of giving. Ordinary Time describes the religious customs religion. This means that it is moral purity challenges us today to look not at Last Sunday, Joshua challenged us to of Jesus’ time, speaks of the Pharisees who that is essential, not external observances. ‘externals’ but at our hearts. We must be make a choice to serve or not to serve the taught the people these practices and customs Fourth, He indicates that conversion of heart careful not to reduce the Christian faith to a almighty God. This Sunday, Moses is telling and of Jesus’ teaching concerning this matter. is the first step towards holiness. It is through list of ‘rules and regulations’. Christianity Many of these practices and customs had lost those who had made the choice to serve God that the heart that a person is close to God. must be based on a love relationship with their meaning and made peoples’ lives difficult. they have a grave obligation to pay attention to Life in a human community is our Lord and with our neighbour. We still The Pharisees saw sin in everything and His words in obedience. Furthermore, Jesus threatened with punishment in hell! For governed by ‘laws and customs’, as Moses have rules, because they help preserve the reminds the people of old Israel in the first instructs that it is more effective to pay attention instance, to eat without washing one’s hands spirit of obedience to God’s will. Without reading. These regulations and their to the heart and spirit of the law than on the was considered a sin. Nevertheless, these rules, we could get sloppy. interpretation can give rise to confusion; so letters of the law. Hence, the obedience should practices and customs continued to be passed May the Spirit of our Heavenly down and taught from fear or from superstition. Moses urges the people to ‘add nothing’ and be heartfelt not show-based. We are challenged ‘take nothing from’ the law which he gives Father make our hearts docile so we can In the Gospel reading, we are presented this Sunday not to be merely religious, we them in the name of God. We meet the same obey God’s commandments with a pure with an encounter between Jesus and the should be more expectantly and practically issue in today’s Gospel reading: Jesus is heart. Amen.

t. Monica, also known schooling. f o l l o w i n g h i s as Monica of Hippo, is ST. MONICA W h i l e i n s e v e n t e e n - y e a r SS t . A u g u s t i n e o f C a r t h a g e , resistance. Life Of Hippo’s mother. She was Feastday: August 27 Augustine became a A u g u s t i n e born in 331 A.D. in Tagaste, Patron of Wives and Abuse Victims Manichaean, which later wrote a book which is present-day Algeria. was a major religion called Confessions, SAINTS When she was very that saw the world as light in which he wrote of young, she was married off to and darkness, and when one Monica’s habit of bringing been sacrificed and crowned.” the Roman pagan Patricius, died, they were removed “to certain oratories, erected who shared his mother ’s from the world of matter and in the memory of the saints, After a period of six violent temper. Patricius’ returned to the world of light, offerings of porridge, bread, m o n t h s , A u g u s t i n e w a s mother lived with the couple which is where life comes water and wine.” baptised in the church of St. and the duo’s temper flares from. When Monica moved to John the Baptist in Milan. The proved to be a constant After Augustine got his Milan, a Bishop, named pair were led to believe they challenge to young Monica. education and returned Ambrose told her wine should spread the Word of God While Monica’s prayers home, he shared his views “might be an occasion of to Africa, but in the Roman city and Christian deeds bothered with Monica, who drove him gluttony for those who were of Civitavecchia, Monica Patricius, he is said to have from her table. Though it is already given to drink,” so passed away. respected her beliefs. not recorded how much time she stopped preparing wine Augustine recorded the Three children were born passed, Monica had a vision as offerings for the saints. words she imparted upon him to Monica and Patricius: t h a t c o n v i n c e d h e r t o Augustine wrote: “In when she realised death was Augustine, Navigius, and for her husband and mother-in- reconcile with her wayward son. place of a basket filled with near. “Son, nothing in this Perpetua. Unfortunately, law, until finally, one year Monica went to a Bishop, fruits of the earth, she had world now affords me delight. I Monica was unable to baptise before Patricius’ death, she who told her, “the child of those learned to bring to the do not know what there is now h e r c h i l d r e n a n d w h e n successfully converted them. tears shall never perish.” oratories of the martyrs a left for me to do or why I am Augustine fell ill, Monica As time passed, Perpetua Inspired, Monica followed heart full of purer petitions, still here, all my hopes in this pleaded with Patricius to allow and Navigius entered the Augustine to Rome, where she and to give all that she could world being now fulfilled.” their son to be baptised. religious life, but unfortunately learned he had left for Milan. She to the poor - so that the She was buried at Ostia, Patricius allowed it, but Augustine became lazy and continued her persual and communion of the Lord’s and her body was removed when Augustine was healthy uncouth. This greatly worried e v e n t u a l l y c a m e u p o n S t . body might be rightly during the 6th century to a a g a i n , h e w i t h d r e w h i s Monica, so when Patricius died, Ambrose, who helped her convert celebrated in those places hidden crypt in the church of permission. she sent the 17-year-old A u g u s t i n e t o C h r i s t i a n i t y where, after the example of Santa Aurea in Osta, near the For years Monica prayed Augustine to Carthage for his passion, the martyrs had tomb of St. Aurea of Ostia. Navrongo gets new Chief SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

the date when the family of the late UN ὲ Dennis Aneakwoa Balinia Adda, has been Chief called on him at the Jubilee House enskined as the Navro-Pio and Paramount GCBC President signs in Accra on Friday, August 24 2018. PChief of the Navrongo Traditional Area The President assured the family following the successful completion of the funeral that the State will foot the full bill of the rites of the late Navropio Pὲ Dr. Augustine Kofi Annan Book funeral and burial. Atudeku Balinia Adda. The new Chief's skin name Touching on the place of burial, is Pὲ Asagpaare II. Nana Akufo-Addo said: “Burma Camp has created a new cemetery and there is a In an inaugural speech at the COS Park in of Condolence portion that has been allocated for VIPs; Navrongo, the new Chief declared his commitment civilian VIPs and I and readiness to commence traditional leadership of ost Rev. Philip think it will be the the area. Naameh, President most appropriate He expressed gratitude to the head of family Mo f t h e G h a n a place to lay him to and elders of the Royal clan of Yufebia and their Catholic Bishops' Conference rest… That will be cousins – Doba, Nangalikinia, Wuru with whom they the arrangement of (GCBC), has signed the book share tradition and custom, and the eight divisional of condolence in memory of the the State. This is a chieftains of Doba, Wusungu, Bavugunia, Pindaa, late Kofi Annan, a former State Funeral, so, the United Nations (UN) Secretary responsibility for the Yangua, Manyoro, Yua and Natugnia for accepting the General. arrangements are “odious duty” conferred on them by tradition and Meanwhile, the Annan that of the Ghanaian custom and for a successful enskinment. f a m i l y h a v e c o n f i r m e d State. Your bit is to Pὲ Asagpaare II reminded the people of September 13, 2018 for the State mourn, but you will Navrongo that they had come this far not only because not have any of the Burial and Funeral of the global of the ability or vision of their leaders, but because statesman. financial burdens they had remained faithful to the ideals of their “ T h e K o f i A n n a n i n v o l v e d i n Foundation can now confirm that organising such a forebears. Kofi Annan will receive a State thing; that will be He called on them to set aside their differences Funeral and Burial in Ghana on borne by the state of and “to reaffirm our enduring spirit to choose the September 13, with memorial Ghana.” better part of our history, those values that shaped our services to follow in New York Kofi Annan’s mortal remains will personality and determine our success, like hard work, City and Geneva at later dates”, Archbishop Naameh signing the Book of Condolence. be sent to Ghana tolerance, courage, honesty, loyalty and patriotism”. the family said in a tweet. Looking on is Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, from Switzerland on The new Chief made known his intention to President Nana Addo Vice President of the Conference. September 10, 2018. Dankwa Akufo-Addo proposed establish an educational endowment fund for brilliant but needy students to be called “Doctor A.B.A Adda Educational Endowment Fund” to help develop the youth as future leaders of Navrongo Traditional Area. It would be appreciated, very much, if the collections are Mr. Rockson Ayine Bukari, the Out-going Special Collection for sent directly by each Parish to Upper East Regional Minister, called on the The Catholic Standard. The traditional council to support the new Chief to develop money may be sent to any of the the area. following bank Accounts:- He said it was a moment for them to rally round NAME OF BANK: the status that united and gave them sense of pride, GN BANK adding that “it is time for every citizen of Navrongo to BRANCH: assert his or her role in building the traditional area by INDUSRIAL AREA, poolling your energies and resources together.” ACCRA NAME OF ACCOUNT: CATHOLIC he Ghana Catholic Bishops' of the Church in Ghana and beyond. STANDARD Conference has directed all This year, The Catholic Standard, ACCOUNT TParishes, Rectorates and the only national Catholic Weekly marks NUMBER: 1042111000218 Churches in Ghana to organise a its 80th Anniversary. We are therefore SPECIAL COLLECTION ON appealing to all Catholics to contribute OR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018, to generously through this one-time special BANK: ADB support the acquisition of modern BRANCH: GULF HOUSE printing machines and equipment for collection that has been approved by all the ACCOUNT NAME: The Catholic Standard. Catholic Bishops in Ghana. The acquisition of modern The Paper will publish the list of all STANDARD NEWSPAPERS Printing machines and other equipment the parishes that send their contributions. AND MAGAZINES through the generosity of all Catholics in Other contributions from individuals, ACCOUNT Ghana will help The Catholic Standard companies and institutions are also NUMBER: 1081010003442603 in promoting the evangelisation mission welcome. Pὲ Asagpaare II giving his address.

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