VOL. 82 NO. 41

GHANA’S NATIONAL CATHOLIC WEEKLY ESTD. IN 1938 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 PRICE GH¢2.00 Africa Welcomes Positive Message Of Francis: 'Fratelli Tutti'

hilippe Cardinal Ouédraogo, the The Cardinal said the encyclical, of Ouagadougou in Burkina Fratelli Tutti, demonstrates beyond doubt that PFaso who is also the President of the the current coronavirus pandemic is a reminder Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of that “no one can face life in isolation” and that Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), has said the world is actually “a single human family.” Africa welcomes ' renewed push “Already in his second encyclical, for a world built on solidarity and fraternity. Laudato Sì, the Holy Father, Pope Francis had “The Church-Family of God in Africa and demonstrated our interconnectedness to the surrounding islands joyfully welcomes the new embrace the Earth, our Mother and Sister,” encyclical of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, recalled the Cardinal. He added, “St. John Paul Fratelli Tutti (FT) on human fraternity and social II had earlier said: It is in building the friendship, published on October 4, 2020, the feast communion of love that the Church appears as day of St. Francis of Assisi. It is a call on human a sacrament; as the sign and instrument of beings everywhere in the world for a renewed intimate union with God and of the unity of the commitment to universal brotherhood, friendship, human race,” the Cardinal said. solidarity and peaceful co-existence,” said Cardinal Ouédraogo. Continued on page 3 Cardinal Ouédraogo ‘End Gender-Based Discrimination’ Be Responsible, Read story on page 3 Act Properly Bishop Agyenta – Afari-Gyan Urges Religious Advices Youth Leaders To Help

Read story Ensure Peaceful on page 3

See page 3 Elections Bishop Agyenta Welcome Mass Held for New Nuncio to Ghana Story on back page 2 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 Beatified Teen Showed That Heaven Pope reiterates desire CATHOLIC that women participate more World News Is 'Attainable Goal,' Cardinal Says in Church responsibility For him, “the internet was not just ope Francis has reiterated his housands sang and applauded as a means of escape, prayer intention for the month of Italian teen was but a space for POctober, and expressed his desire Tbeatified in a town dear to him and d i a l o g u e , that lay people may participate more in to many Christians around the world - knowledge, sharing areas of responsibility in the Church. Assisi. and mutual respect “None of us was baptised a priest or that was to be used bishop: we were all baptised as lay people, During the October 10 beatification responsibly, without men and women. We are protagonists of the Mass, Italian Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the becoming slaves to Papal Legate for the Basilicas of St. Francis it and rejecting Church.” and St. Mary of the Angels in Assisi, read Pope digital bullying,” Pope Francis made the remark on last Francis' Apostolic Letter proclaiming Acutis' the Cardinal said. Sunday after the recitation of the Angelus “blessed,” the step before canonisation. People sit outside the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi as they prayer. attend the beatification Mass of Carlo Acutis C a r d i n a l “With our apostolic authority, we grant In his prayer intention for October, that the venerable servant of God, Carlo “providential design, (St.) Francis and Vallini said that Blessed Acutis was a the Pope said, “We pray that the laity, Acutis, layman, who, with the enthusiasm of (Blessed) Carlo are now inseparable.” model of virtue for young men and especially women, may participate more in youth, cultivated a friendship with our Lord women today, reminding them not to seek “Carlo's life — always united to areas of responsibility in the Church.” Jesus, placing the Eucharist and the witness of “gratification only in ephemeral — his love for the Eucharist, his devotion to the charity at the centre of his life, henceforth shall successes but in the perennial values that At the Angelus, Pope Francis Holy Virgin, his making friends with the poor, be called blessed,” the Pope decreed. Jesus proposes in the Gospel.” highlighted the contribution that lay women brought him closer to the spirituality of the Poor can make. After the reading of the apostolic letter, One,” St. Francis, Archbishop Sorrentino said “He gave witness that faith does the newly beatified teen's parents, Andrea at the end of Mass. “Both invite us to live not distance us from life but immerses us “Today we still need to make greater Acutis and Antonia Salzano, processed toward according to the Gospel.” more deeply in it and showed us the space for a more incisive feminine presence the altar carrying a reliquary containing their concrete way to live the joy of the The liturgy was held inside the Basilica in the Church – I mean a lay presence – but son's heart. Gospel,” the Cardinal said. “It is up to us of St. Francis, but measures to prevent the underlining the feminine aspect, because The reliquary was engraved with one to follow it, attracted by the fascinating women are often put to one side” said the spread of COVID-19 meant that most of those experience of Blessed Acutis, so that our of the teen's well-known quotes: “The Pope. attending sat outside on seats set three-feet lives may also shine with light and hope.” Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” vaticannews apart, watching on big screens. CNS Pilgrims flocked both to the Basilica of Many young men and women came to St. Francis for the beatification Mass as well as Assisi for the beatification. For many of them, to the Shrine of the Renunciation at the Church the fact that a normal teen could be beatified to be united to see how to renovate Senegal's Minister of Culture and of St. Mary Major, where the newly beatified was a source of hope and inspiration. these structures which are part of the Communication, Abdoulaye Diop, teen's remains were on display for veneration. history of Saint-Louis Diocese,” the expressed his appreciation for the “With his life, Carlo made me see that 72-year-old Senegalese Prelate dynamic cooperation between the Men and women, boys and girls passed despite the small or even great difficulties — by the tomb quietly, some stopping to pray the further said. government and the in like his illness — that we could live a full and Senegal that aided the renovation of the “Our Father.” A young toddler blew a kiss happy life if we keep our eyes looking up Consecrated and opened to the Saint-Louis Cathedral, which was goodbye to the young blessed as she passed by. toward heaven,” said 19-year-old Rosanna, p u b l i c i n 1 8 2 8 , S a i n t - L o u i s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage who was among those attending the Cathedral, which is a heritage of the Known as the site where a young St. Site in 2000. Francis renounced his father's inheritance and beatification. United Nations Educational, embraced poverty, the shrine — like the city of In a homily, Cardinal Vallini said that Scientific and Cultural Organization “The renovation of the Saint-Louis Assisi and St. Francis himself — held a special Acutis' beatification “in the land of Francis of (UNESCO) is known to be the oldest Cathedral is sufficient proof that Senegal place in Acutis' heart. Assisi is good news, a strong proclamation that church building in West Africa. With is a country of tolerance, where different the passage of time, the structure religions and beliefs coexist, a country The teen loved St. Francis “very a young man of our time, one like many, was weakened, posing a threat to where each individual can practice his or much,” his mother, Antonia Salzano, told conquered by Christ and became a beacon of worshippers and local residents. her religion as he or she wishes,” said Catholic News Service on October 9. St. light for those who want to know him and Francis “was a very Eucharistic soul who used follow his example.” The renovation works were Minister Diop. to attend Mass twice a day,” and her son Reflecting on the teen's life, Cardinal initiated in 2005 after the roof of the He added, “today, I am happy to sought to imitate that same Eucharistic Vallini said that like most young people his age, Cathedral caved in. The works hand over the keys of this historic devotion throughout his brief life. Carlo was a “normal, simple, spontaneous, however stalled and were only building very dear to UNESCO and the Archbishop Domenico Sorrentino of friendly” teenager who used modern forms of resumed in 2018. 300-year-old city of Saint-Louis.” Assisi reflected on the link between the two communication to transmit the “values and The Diocese of Saint-Louis On his part, the Director-General saintly figures, and proclaimed that by beauty of the Gospel.” partnered with the Senegalese of Senegal's Agency for the Promotion of g o v e r n m e n t a n d t h e F r e n c h Investment and Public Works (APIX), Development Agency (AFD) to Mountaga Sy said, “the rehabilitation of renovate the Cathedral at a cost of Saint-Louis Cathedral has made it Renovation of West Africa's Oldest Cathedral a b o u t 1 b i l l i o n F C F A possible to restore the heritage, the socio- (US$1,799,135.00). cultural and economic status of the Inspires Understanding, Collaboration: Bishop Also speaking at the handing building.” over of the renovated Cathedral, aciafrica.org he process of renovating Saint October 8. Louis Cathedral of Senegal's B i s h o p S a m b o u a d d e d , “ t h e TDiocese of Saint Louis that has renovation of this Church was a very long taken some 15 years has been described process that started in 2005. We are very as a source of inspiration for the values of happy and we thank God that our Church is “understanding, collaboration, unity” once again open for worship.” among the people of God in the West African nation. He acknowledged those who were involved in the construction of the Cathedral Speaking during the handing over of and urged the people of God under his the 192-year-old renovated Cathedral, the jurisdiction to make good use of the Bishop of Saint-Louis Diocese also renovated Cathedral saying, “those who acknowledged with appreciation those who were there before us have done what they facilitated its construction. could do. Today, they are no longer present “The renovation of our Cathedral but we have the duty to maintain and ensure inspires understanding, collaboration, unity the structures they sacrificed and built are in among Senegalese and the desire for us to a good state.” work together for the growth of the “Some of the buildings they Church,” Bishop Ernest Sambou said on constructed are now old and it is now up to us The renovated Saint-Louis Cathedral in Dakar, Senegal Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 3 Be responsible, act properly Bishop Agyenta Urges – Afari-Gyan Advices Youth Religious Leaders To Help Ensure Peaceful Elections r. Kwadwo Afari- manipulations.” G y a n , a f o r m e r Meanwhile, Chairman of the Sylvester Tetteh, he Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Navrongo- D Bolgatanga Diocese, has asked religious leaders to use their Electoral Commission, has Chief Executive platforms to appeal to Ghanaians to promote tolerance and advised the youth to act O ff i c e r o f t h e T to ensure peaceful elections. responsibly during the 2020 National Youth He said the leaders would have failed if they did not touch the elections. Authority, at a hearts of their followers to promote peace in the December general Speaking at the African s e p a r a t e elections. Leaders debate series, Dr. p r o g r a m m e Bishop Agyenta said this in an address to participants at a one- Afari-Gyan tasked the youth to r e m i n d e d t h e day forum organised by the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission use legitimate means to demand youth of their role on the theme, Fostering Decent Political Language for Peaceful and work for the change they in protecting the Election 2020. want to witness in the country. peace and stability The forum brought together religious leaders to dialogue on the He charged the youth to take in the country. preparations towards the elections and to chart the path for responsibility and be mindful of “We want to accountable leadership. He urged participants, including representatives of political activities that have the potential u s e t h i s opportunity to parties, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the media to of plunging the country into Dr. Afari Gyan be decent and tolerant of each other’s views as the nation prepared for violence. remind the youth the elections. “If you can take your that the future of “Ghanaian citizens are concerned about falsehood, abusive responsibilities seriously and urged the Muslim youth to Ghana belongs to them conduct of political parties and use of foul language,” he said. act properly, a lot of things will pursue knowledge on national and it is in their supreme The Bishop said offensive language was injurious to one's change in Africa. But if we issues and not be used as agents interest to promote peace psyche and everyone had a responsibility to promote peace by behave like everybody else; the of violence. before, during and after the eschewing personal attacks. election is just a ritual every “Lack of knowledge is elections. Undeniably, you “We see some of our leaders giving very bad examples, four years, without thinking of retrogression and deficiency. If are the main tools that are especially when talking to their political opponents and the youth the meaning of an act that we are you are enlightened, it will be used to perpetrate acts of when talking to authority,” he said. involved in, then things are not very difficult to be used as a tool violence”. He urged the media, whose platforms are used by politicians for such misconduct, to show some responsibility towards the nation and going to change as we expect,” for violence. Majority of the “As part of the ensure their role in the coming election would be to foster peace. he said. Muslim youths…have become Authority's efforts to He called on all political leaders to show respect for one another Addressing the gathering victims of manipulation. We are ensure peace, unity and despite their political differences and noted that as a nation that at the same programme, expected to pursue knowledge stability, we encourage p r o m o t e d d e m o c r a c y , p e a c e w a s p a r a m o u n t . National Chief Imam, Sheikh and be empowered enough to them not to relent in their Bishop Agyenta implored all citizens to have respect for one another Osmanu Nuhu Sharubutu, w i t h s t a n d p o l i t i c a l duties and responsibilities and learn to argue out points of views in a logical manner with but rather channel their evidence and not use easy paths to attack. energies to consolidate Rev. Fr. Gabriel Atidoo, the Parish Priest of the Zuarungu Africa Welcomes Positive Message their positive strides to Catholic Church, who spoke on the theme, said the political campaign Of Pope Francis: 'Fratelli Tutti' lead them on a journey to based on abuse confuse the electorates. productive service while He said politicians needed to tell the electorates realistic plans assuming their position as and programmes they had and the development agenda they would Continued from front page pursue and not imaginary things. custodians of Ghana's rich “We join the Holy Father to earnestly plead for intensified He also advised political parties that had their manifestoes out cultural heritage,” he said. and those yet to have theirs, to break them down to make it easy for the efforts towards true brotherhood, solidarity, dialogue, mutual ghanaweb acceptance, trust and support, which are crucial values for our electorates to make their choices. GNA current world visibly divided along cultural, religious, social, political and ideological lines or principles. Genuine brotherhood is an appropriate response to the challenges posed by COVID-19,” emphasised the SECAM President. Cardinal Ouédraogo further reiterated Pope Francis' message that, “time has come to break totally with personal ‘End gender-based discrimination’ interests and cultural barriers, fixed ideological beliefs, religious persecution and radicalised religion; to end terrorism News Desk Report roles as well as equipping them a l s o f a c i l i t a t e t h e everywhere in the world, and to work assiduously for religious economically and supporting mainstreaming of issues of freedom.” he Basic Foundation them to contribute to the women and girls into the “For us in Africa and Madagascar, the Encyclical further f o r W o m e n attainment of the Sustainable development plans of the reminds us of the need to intensify efforts towards building up TE m p o w e r m e n t Development Goals. District Assemblies. the Church as Family, avoiding all ethnocentrism and excessive (BFWE), a gender advocate Ms. Abajong stressed the Ms. Abajong said it particularism, trying instead to encourage reconciliation and true non-governmental agency, has need for intensive advocacy would also involve traditional communion between different ethnic groups, favouring called for an end to all forms strategies to make a greater authorities in its advocacy solidarity and the sharing of personnel and resources among the gender-based discrimination impact in achieving gender strategy to eliminate the socio- particular Churches, without undue ethnic considerations,” said which is still prevalent in the parity in the country, saying that norms that prevent the progress the Cardinal. country, especially in the the project would undertake of women. In Africa and surrounding Islands, the spirit of Fratelli Northern part. vigorous awareness creation on She noted that the BFWE Tutti will be concretised, said the Cardinal, not merely by words, M s . J u l i e t A b a j o n g , gender-based discrimination has since its inception in 2012 but by selfless deeds and noble conduct on the part of all human Executive Director of BFWE undertaken a number of beings. This, he said, demands responsible leadership, within against women, promote made the call when she launched activities geared towards and outside the Church. Such leadership is one that serves the women's rights and build a project in Bolgatanga to help capacities of communities to economically empowering common good and places the dignity and welfare of every human about 300 women and girls in being at the centre, said Cardinal Ouédraogo. achieve gender parity in the eliminate stereotypical tags on the Upper East Region. The Cardinal continued: “We call on all the peoples of Upper East Region. women and girls. It also provides training Africa and the surrounding Islands, especially, Christians, not The five-year project S h e a d d e d t h a t t h e only to study the encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, diligently but also dubbed Women's Voice and project, which is part of the and credit facilities to women as respond to it positively in family, cultural, religious, political, Leadership, is aimed among Planned International Ghana's well as facilitate access to social and business circles,” he said. other objectives at empowering advocacy project, funded by market for their products to women to take up leadership Global Affairs of Canada, would enable them live dignified lives. 4 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020

over-arching power that makes them act with impunity. Ghana signing this Treaty is very necessary now that Ghana is hosting the Secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade EDITORIAL Agreement (AfCFTA) which objectives focus more on facilitation and coordination of intra-Africa investments with less emphasise on compliance of regulations and A CALL ON GOVERNMENT safeguarding of fundamental human rights and protection of the environment. TO SIGN UN BINDING This Paper, while lauding Caritas Ghana for raising awareness on this matter, appeal to other NGOs, and Civil Society TREATY ON TRANSNATIONALS Organisations to add their voices in getting the government of Ghana to support this Binding treaty. s the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) of the UN Human Rights Commission prepares for Athe sixth session on negotiations on a UN Binding Treaty on Transnational Corporations (TNCs) from October 24 to 31, 2020, The Catholic Standard adds its voice to the calls for the government of Ghana to support the Binding Treaty. REMAIN BEAUTIFUL For many years, civil society organisations, social movements and affected was walking on a very stay green; in the year of drought persons across the globe have been demanding stronger and binding narrow footpath, which had it shows no distress, but still rules for multinational corporations which are currently not Igrass and other weeds all bears fruits.” around it. I realised every living regulated in international human rights legislation and so are not held You see it is very easy to thing had dried up; plants, accountable when they commit human rights violations of the r e m a i n b e a u t i f u l w h e n animals and even humans had everything is going on well. I sovereignty of the locals or destroy the environment. their lips and heels cracked up. mean, when your spouse is at In the recent past, we have witnessed the global demand for bio-fuel and The grass had burnt up and even their best behaviour, you are the global food crisis that have led to high food prices. These two the trees were dying. Looking at topping every quiz in class, you incidents have given rise to large-scale acquisition of land at the them, I asked myself why they are financially sound, all your expense of the locals or indigenes for food and bio-fuel production in could not survive; why they had loved ones are alive and healthy, life in one season and faced Africa. you have a good job and all the death in the next season? Why people in your life praise you; it is The emanating effects include the destruction of farmlands, loss of jobs could not they survive all so easy to be cheerful and and income; pollution of water bodies, destruction of forest reserves seasons? Why did they have to beautiful. But when the season without proper afforestation programme and lands left in the worst rely on humans to be watered or changes, and your spouse is at forms without reclamation programme. on rain to fall before they could their worst behaviour, your This impunity of TNCs and the revolt of the affected indigenes have led to live? children begin to act up, you lose your job, your finances are an international call on the UN and State Governments to bring to While asking myself these terrible, when all your loved ones order through a binding treaty the activities of these TNCs and the questions, I saw a very beautiful plant, so beautiful; it was so are dying, do you still look responsibilities of the States involved. beautiful I can say beautiful a beautiful in spirit and in This Paper commends Caritas Ghana who in partnership with DKA of hundred times and I won't be physique? Season and time are the real test of beauty. Stay alive Austria and Misereor of Germany organised a virtual workshop on exaggerating. The plant was in every season of your life. Do Wednesday, October 7 to raise awareness of local civil society indeed beautiful. No, it was not not just stay alive, remain big. It was not even conspicuous organisations and members of the interfaith network – FAITH in beautiful. Ghana Alliance about the UN Binding Treaty process and how this but once you set your eyes on it, you will surely be captivated. Let me leave this message coalition could influence the Ghana government to support the for anyone who is not yet deeply Treaty. You see, in the wet season rooted in the Living Water, Jesus. The Catholic Standard believes that this treaty is long overdue as TNCs when all plants are wet and fresh, it Let me leave this message for would be very difficult to notice it operating in Ghana continue to violate human rights and engage in those who have been planted by but in the dry season when all activities leading to the destruction of our environment. There have the riverside but have not yet plants are trying to survive it stretched their roots to the Living been instances where peasant farmers have lost their lands which are remained fresh, colourful and Water, Jesus. Let me leave this central to their lives, livelihoods, identity, heritage and food security most importantly the only message for those who are deeply to TNCs. survivor, not just surviving but rooted in the Living Water but It is imperative that our government takes more active and constructive living and looking so beautiful. fear drought. Let me leave this engagement aimed at strengthening the current draft of the treaty to That was about five years message for those who are deeply effectively regulate these TNCs, especially taking into account the ago. That day I really wanted to rooted in the Living Water but during dry season, pull out their complexity of their global value chains and the asymmetry of power gather words and share the experience with friends but I had roots to endure drought. Let me between these corporations and the affected people. no words for it. Today, I came leave this message for that one Pope Francis in his encyclicals, Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti has made a across a message Jeremiah left for person who needs to be reminded number of laudable statements regarding the need to safeguard the us. As soon as I read it I that with our roots in the Living rights of individuals and communities, promote international remembered the beautiful plant in Water: solidarity and preserve our Common Home, and the environment. It the midst of all the dead ones. Jesus, we will remain fresh Jeremiah said, “Blessed is the man is for this and other reasons that The Catholic Standard is urging in every season. who trust in the Lord, whose hope Ghana to committedly sign on to the proposed UN Binding Treaty to is the Lord. He is like a tree planted Until you are called to be give rights to affected communities and for the dismantling TNCs beside the waters that stretches out with the Lord, stay beautiful. its roots to the stream; it fears not By WeMa the heat when it comes; its leaves Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 5 The Pilgrims WE HAVE LOST THE PLOT *Dr. Opoku Prempeh birth followed by baptism, usually the example from which to emulate and Notes unbeknownst to the beneficiary. It was a are left groping in the dark, very often only coming upon the dubious and By Kasise Ricky Peprah conscious and deliberate renouncement of one's belief system and the wholehearted improper. St. Jude, we must stop the lip Dear St. Jude, acceptance of another. Folklore has it that many families splintered and pitched son service to our Creator and rededicate t appears we humans have against father, one abandoning known ourselves to Him, and for this we conveniently decided to be ways and the other adopting new ones. desperately need your intercession. oblivious of eternity. We have St. Jude, paradoxically, the early We must respect the planet he I created for us and treat her responsibly, d e c i d e d t h a t t h e p ro s p e c t s o f converts were not literate yet they and on this we rely on your prayers for us. condemnation to Hell or to be rewarded managed to imbibe enough of the Good We must stop our mad craze for with a blissful existence in Heaven are News to warrant such bravery, the bravery earthly trappings which we invariably just too remote to bother about. of abandoning old familiar ways and accepting very novel ideas of mattes as acquire through wrongful means, and in Everywhere people have abandoned The Columnist this matter we implore your intercession. the pursuit of salvation and in its place critical as faith. Today's Christian has a multiplicity of ways of hearing the We must eschew greed in all its they have embraced an unscrupulous message, both in their native tongue and in steam and appear only to be indulging in manifestations and embrace love, of craze for self-indulgence and the the international languages yet we all go mechanical ritual and we the followers neighbour and of God, and in this affair satisfaction of base appetites. And I am about our existence as though we have had have redirected our energies to matters of we desperately beseech your fervent worried as we all should be. no acquaintance with the Good News. In the here and now. If one dares to compare intercession. A little over hundred years ago, the midst of these mind-boggling our zeal in matters of politics or even We must begin immediately to Christianity arrived on the Gold Coast, in contradictions, we, of today, are the most sports, one will easily come to that stop being slaves to our base instincts, the form of Christian merchants but more vociferous about our purported faith, the conclusion. And that is most worrisome which slaves live only to seek carnal deliberately, in the form of two truth being that our faith is but a badge of because matters of salvation have a pleasures and gratification, and for this missionaries who docked in Elmina. The honour to be flaunted or an excuse and serious impact on how we live our lives we beg your intercession. two pioneer missionaries succumbed to medium to loot and plunder from today. The very simple fact that we will be We must reacquaint ourselves with tropical disease, cutting short their unsuspecting believers. individually held accountable for our 'good' and do away with the 'bad', for that is our only guarantee of eternal life and in enterprise. Around 1906, another batch of St. Jude, I have posited in the past comportment here on earth will keep us this grave affair we require your prayer. missionaries arrived in Navrongo and that the pedagogy employed for on the straight and narrow. It will motivate proselytising the world may have outlived St. Jude, humanity has lost the plot, from there spread out into the general area us to be better Christians, better of northern Ghana. Later waves of its efficacy. I have stated that maybe the only now caught in the grip of gluttony neighbours. We must therefore revisit the and lust and greed and hatred and thievery missions saw to the Christianisation of threat of damnation does not do it anymore spreading of the Good News, repackage it and corruption and mendacity and Southern Ghana. When the missionaries and that we may be better served to preach goodness for its own sake. This is not to if we must, but we must pique the interest murder. arrived, our ancestors were simpler and suggest that Hell, the endgame for sinners, of every one of us in matters of salvation. St. Jude, we have lost our standing decidedly more steeped in African has vanished, just that man's cruelty to The times are confounding and confusing, as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ but religious practices and yet they were another has made the prospect less severe, for example, it is increasingly difficult to thankfully our Father is a forgiving father clever enough to recognise the fact that since life by itself appears decidedly pursue propriety when the rest of the and to Him we must return in humility and the message on the lips of the missionaries difficult, even cruel. Enough of my world is celebrating crime and thievery. It contrition, no other way will do, was one that brought with it, peace and dabbling in matters about which I possess is near impossible to be upright when the especially continuing our shameless love and unity. Converts trekked long little knowledge. world is gleefully crooked. The situation debauchery with reckless abandon. distances to hear the Word of God and St. Jude, the human race appears to is worse for the youth who were born into St Jude, our need for intercession usually after studious efforts got to be have lost interest in matters of salvation, all iniquity and know only convenience and has never been greater but we rest assured baptised and then later confirmed. Being a of us. The leadership seems to have lost the reign of materialism. They simply lack that you will not relent in pleading our Christian therefore did not come with cause.

(May be said using ordinary exile show unto us the blessed Rosary beads) Rosary Novena Prayer fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Sign of the Cross The Stations of the Cross Rosary Virgin Mary. Apostle's Creed Pray for us, O Holy On the large bead: The On the ten small beads: Meets His Sorrowful Mother Twelve Decade: Jesus Mother of God. Our Father (in honour of the Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I Holy Trinity) .Dies on the Cross That we may be made love you, save souls. Fifth Decade: Simon Thirteenth Decade: worthy of the promises of On the three small Helps Jesus To Carry His Cross. Jesus Is Taken Down From The Christ. beads: After the decade: O my Jesus, forgive us Cross. • H a i l M a r y, ( i n Sixth Decade: Veronica A P r a y e r b y S t . honour of Her Title, Mary Ever our sins, save us from the fires Fourteenth Decade: Wipes The Face of Jesus. Benedict for Seekers of Faith Virgin) of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, Jesus Is Laid In The Sepulchre. • H a i l M a r y, ( i n Seventh Decade: Jesus G r a c i o u s a n d H o l y especially those who are in most Concluding Prayers: honour of Her Title, Mother of Father, give us the wisdom to God) need of Thy mercy. Falls The Second Time. Hail, holy Queen, mother Eighth Decade: The discover You, the intelligence to Hail Mary, (in honour of Blessed be His Most o f m e r c y, o u r l i f e , o u r Her Title, The Immaculate Women of Jerusalem Weep Over understand You, the diligence to Precious Blood which washes sweetness, and our hope. To Conception) Jesus. seek after You, the patience to away our iniquities. thee do we cry, poor banished Second Decade: Jesus Ninth Decade: Jesus Falls wait for You, eyes to behold Glory Be children of Eve. To thee do we Carries His Cross. The Third Time. You, a heart to meditate upon send up our sighs, mourning and First Decade: Jesus is You, and a life to proclaim You, Third Decade: Jesus Tenth Decade: Jesus Is weeping in this valley of tears. condemned to Death. through the power of the Spirit Falls the First Time. Stripped Of His Garments. Turn then, most gracious of Jesus, our Lord. On large bead: The Our advocate, thine eyes of mercy Eleventh Decade: Jesus Father and Glory Be Fourth Decade: Jesus toward us, and after this our To be cont’d next week Is Nailed To The Cross. 6 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 YOUTH MIGRATION IN WEST AFRICA (2) REVITALSING TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) IN GHANA By Most Rev. Peter K. Sarpong, indicators on this socio-economic Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi phenomenon that is becoming more Rev. Msgr. Prof. Stephen Ntim soap making, pottery, calabash art, prevalent worldwide, especially in our pito brewing, carpentry, building or West African sub-region. masonry, cooking, fishing, beads making and the distillation of To briefly distinguish between the s far back as 1992, the akpeteshi (a local gin) were common. different categories of global migration so Association of Episcopal In such a subsistence economy, after as to understand clearly the issues at stake Conferences of Anglophone 'graduating' from observing one's A and the type of migration that appears to be West Africa (AECAWA) thought it p a r e n t t o b e a n a p p r e n t i c e , typical of our sub-region. expedient and indeed imperative to 'unemployment' was not known in the To indicate the socio-economic give a thought to this menace. We wrote lexicon of our forebears. implications that seem to push and pull this a memo on it for our people whose Christian Mission Education social phenomenon, especially for the last Christian Mission Education utility on urgency are as fresh as they twenty or so years, in our sub-region in in Ghanaian Chronology is said to can be. order to assess its pastoral implications. have commenced in December 1828 My readers will, therefore, allow To indicate the need for a common me by way of excusable plagiarism to Msgr. Ntim with the arrival of the four Basel pastoral policy formulation. missionaries, at the Christiansborg in mainly utilize the idea, and so on to Global Indicators on Migration freshen this article. Accra, even though it goes much The 2008 World Migration Report n my last article titled Education e a r l i e r t o 1 4 7 1 b e f o r e t h e Migration, a Human Need estimated that there were more than two Migration of people is a social fact. and the Economy, one significant Reformation, when the Portuguese hundred million international migrants in point made was that Education Catholics with their Chaplains first It is indeed as old as human history itself. the world. Almost half of these were I continues to be the leading predicting arrived at what became known as the It is an inherent desirable component of women (49.6%) with the exception of human existence. Human beings by factor for upward social mobility for Gold Coast. Catholic Portugal under Africa, Asia and the Middle East. There many people. Prince Henry the Navigator first sent nature respond to environments that suit were more women migrants than men in their basic physical and sociological In most countries, those with the ships to explore the Africa Coast in every region of the world. highest academic qualifications are on 1418. needs and wishes. In fact, human Pastorally, this meant that family communities such as villages, towns, top of the occupational hierarchy In 1471, they reached the Gold stability would be compromised and the compared with those with little or no cities are not founded arbitrarily, but Coast. Be as it is, Christian upbringing of children thwarted. In the education. Nevertheless, this does not around river basins where man could Missionaries came to introduce case of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, it de facto imply that in all countries, the have basic necessities such as water, Christianity. In the effort to achieve could mean that there were too many investment made in education arable land, and grazing pastures. It is in their duty and to communicate to the women singly parenting children in the necessarily matches with the dividends, people, they taught the people their this context that migration and free especially in growing developing movement of people from one end of the language and ways of doing things. economies, such as ours. So they built schools across the then planet earth to the other has become and The two sectors, education and indeed will continue to be a factor in small Gold Coast, and taught in these the economy need to be developed schools literacy skills- writing, human history. simultaneously, else we continue to This notwithstanding, the last reading and arithmetic. As time went witness the situation we are faced with, on, they introduced Technical- thirty years especially, the decade that is, more graduates, but stagnant immediately after political independence vocational, agricultural training in economy that does not grow and expand their syllabi with the understanding of many West African States from to absorb the increasing number of Western colonialism, migration has not that missionary education should not products we turn out from our only be to communicate with the only been on the ascendency but appears educational institutions. This current people, but also to help them solve to have assumed a particular pattern article is a follow up to the last one on their day-to-day problems and within the West Africa sub-region and the education and the economy. provided their basic needs and that of underlining common denominator of the The scenario described earlier their families through vocational- migration is economic: whereas in the where education investment fails to early 50s and 60s, South-North migration match with dividends leading to technical education . *Archbishop Sarpong of West Africans to Europe was purely educational glut of more graduates but The Basel Mission made academic and capacity-building of less employment opportunities, considerable advances in its human resources, most West Africans, in absence of the male figure as usually is typically occurs where educational evangelization and educational work. the early 1960s, who went to Europe were the case in some urban areas in Ghana. system continues to put premium on By 1880, it had opened 45 schools sent to study and come back to contribute This type of single parenting may be 'grammar' education, compared to with 1,200 pupils in them. In this, to the socio-economic development of different from that of the Western world. vocational technical education and they received the official support of their nations. Many came back happily. In the case of Africa, it may be largely training. the Mission Committee in Basel, However, in the late 1970s, when economic factors that pull and drive the Paradoxically, the history of Switzerland. They taught farming as the economies of most West African male figure from their families and loved formal education in this country teaches well in their schools to develop their countries were in the downturn, many ones. Again, all these have tremendous us that right from the onset, balanced pupils' interest in agriculture, while West Africans started to migrate South- pastoral implications for the African. emphasis was put on intellectual promoting technical training. They North to Europe and South-South, from The projected annual net figure of learning and manual learning, by the also taught some skills such as one country of the sub-region to another. migrants moving from South to North, Christian Mission Education, the handicraft in their schools and trained The economic doldrums pushed and that is, from the developing countries to Colonial Education as well as the early their converts the process of building pulled people from families, loved ones, the developed world, was estimated to be Postcolonial Education with a strong their houses, gave them elementary jobs, to venture out in search of green about sixty-one million as against sixty- emphasis on religious, moral and lessons in carpentry, joinery and pastures from within: internal migration two million of the opposite. From a five- character formation especially during masonry. Small workshops were set from rural to urban within the same year period, between 2005 and 2010, it is the Christian Education era. up in all their stations, where the country, as well as from other countries of believed that the number of migrants Indigenous Education r e s i d e n t m i s s i o n a r i e s g a v e the sub-region to the other. Consequently, moving from the less developed areas of In pre-colonial education for instructions in their crafts to their migration has become and indeed the world to the more developed regions example, our forebears emphasised converts. continues to become a global economic, is 2.5 million. apprenticeship training which was Similarly, the Catholic social, cultural, and above all, a pastoral Migration could be discussed from more practical: learning on the job or m i s s i o n a r i e s a l s o p r o m o t e d phenomenon, especially in this era and different dimensions, hence we discuss in hands-on training. If one's father was a agricultural and technical instruction. age of economic globalisation. In fact, the subsequent section the different goldsmith (like it used to be among the They set up an agricultural and this phenomenon is not only peculiar to themes of migration so as to be able to Ashantis) one learnt by imitation- the bookbinding centre at Saltpond, a the West African sub-region. Following locate and identify precisely the nature child observed the father and became a printing and carpentry centre at Cape goldsmith. Prof. Stephen Kwabena Ntim, I would and the trend of the type of migration that Coast and a woodwork centre at Other apprenticeships such as like to discuss four fundamental issues on is typical of the West African sub-region. Elmina. wood carving, basketry, blacksmithing, migration: kente-weaving, palm-wine tapping, To be continued next week To give some global statistical To be cont’d next week Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 7 Marriage and Family Life Contraception, Intrinsically Evil Act By Dr. John Boakye · St. Ephrem (306- and never do similar things.' 373) says ' the crime of Onan · St. Francis de Sales Artificial Methods every part of themselves in who spilled the semen on the (1567-1622) writes ' when Artificial method is sex then they should not place ground because he refused the order established in the use of mechanical a barrier between themselves to give offspring to his nuptial intercourse is i n s t r u m e n t , c h e m i c a l to block their fertility. brother was abominable. perverted and violated, it substance or bodily action Contraception contradicts the · S t . J o h n makes the soul very sick with in a sexual act to prevent expression of total self- Chrysostom ( 344-407) venial sin' conception. The artificial giving of couples. · Pius XI writes ' nay means of birth control is A n y a c t i o n t h a t says ' those who do not allow c a l l e d c o n t r a c e p t i o n . a t t e m p t s t o r e n d e r the children to begin their use whatever of matrimony Examples include condom, procreation impossible is life have mutilated the exercised in such a way that nature and even committed the act is deliberately combined oral conceptive immoral and degrades human Dr. Boakye p i l l , e m e r g e n c y sexuality. Always understand murder frustrated in its natural contraceptive or morning that as a couple, holiness in · St. Jerome (340- power to generate life is an after pill, injectables, marriage is only possible if detestation this horrible crime 420) says ' some women offence against the law of sterilisation, vasectomy, you conform to God's plan in and at times has punished it take a drink of sterility and God and of nature and those t u b a l l i g a t i o n a n d all areas of your life including with death' thus commit murder' who indulge in such acts are hysterectomy. Note that sex. Conception attempts to · S t . T h o m a s branded with the guilt of withdrawal method is also cancel the plan of God to give · St Augustine writes Aquinas (1225-1274) says grave sin' an artificial method of life through the sexual act. It 'intercourse even with one's · Pius XII writes 'any prevention because it does not foster true love. own legitimate wife is unlawful 'the ejaculation of the sperm involves bodily action Contraceptives- teachings a n d w i c k e d w h e r e t h e must be so ordained that attempt on the part of during the sexual act to of the Catholic Church contraception of the offspring there may follow from it married people to deprive prevent the possibility of throughout the centuries is prevented. Onan the son of both the begetting and the this marital act of its inherent conception. Records from Egyptian Juda did this and the Lord killed upbringing of offspring. It is f o r c e a n d i m p e d e t h e Note that the Natural m a n u s c r i p t s s h o w him for it ( Gen. 38;8-10) clear from this that all procreation of new life, Family Planning (NFP) contraceptives have been in · Origen 185-253)( says ejaculation of sperm, either in the performance of method is promoted by the use since 1550 BC. The who wastes the gifts of God produced in such a way that the act itself or in the course Catholic Church as the only church for centuries has resembles Onan who was put to begetting cannot follow of the development of its morally acceptable form of emphasised her disapproval from it is contrary to man's natural consequences is family planning. One reason of the use of contraceptives. death. It is the case of one who good. And if this is done immoral. This precept is as is that couples engaging in · Pope Pius XI In his spilled the semen on the ground deliberately it is necessarily v a l i d t o d a y a s i t w a s sexual intercourse must not Casti Connubili and referring lest he should give offspring to a sin. yesterday and it be the same s t o p t h e p o t e n t i a l f o r to Onan who was killed by his brother'. · St Albert the Great t o m o r r o w a n d a l w a y s pregnancy otherwise they God for using withdraw · Lactantius (250-320) (1200-1280) writes 'grave because it does not imply a accept God's gift of pleasure method of contraception says “we have received the while rejecting His gift to penance should be imposed precept of human law but it is when he slept with his late genital organs for procreation bless their union with a child. on those who procure for the expression of a law brother's wife wrote ' divine and that we must obey this Another reason is that themselves poisons of which is natural and divine. majesty regards with greatest divine law with the uttermost if couples are truly giving devotion' sterility. They should stop it To be cont’d next week

the life of apostolic celibacy to reach SVI Sisters Profess First, Final Vows the perfection of chastity. The Profession Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Matthew wo Sisters of the Incarnate Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani Word, SVI Congregation in who commended the Sisters for Tt h e S u n y a n i D i o c e s e offering themselves totally to the recently professed their First Vows service of God and Mother Church. while three others made their Final He advised the newly professed Profession of Vows at the Christ the Sisters to abide in Christ and allow King Cathedral, Sunyani. Him to direct their steps so that they Rev. Sisters Sarah Aberba, SVI would bear good fruits. and Elizabeth Nyaga, SVI professed B i s h o p G y a m f i a l s o the First Vows while Rev. Sisters encouraged them to serve the faithful Emelia Fekaa Pepra, SVI, Hagar without reservation so that they Amponsah, SVI and Paulina Tamea, would in turn pray for them. SVI professed their Perpetual Vows. The SVI congregation was Rev. Sr. Alice Adu Amoah, started in 2008. It has a membership Superior of the SVI received the of 20 with other aspirants undergoing Vows. formation. The Sisters resolved to Sr. Pepra on behalf of her undertake the life of perfect chastity, colleagues, thanked God, the Bishop, obedience and poverty and to strive their Superior, formators, family and *Bishop Gyamfi flanked by the professed Sisters to keep the rules of religious friends for their support and prayers. and the Superior of the SVI (right) perfection. They consecrated From Fr. Stephen Obour themselves to God and vowed to live Yeboah & Michael Akornoba 8 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 Catholic Bishops Console Rawlings St. Barnabas Parish Bids Farewell To Rev. Fr. John Osei Yaw

he St. Barnabas Parish, at Haatso-Agbogba, Accra, recently held a series of activities to bid farewell to its TParish Priest, Rev. Fr. John Osei Yaw, CSSp who had served the Parish for 12 years. He has since been replaced by another Spiritan, Rev. Fr. Julius Sunu. Following the announcement of the transfer of Fr. Osei Yaw in August 2020, to take effect at the end of September, 2020 the leadership of the Parish put together a planning committee chaired by Mr. Kofi Adimado, to organise a send-off programme for Fr. JOY, as he is affectionately called by the Parishioners. Some of the activities orgainsed were a PowerPoint presentation by the Strategic Planning Committee of the Parish, depicting the community's journey from its inception to its current status under Fr. JOY, and a performance by the Parish's Drama troupe under the direction of Mrs. Anna Martei (Grandma). The send-off activities were climaxed on Sunday, September 27, 2020, where the PPC, under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Magdalene Kannae, made presentations and named the Parish Hall Complex “The Rev. Fr. Osei Yaw Hall”. In a short address, Fr. Osei Yaw thanked all the Parishioners for their show of love and the great co-operation that he enjoyed during his tenure. He asked them to extend the same level of co- operation to his successor, and assured them that he would always have St. Barnabas in his prayers. A send-off dinner was later held in the evening during which societies, families and individuals made various presentations to Fr. Osei Yaw. Present at dinner were Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Osei Yeboah, Provincial Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the new *The Bishops praying for Former President Rawlings Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Sunu, several priests of the Holy Spirit and his family. (Inset) Archbishop Naameh signing the Congregation, some diocesan priests and Rev. Sisters of Handmaids book of condolence. of the Child Jesus. The St. Barnabas Parish started as a Bible Study group in the early 2000s, in a private home at Haatso, under the pastoral delegation of the Ghana Catholic message of the Bishops, Ambassador Victor Bishops' Conference led by its Gbeho on behalf of the bereaved family expressed APresident, Most Rev. Philip gratitude and appreciation to the Bishops. He Naameh, last week consoled former informed them that the funeral of Madam Agbotui President Rawlings and the Agbotui will take place at the forecourt of the State House, family on the loss of Madam Victoria Accra on Saturday, October 24 after which her Agbotui, mother of the former President. remains will be taken to Dzelukope in the Volta In a commiseration message to the Region for interment. bereaved family, Archbishop Naameh who Ambassador Gbeho added that President is also the Archbishop of Tamale said that Rawlings would like to meet the Bishops after the even though the loss of a mother is sad and funeral activities of his mother for socialisation. painful, they pray that the Good Lord grants The family gave some money for the the former first family and the Agbotui Bishops to say Masses for the repose of the soul of family comfort and courage to accept the the mother of former President Rawlings. loss with the hope that she is having eternal Other members of the delegation included rest in peace. The Bishops in a written Mrs. Kannae presenting Bishops Peter Paul Y. Angkyier of Damongo; a citation to Fr. Osei Yaw message said “We would like to convey to Gabriel E. Kumordji, SVD of Keta-Akatsi; you, Your Excellency, and your entire Emmanuel K. Fianu of Ho and Rev. Fr. John K. guidance of Rev. Fr. Koos Janssen, SMA, the then Parish Priest of family, our heartfelt sympathy. We Louis, Vicar General of Accra. commend the gentle soul of your dear Queen of Peace Parish, Madina. The first Community Mass was Accompanying the Bishops were Rev. Fr. celebrated at the Ancilla Preparatory School, Haatso, on Sunday, mother into the loving hands of God and Lazarus Anondee, Secretary General of the pray for your consolation and that of your January 20, 2002. The community relocated to a building offered by National Catholic Secretariat (NCS) and his one of its members, Mr. Richard Atareem. family.” Assistant, Fr. Charles Boampong Sarfo. The rest Archbishop Naameh said a prayer Through the support of Fr. Jassen the community commenced included Rev. Frs. Dieu-Donne K. Davor; Isaac the construction of a Church building and purchased a Parish house. and together with his brother Bishops Ebo-Blay; Clement K. Adjei; Rev. Sr. Elizabeth On November 1, 2008, the Church was handed over to the Spiritan imparted their blessing on the Rawlings'. Mgbaramuko, SHCJ, and Madam Ladje Vondee, Congregation, with Fr. Osei Yaw as the second Priest-in-Charge of The Conference made a donation of some all senior members of staff of the NCS. the Community. drinks and money towards the funeral. Also present was Ben Assorow, Managing Fr. Osei Yaw with the assistance of the community members, In response to the condolence Editor of The Catholic Standard. benefactors, both local and foreign, an access road was constructed, electricity and water extended to the premises, works on the Church building and its related amenities continued in earnest. The Church building and the parish house were eventually completed under Fr. Osei Yaw. The then Archbishop of the Accra Archdiocese, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, during a pastoral visit on September 12, 2015 elevated and dedicated the Church to a full-fledged Parish and installed Fr. Osei Yaw, as its first Parish Priest. Under the leadership of Fr. Osei Yaw, the Parish established a business venture, specialising in the production and supply of mineral water and all types of building and pavement blocks. The Parish has also acquired a large plot of land for the construction of a Community School. The latest major infrastructure project, about 80 percent complete, is a multi-purpose Parish Hall Complex comprising a Former President conference hall, offices, meeting rooms and a sick bay. Rawlings interacting From the Publicity Committee with the Bishops St. Barnabas Parish, Accra. Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 9 Bishop, Caritas appeal for Fr. Arthur Promoted to the rank of Deputy support for flood victims Commissioner ery Rev. Fr. George Arthur, Parish Priest of the St. George Catholic Church, Police Depot – Tesano, VAccra and Director of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Police Service has been promoted to the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) by the President of the Republic. He was among 23 Officers who were promoted to the rank on October 9, 2020 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo. Agnus Dei Media

The items donated. (Inset) Bishop Agyenta having a tete-a-tete with Mr. Akologo

h e B i s h o p o f t h e At a brief ceremony to receive B i s h o p A g y e n t a Navrongo-Bolgatanga a donation from Caritas Ghana to appealed for more support Diocese, Most Rev. Alfred support the victims, Bishop Agyenta from benevolent individuals T and organisations to assist Agyenta and Mr. Samuel Zan noted that many people have been Akologo, Executive Secretary of displaced while others have lost their those affected by the floods. O n h i s p a r t , M r. Caritas Ghana, have appealed for livelihoods and are taking temporary Akologo commended the support for victims of the recent shelter in schools and parishes. Bishop for the swift response floods in the Diocese which was The donation comprised food to the plight of the victims and occasioned by the incessant rains items, clothing, mats and blankets added his voice to the appeal Fr. Arthur and the spillage of the Bagre-Dam worth GHC70,000 plus a cheque for for more support from in Burkina Faso. GHC10,000. C o r p o r a t e B o d i e s a n d individuals. 10 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 Be Peace Ambassadors – Christian Mothers Association President Advices

Facilitators with participants after the Training

he National President should “spread the message of back. o f t h e C h r i s t i a n peace before, during and after On her part, the Executive Jesuits Get Two Candidates Mothers' Association the elections” to help maintain T Secretary of the Association, wo young Ghanaians, ( C M A ) , M a d a m A n n a the peace and stability that M e n s a h , h a s c h a r g e d Madam Olivia Ansu Amponsah Michael Senam Hama Ghana has enjoyed over the and Solomon Atubeo members of the Association to mentioned that the Association T years. also trains the youth on Anaba, have joined the Jesuit take up the role of 'peace Novitiate in Benin City, Nigeria ambassadors' and educate the A Civic Educator at the leadership and governance; to begin their formation to public on the need for peace as National Commission for Civic n o t i n g t h a t t h e r e i s a n become Jesuit Priests. the country heads to the polls Education (NCCE), Madam A s s e m b l y w o m a n i n M i c h a e l h a i l s f r o m in December. Rebecca Colecraft, who led the Donkorkrom who is a product of Dzodze in the Volta Region and holds a BSc. Psychology from the She made the call at a training, highlighted the their training. Michael University of Cape Coast. Until day's training for members of importance of women actively S h e e x p r e s s e d t h e he left for the Novitiate, he was the Association at the Holy partaking in the electoral Association's appreciation to working as an Agricultural Spirit Cathedral in Accra process. their collaborators including E x t e n s i o n A g e n t a t t h e recently on the theme: Women Department of Agriculture in She demonstrated how to Konrad Adenauer Stiftung who Partnering In The Election Accra. accurately use the thumb to assisted them in the training Process, A Violence Free programme. Solomon, from Tongo- Election 2020. avoid ‘spoiling’ one's ballot and Beo in the Talensi District of the urged them to ensure the ballot The event was chaired by Upper East Region, is also a According to Madam papers given them on election Rev. Fr. George Ekow Mensah. product of the University of Cape Mensah, Christian Mothers day have valid stamps at the Newswatchgh Coast where he graduated with a B.A. in Economics. The Society of Jesus is the largest male religious order in the Tamale Grand KSJI Inaugurates New Commandery Solomon Church with over 16,000 Priests, Brothers, Scholastics and Novices worldwide. They work h e T a m a l e G r a n d Second Vice President; Joseph Makido, Secretary; as pastors, teachers, and chaplains. Jesuits draw on the rich tradition of Commandery of the Knights of Rosarius Fugdi, Financial Secretary; Emmanuel the Ignatian Spirituality and Reflection. St. John International on Currently, the Jesuits are present at St. Ignatius of Loyola T Baapeng Anpenyep, Treasurer; Donatus Nketia, Sargent- Saturday, 3rd October 2020 added one Catholic Church and Arrupe Jesuit Institute, both in Accra, Claver House more commandery to its fold at a at-arms; Christopher Tuoeyele, Messenger; Jonas Retreat Centre in Cape Coast and the Centre for Spiritual Renewal in Kumasi. ceremony held at the St. Theresa Biawurbi, Guard. The rest who are Trustees include Bro Parish of the Tamale Archdiocese. The Jesuit Order is open to young unmarried practicing Catholic Nelson Gulbi, Bro Kenneth Baba Sulemana and Bro men with the desire to serve God in the Jesuit way. The eligible candidate The inauguration ceremony of the must have completed Senior High School with grades good enough to St. Theresa Commandery Number 964 Oswald Wedam Bugase. The spiritual advisor to the gain admission into the university. brings to seventeen, the total number of Commandery is the Parish Priest of St. Theresa Parish, Kindly contact us by mobile phone or WhatsApp on Commanderies within Tamale. The Rev. Fr. Boniface Masoayelle. 0506100386/0549666434 or [email protected]. Grand consists of Commanderies in the The inauguration was followed by a Thanksgiving From Rev. Fr. Andrew Setsoafia, SJ Tamale Archdiocese, Navrongo- Bolgatanga Diocese, and Damongo- M a s s w h i c h coincided with the Diocese. Parish feast Day. Presenting the Charter to the In attendance President of the new Commandery, w e r e o v e r o n e Sebastian Salia Yiah, the Grand President hundred Brothers of Tamale, Dr. Anthony Amalba, advised and Sisters drawn the members to live exemplary lives . f r o m t h e 1 3 t h Mr. Yiah pledged to engineer the District and District growth of the new Commandery. Two Ladies of the Other Executives of the new T a m a l e G r a n d Commandery. Commandery are Samuel Katori, First Agnus dei Vice President; Simon Deme-Der, media Members of the new Commandery with other Officers Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 11 Witnessing To Christ Must Vatican amends financial law amid Be Devoid Of Personal Ego, State” to report suspicious activities Moneyval inspection to the AIF. Lay Faithful Told He explained that the new provisions sought to tighten ay faithful, especially guarantee ecclesial fidelity, regulation of financial flows within leaders of the various loyalty to Church authorities, the Vatican. Lorganisations of the promote an attitude of prayer, He said: “For my part, I am Church have been reminded encourage moral integrity, and convinced that the changes made to that witnessing to Christ is a organise workshops to learn this Law, as well as all the primary responsibility of all more about the emerging regulations enacted in these past members without recourse to realities of our society and also f ew y ear s , w ill b e ab le to p e r s o n a l i n t e r e s t s o r on scriptures, defend the demonstrate, both internally and to promotion of personal ego. Church, knowledgeable in external observers, the firm social teachings of the Church, commitment on a matter on which T h i s p o s i t i o n w a s Vatican II, with Canon Law and the Church takes an irreversible emphasised by the Director of general doctrine. Our call to position.” Pastoral Agents department, charity must not be forgotten as M e a n w h i l e , t h e Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria one of the essential part of our composition of the Cardinals’ (CSN); Rev. Fr. Isaac Dugu in responsibilities”. The flag of with St. Peter's Commission of the Institute for his address at the opening Basilica in the background Wo r k s o f R e l i g i o n ( I O R ) , F r . D u g u s p o k e c e r e m o n y o f t h e commonly known as the Vatican extensively on the nature of the Reconciliation Retreat for the he Vatican unveiled 2013, which set out provisions to bank, has changed. Cardinal Pietro Church; Christ the basis for leaders of the Knights of St changes to a landmark combat money laundering and the Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of communion; our communion in John International (KSJI); held law on transparency, financing of terrorism. State, is no longer a member of the retrospect, the burden of T recently at the CSN Resource supervision, and financial C a r m e l o B a r b a g a l l o , Commission. disobedience, craving for Centre, Catholic Secretariat intelligence, saying that the move President of the Vatican’s Financial The body is now composed leadership; emotional and would strengthen oversight of Information Authority (AIF), said of five Cardinals: Cardinals Santos Nigeria (CSN), Durumi, social disability; vengeance Abuja. financial flows. that the changes updated the 2013 Abril y Castelló, the Commission’s b e l o n g i n g t o G o d ; n e w The press office l a w t o r e f l e c t e v o l v i n g President; Christoph Schönborn of According to the CSN published the text of a decree on evangelisation; the Mea Cupa international standards. Vienna; Cardinal Giuseppe Director, the responsibility of October 10 by Cardinal of L’Aquila; Cardinal Strategy, the Holy Trinity “The latest amendments to every faithful is primarily to Model and the life of St. John B e r t e l l o , p r e s i d e n t o f t h e , Papal Almoner; Governorate of Vatican City State, Law XVIII are part of an overall witness to Christ and not for the and , of the Baptist. amending the 2013 law. strategy aimed at making the promotion of personal ego. He t h e C o n g r e g a t i o n f o r t h e He noted that “the The changes came amid a management of Vatican finances Evangelisation of Peoples. pointed out that “while we look Church does not subsist in two-week on-site inspection of the ever more transparent, within a C a r d i n a l s P e t r o c c h i , forward to salvation, our Holy See and Vatican City by physical structures, nor her framework of intensive and Krajewski, and Tagle are new to the willingness to witness as the Moneyval, the Council of Europe’s spiritual leaders but in the coordinated controls,” he said. C o m m i s s i o n . T h e y r e p l a c e uncompromising missionary communion of God's children.” anti-money laundering watchdog. B a r b a g a l l o s a i d t h e c h a r a c t e r c a n n o t b e Cardinals Parolin, Thomas Collins He continued: “this means, the There has been a flurry of amendments were the latest of Toronto, and Josip Bozanić of controverted.” He added: “We development in a process that Church is a communion with activity since the inspection began, Zagreb. are called by name to witness to began with the creation of the AIF God and of unity among all with the Vatican’s Secretariat for the The Cardinals’ Commission the Gospel values of charity, i n 2 0 1 0 a n d i n c l u d e d t h e men.” He noted that as a result Economy releasing the 2019 convenes at least bi-annually and works of mercy with patience, promulgation of a law on the of this, all pastoral agents must balance sheet for the oversees the IOR’s compliance p r u d e n c e , c o m p a s s i o n , on October 1, the day after awarding of public contracts on work hard to sustain this June 1 this year, as well as an with its statutory norms, according e m p a t h y , s y m p a t h y , inspectors arrived. communion and unity of the August 19 ordinance requiring to the manner provided for in its by- acceptance, forgiveness, Church. The new 15-page decree laws. forbearing, tolerance, trust, “volunteer organisations and cbcn-ng.org alters Law XVIII, dated October 8, juridical persons of Vatican City CNA love, truth, justice, peace, hope and faith. e are faced Pope: Time Is Running Out To Fix Economy, common home, developing the Fr. Dugu reminded the w i t h t h e u n d e r s t a n d i n g t h a t participants at the retreat of the Wm o r a l ideas, cutting- Protect The Earth, Help The Poor environmental problems are roles of members in any imperative — and the edge science, linked to human needs — we organisation, especially practical urgency — to and moments of As he did in his 2015 encyclical must understand this from the Church societies. He declared: rethink many things” wonder and inspiration”. letter, “Laudato Si', on Care for Our very beginning: Environmental about the economy: problems are linked to human “ A s m e m b e r s o f a n With scientists, climate Common Home,” Pope Francis insisted association, we are supposed to “how we produce, how in his TEDx talk that concern for the needs.” w e c o n s u m e , o u r activists, actors, singers, poets, care for the spiritual need of environment must go hand in hand with culture of waste, its politicians and comedians, the Next, he said, priority one another. When we fail to do short-term vision, the programme looked at the state of the concern for the people who live on the should be given to water and this, we sin against charity. We exploitation of the environment, predictions about how Earth, especially the poor, who are most food, ensuring access to safe are to ensure that the overall poor, indifference little time is left to alleviate climate impacted by climate change and natural drinking water and adequate vision and mission of the t o w a r d t h e m , t h e change and about the role of disasters. food for all the world's people. association is carried out, and increase of inequality individuals, businesses and While science insists on the need “The third proposal is where that fits into the vision of and its dependence on governments in taking action. to change to protect the planet, he said, that of energy transition: a t h e C h u r c h . We a r e t o h a r m f u l e n e r g y “our conscience tells us that we cannot sources,” the Pope said “As the term 'countdown' progressive replacement, but encourage Christian virtues, be indifferent to the suffering of the without delay, of fossil fuels on October 10 as part suggests, we must act urgently,” poorest, to growing economic promote the apostolate of our Pope Francis said. “Each one of us with clean energy sources,” he Association with passion.” of the global TEDx inequalities and social injustices.” Countdown on climate can play a valuable role if we all set said. “This transition must not Pope Francis asked his global He continued: “Our task change. out today — not tomorrow, today.” only be rapid and capable of is to represent the image of the audience to begin “a journey of meeting present and future T h e e v e n t , “Science tells us, every day transformation and action,” one “made good shepherd through acts of energy needs, but also must be b r o a d c a s t l i v e o n more precisely, that we need to act not so much of words, but above all of honesty, accountability, urgently — I am not exaggerating attentive to its impact on the on YouTube, featured more concrete actions that cannot be the poor, on local populations transparency, unity, peace and than 50 speakers from — this is what science tells us, if we postponed.” e q u a l i t y. F e t i s h a c t s , are to have any hope of avoiding and on those who work in the a r o u n d t h e w o r l d sector of energy production.” segregation, class syndrome radical and catastrophic climate Presenting a three-part action presenting “actionable plan, the Pope said change must begin should not be concepts and research-backed change,” he said. “This is a CNS scientific fact.” with “education for the care of our identical with us. We are to 12 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 Pope Francis' Annual Message for World Mission Sunday 2020 Here I am, send me» (Is 6,8)

ear Brothers and Sisters, Understanding what God is I wish to express my gratitude saying to us at this time of pandemic Dto God for the commitment also represents a challenge for the with which the Church throughout the Church's mission. Illness, suffering, world carried out the Extraordinary fear and isolation challenge us. The Missionary Month last October. I am poverty of those who die alone, the c o n v i n c e d t h a t i t s t i m u l a t e d abandoned, those who have lost their missionary conversion in many jobs and income, the homeless and communities on the path indicated by those who lack food challenge us. the theme: “Baptized and Sent: the Being forced to observe social Church of Christ on Mission in the distancing and to stay at home invites World”. us to rediscover that we need social In this year marked by the relationships as well as our suffering and challenges created by the communal relationship with God. Covid-19 pandemic, the missionary Far from increasing mistrust and journey of the whole Church continues indifference, this situation should in light of the words found in the account make us even more attentive to our of the calling of the prophet Isaiah: way of relating to others. And prayer, “Here am I, send me” (6:8). This is the ever new response to the Lord's question: in which God touches and moves our “Whom shall I send?” (ibid.). hearts, should make us ever more This invitation from God's open to the need of our brothers and merciful heart challenges both the sisters for dignity and freedom, as Church and humanity as a whole in the well as our responsibility to care for current world crisis. “Like the disciples all creation. in the Gospel we were caught off guard The impossibility of gathering by an unexpected, turbulent storm. Pope Francis as a Church to celebrate the We have realized that we are on Eucharist has led us to share the the same boat, all of us fragile and experience of the many Christian disoriented, but at the same time communities that cannot celebrate important and needed, all of us called to Mass every Sunday. In all of this, row together, each of us in need of draws us in turn into his mission of love, even greater love (cf. Mt 5:38-48; Lk God's question: “Whom shall I comforting the other. On this boat… are and with his Spirit which enlivens the 22:33-34). send?” is addressed once more to us Church, he makes us his disciples and In the Paschal Mystery, divine all of us. Just like those disciples, who a n d a w a i t s a g e n e r o u s a n d sends us on a mission to the world and to mercy heals our wounded humanity and spoke anxiously with one voice, saying convincing response: “Here am I, its peoples. is poured out upon the whole universe. 'We are perishing' (v. 38), so we too have send me!” (Is 6:8). God continues to “The mission, the 'Church on the The Church, the universal sacrament of realized that we cannot go on thinking of look for those whom he can send ourselves, but only together can we do move', is not a programme, an enterprise God's love for the world, continues the to be carried out by sheer force of will. It mission of Jesus in history and sends us forth into the world and to the nations this” (Meditation in 's Square, to bear witness to his love, his 27 March 2020). is Christ who makes the Church go out of everywhere so that, through our witness herself. In the mission of evangelization, of faith and the proclamation of the deliverance from sin and death, his We are indeed frightened, liberation from evil (cf. Mt 9:35-38; disoriented and afraid. Pain and death you move because the Holy Spirit pushes Gospel, God may continue to manifest you, and carries you” (Senza di Lui non his love and in this way touch and Lk 10:1-12). make us experience our human frailty, The celebration of World but at the same time remind us of our possiamo fare nulla: Essere missionari transform hearts, minds, bodies, oggi nel mondo. Una conversazione con societies and cultures in every place and Mission Day is also an occasion for deep desire for life and liberation from reaffirming how prayer, reflection evil. In this context, the call to mission, Gianni Valente, Libreria Editrice time. Vaticana: San Paolo, 2019, 16-17). God Mission is a free and conscious and the material help of your the invitation to step out of ourselves for offerings are so many opportunities love of God and neighbour presents itself always loves us first and with this love response to God's call. Yet we discern to participate actively in the mission as an opportunity for sharing, service and comes to us and calls us. this call only when we have a personal of Jesus in his Church. The charity intercessory prayer. The mission that Our personal vocation comes from relationship of love with Jesus present in expressed in the collections that take God entrusts to each one of us leads us the fact that we are sons and daughters of his Church. Let us ask ourselves: are we from fear and introspection to a renewed God in the Church, his family, brothers prepared to welcome the presence of the p l a c e d u r i n g t h e l i t u rg i c a l realization that we find ourselves and sisters in that love that Jesus has Holy Spirit in our lives, to listen to the celebrations of the third Sunday of precisely when we give ourselves to shown us. All, however, have a human call to mission, whether in our life as October is aimed at supporting the others. dignity founded on the divine invitation married couples or as consecrated missionary work carried out in my In the sacrifice of the cross, where to be children of God and to become, in persons or those called to the ordained name by the Pontifical Mission t h e m i s s i o n o f J e s u s i s f u l l y the sacrament of Baptism and in the ministry, and in all the everyday events Societies, in order to meet the accomplished (cf. Jn 19:28-30), God freedom of faith, what they have always of life? Are we willing to be sent forth at spiritual and material needs of shows us that his love is for each and b e e n i n t h e h e a r t o f G o d . any time or place to witness to our faith peoples and Churches throughout every one of us (cf. Jn 19:26-27). He asks Life itself, as a gift freely received, is in God the merciful Father, to proclaim the world, for the salvation of all. us to be personally willing to be sent, implicitly an invitation to this gift of self: the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ, May the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, because he himself is Love, love that is it is a seed which, in the baptized, will to share the divine life of the Holy Spirit S t a r o f E v a n g e l i z a t i o n a n d always “on mission”, always reaching blossom as a response of love in marriage by building up the Church? Are we, like Comforter of the Afflicted, out in order to give life. Out of his love or in virginity for the kingdom of God. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, ready to be missionary disciple of her Son Jesus, for us, God the Father sent his Son Jesus Human life is born of the love of God, completely at the service of God's will continue to intercede for us and grows in love and tends towards love. No (cf. Lk 1:38)? This interior openness is (cf. Jn 3:16). Jesus is the Father's sustain us. one is excluded from the love of God, and essential if we are to say to God: “Here Missionary: his life and ministry reveal Rome, Saint John Lateran, in the holy sacrifice of Jesus his Son on am I, Lord, send me” (cf. Is 6:8). And his total obedience to the Father's will 31 May 2020, Solemnity of the cross, God conquered sin and death this, not in the abstract, but in this (cf. Jn 4:34; 6:38; 8:12-30; Heb 10:5- Pentecost 10). Jesus, crucified and risen for us, (cf. Rom 8:31-39). For God, evil – even chapter of the life of the Church and of sin – becomes a challenge to respond with history. Franciscus Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 13

Old Students Support New Sports he 1996-year group old students of Column Football Fixtures the St. Teresa's College of Alma Mater TE d u c a t i o n a t H o h o e h a v e academic ladder, encouraging them to impact presented assorted items to the school to lives wherever they found themselves. help fight the spread of COVID-19. Ms. Agodzo also appealed to the ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Monday, October 19, 2020 The items donated included two school's authority to ensure that they adhere Saturday, October 17, 2020 Verona vs. Genoa automated wash station, gallons of liquid to the COVID-19 protocols and put the items Everton vs. Liverpool Friday, October 23, 2020 soap, tissue papers and five thermometer to good use. West Brom vs. Burnley guns. Sassuolo vs. Torino The Principal of the College, Ms. Chelsea vs. Southampton At a short ceremony to present the Sophia Micah, also an alumna, commended Saturday, October 24, 2020 items, Ms. Cynthia Agodzo, organiser of the the group for the gesture and encouraged old Newcastle vs. Man Utd. Atalanta vs. Sampdoria group, said the donation was aimed at and current students to be good ambassadors Leicester vs. Aston Villa Genoa vs. Inter Milan giving back to their alma mater in of the college. Sheffield Utd vs. Fulham Lazio vs. Bologna appreciation of the holistic formation which She called on other year groups and Man City vs. Arsenal Sunday, October 25, 2020 has helped them reach various heights in well-meaning Ghanaians to support the Sunday, October 18, 2020 Cagliari vs. Crotone society. school and complement government's efforts Crystal Palace vs. Brighton Parma vs. Spezia She advised the students to take their in fighting COVID-19. Tottenham vs. Westham Benevento vs. Napoli studies seriously to enable them climb the From Felix A. Baidoo Monday, October 19, 2020 Fiorentina vs. Udinese West Brom vs. Burnley Juventus vs. Verona Leeds United vs. Wolves Friday, October 23, 2020 SPANISH LA LIGA Aston Villa vs. Leeds Utd. Sunday, October 18, 2020 Saturday, October 24,2020 Granada vs. Sevilla West Ham vs. Man. City Athletic Club vs. Levante Fulham vs. Crystal Palace Real Betis vs. R. Sociedad Man Utd. vs. Chelsea Real Madrid vs. Cadiz Liverpool vs. Sheffield Utd. Getafe vs. Barcelona Sunday, October 25, 2020 Huecsa vs. Valladolid Southampton vs. Everton Eibar vs. Osasun Wolves vs. Newcastle Villarreal vs. Valencia Arsenal vs. Leicester City Alves vs. Elche Celta Vigo vs. Atletico Madrid ITALIAN SERIE A Friday, October 23, 2020 Saturday, October 17, 2020 Elche vs. Valencia Napoli vs. Atalanta Saturday, October 24, 2020 Sampdoria vs. Lazio Valladolid vs. Alaves Inter Milan vs. Milan Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Crotone vs. Juventus Sevilla vs. Eibar *Ms. Agodzo (left) presenting the Sunday, October 18, 2020 Atletico Madrid vs. Real Betis items to the Principal. Bologna vs. Sassuolo Spezia vs. Fiorentina Sunday, October 25, 2020 Verona vs. Genoa Levante vs. Celta Vigo Torino vs. Cagliari Cadiz vs. Villarreal Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo Visits Udinese vs. Parma Getafe vs. Granada Roma vs. Benevento Real Sociedad vs. Huesca St. Victor's Major Seminary

he Cardinal Archbishop of Seminary Tamale, during which he themselves to be well formed to Jesus with passion. Ouagadougu and President of celebrated Mass for both staff and become good apostles. He also The Cardinal acknowledged and Tthe Symposium of Episcopal Seminarians on the memorial of St. challenged them to model their lives commended St. Victor's Major Seminary Conferences of Africa and Madagascar Therese of the Child Jesus - the Patron after the example of St. Therese of the for its multicultural and international (SECAM), His Eminence Philippe Saint of all Missionaries. Child Jesus, whose life and vocation nature, a development he observed fall in Nakellentuba Ouedraogo, recently In a brief homily, the Cardinal was characterised by love, noting that line with the vision of SECAM. paid a visit to the St. Victor's Major admonished the seminarians to allow they could only do this if they love Briefing them on SECAM, the Cardinal said it was founded in 1963 with the aim of presenting Jesus in an African way to Africans by the B i s h o p s o f A f r i c a a n d M a d a g a s c a r. A s r e g a r d s membership, he said SECAM currently has 504 Dioceses and 34 Episcopal Conferences, with evangelisation as their first priority and key focus also in the following areas: justice and peace, social communication, inculturation and self-reliance projects among others. Very Rev. Fr. Henry Te r w a s e A k a a b i a m , t h e Secretary of SECAM in a brief message to the seminarians stressed on the importance of collaboration, noting that it was i n d i s p e n s a b l e f o r t h e priesthood. He challenged the seminarians to take their studies seriously to gain the necessary knowledge for the mission. From Ernest Nabonasongo *Cardinal Ouedraogo with some Seminarians and Formators 14 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 their selfish interest and act against the good of the people and against The Church is Dead if it no Longer wise counsel. That said, I think a more perturbing problem is the lack of a reliable platform to enable Communicates– Fr. Mike Umoh, Nigeria Catholics know what their Bishops are saying in order to know how to heights have you experienced form their opinion on social issues The National Director of Social Communications of the Catholic Secretariat since your appointment as the thereby knowing where and how to of Nigeria (CSN), Padre Mike Nsikak Umoh, National Director of Social align their loyalty. But when the spoke his mind in an exclusive interview with the Communications of the Nigerian sheep do not even know what the Catholic Herald correspondent, Patrick Adaba Jr., on the Bishops' Conference (CBCN)? shepherds are saying, how can they importance of communication in the Church, his vision It has so far has been on the recent appointment in the Catholic follow them? I make bold to say, Secretariat of Nigeria, and other burning issues eventful. Since I resumed I have sad and strange as it may seem, in in the Church. held series of meetings with the my opinion, over 70 per cent of Secretary General to submit myself priests are often not aware of the to working with him in order to c o n t e n t o f t h e B i s h o p ' s guarantee success of the general a d r e M i k e U m o h , Church and obedience to my communiqués, so what do we and current vision of the Secretariat congratulations on your Bishop takes precedence. As for expect of the laity? This for me is as directed by the Bishops. I have Pd o c t o r a l d e g r e e i n the task at hand, so much has Fr. Umoh where the biggest task lies for my also met with the different Directors Communication Studies. But, already been done by past Directors new office. The question one must how did you combine full time and Heads of Departments to assure over the years but much more still be asking is: what is the best way to parish duty with your other internal communications within the them that the communication office needs to be done presently. By ensure that the people of God are r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s i n t h e Church as well as her interaction is there to serve them and enhance God's grace, I believe I am trained connected to their shepherd so that Archdiocese, coupled with a full for the task, may God take His glory with the secular society. their work. I have met with my Bishop Chairman to share my they are adequately informed and time doctoral programme in through my work. This sounds interesting and vision which I am presently mobilised to act for Christ both in faraway Port Harcourt? What is the major direction quite ambitious. Do you think the the Church community and in Thank you very much my y o u a r e d r i v i n g t h e Bishops will support this laudable developing on in the form of a temporal matters? This is a brother for having me. The only communications office towards at vision, and how can this help them media plan for the Catholic Church explanation to your question is this time; what will be your as a Conference? in Nigeria. Furthermore, I have met communication problem which grace. Only by grace, the grace of cardinal task as you commence My brother, what makes you with all my office staff to listen to m u s t b e s o l v e d t h r o u g h God, has this been possible. It was work? think the Bishops may not support them and to share my thoughts with c o m m u n i c a t i o n s a p p r o a c h . quite tough though, but the grace of God helping me, I hope to the vision? Did it sound too fantastic them, thus we are gradually Everyone needs to understand this God abounded and was sufficient. focus on two major areas. First is to or like what will cost a fortune to forming an understanding. We have problem, clergy, religious and the As it is said, the tougher the seek very concrete ways of execute? Well, it may interest you to a l r e a d y c o m m e n c e d m e d i a laity so as to cooperate in order to challenge, the more abounding the ensuring an effective and well- k n o w t h a t t h e n a t i o n a l campaign work for some of the achieve a lasting solution. grace. You know too that God's coordinated digital Catholic communications office is an organ of Directorates like the Pontifical Consequently, it is not that the Missionary Society and the Church g r a c e a b i d e s t h r o u g h t h e presence. I think that is long the Bishops' Conference as part of Bishops as a Conference are not and Society Office. Every aspect of instrumentality of human agents overdue. The second, closely their laid down structure to enhance working, rather it is more of the who use their God-given position related to the first, is to develop an unity in their work. In view of this, our life as a Church needs communication because by her case that their works are not to seek and do the will of God in efficient and comprehensive media the National Director is appointed by adequately proclaimed, even order to promote His kingdom. education programme for the whole the Administrative Board of the very nature, the Church is communication, just as fire is heat within the wall of the church, how T h i s h u m a n a g e n c y Church and particularly for all Bishops' Conference on behalf of the much less on the roof tops. This is particularly refers to our very pastoral agents. This has to do with entire Conference through rigorous and the sun is light. We cannot separate these attributes without the urgent task before us, the task visionary, selfless, unassuming and aggressive media education scrutiny. losing the essence of the subject. A being addressed through our media God-fearing Archbishop Alfred programme for all Catholics across The terms of reference give Church that is not communicating plan. Martins who believed in me and board. i n s i g h t i n t o t h e B i s h o p s ' e ff e c t i v e l y, m a y b e c a l l e d I s t h e n a t i o n a l gave me all the support I needed to Ta l k i n g a b o u t m e d i a expectations of what the Director something else, but not a Church; it communications director's office make pursuing the programme as education also consist of paying must do. These include: being a is a dead Church. Thus I am settling tenured? less burdensome as humanly special attention to already existing voice of the Bishop's Conference, into the new office, studying the Yes, the office is tenured. It possible. Of course, that was Church institutions offering this reporting the works of the Bishops as needs of the Church through the is three years per term and building on the opportunity earlier special service, like the Center for a Conference and as individuals, needs of the different offices in the renewable only once. So all things g i v e n m e b y o u r e m e r i t u s Study of African Culture and reporting the initiatives of the Secretariat and those needs I have Communications (CESACC) in the different Directorates of the Catholic being equal, the longest any Archbishop, Anthony Cardinal been aware of from my long Catholic Institute of West Africa Secretariat and their Departments, Director may stay in office is six Okogie. I am very grateful to them experience as a pastor in the parish. and to many other human agents (CIWA), which happens to me my managing the public image of the years. alma mater. There is the need to In your opinion, how By the time you are through who played one role or the other Church, providing communication successful has the Nigerian along the way. However, for me, explore ways of establishing solutions to pastoral matters, from this office, what would your affiliate bodies in different regions Bishop's Conference through the legacy be? the degree is only meaningful as defending the Church through media Catholic Secretariat been in much as it empowers me to of the country to offer simpler initiatives, and so on. It follows that Hmmmm.....at the end of certificate courses in media and fulfilling its mandate as the visible my tenure, whenever that will be, contribute my quota towards the there is actually nothing out of the symbol of the Catholic Church in d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e communications. These two way in all what I have shared, rather, by God's grace, I pray to be cardinal points will require a media Nigeria? communications apostolate in the they entail means of creating r e m e m b e r e d a s a N a t i o n a l plan that spells out the objective They are as successful as Church. effective structures that will Communications Director who and the set-goals towards achieving humanly possible. And I will add to Padre, you just took that facilitate achieving those goals. sincerely struggled to love Christ the primary vision. Such a media your question: Is it at its best? To from me now, because I was going Back to your question therefore, I and His Church and as such did put plan will enable all stakeholders to that, my answer would be that there to also congratulate you on your in all his God's given talents and understand the direction we are have no reason to doubt the support is obviously more that can be done. recent appointment as the treasures at the service of the going, so as to easily key into it. of the Bishops. The reality on ground as you can National Director of Social Church and humanity in order to Ve t e r a n s i n p a s t o r a l By the way, like every confirm is that our Bishops as a Communications for the Catholic create a robust network of communication and media studies Directorate or Department in the body meet twice in a year for their interactions among majority of Church in Nigeria. What does this have been engaged to contribute to C a t h o l i c S e c r e t a r i a t , t h e Conference, apart from all other new appointment really mean to this crucial national initiative on Communications Office has its own levels at which they meet, like at the Catholics in Nigeria and beyond. I you? which communication plans and Bishop Chairman who oversees the regional and provincial levels. At pray I would have also succeeded in Thank you again. My initiatives in all dioceses and plans, initiatives and activities of the these meetings, the Bishops discuss creating a viable Catholic social appointment as the National Catholic institutions in Nigeria will office. The Director works closely not only pastoral matters but also network connecting Catholics with Director of communications is for consequently derive their form and with him and shares his vision for the issues bordering on the good of the one another and the sheep to their me a rare privilege and a call to essence. A corollary to this effort office while he in turn liaises society. They often speak to power shepherds, with a significant serve the Church at the national will be the production of a media- between the Directorate and the on the ills plaguing our nation and growth of media culture in the level in an area I have passion for. use policy for all Church ministers Bishop's Conference. In this way, p r o v i d e g u i d a n c e t h r o u g h Catholic Church in Nigeria. I pray I Communications is a professional and personnel and for all Catholic there is a good system of ensuring instruments like communiqués and would have helped to amplify the discipline which the Church has institutions. This has become very that each bishop understands what is press statements. depth and tonality of the voice of invested heavily in training me in, necessary as a result of the cooking at the Directorate and is The ordinary man on the the Church in Nigeria and so that much as I personally do not enormous complexities brought mobilised towards contributing his street may not understand the engendered a coordinated voice for find it that easy leaving Lagos at about by the digital network and own quota towards the success of the import of these actions, but those in goodness in our society. So help this stage of my life to relocate to also because of the dangers these work in the Directorate. government definitely know, even me, God. faraway Abuja, loyalty to the new technologies pose to the W h a t c h a l l e n g e s a n d as they often seem consumed by Sunday, October 18 – Saturday, October 24, 2020 THE CATHOLIC STANDARD 15 TH Reflection on 29 SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Readings: Is 45:1, 4-6. /1 Thess. 1:1-5. /Mt 22:15-21. God's Word better place. It is therefore incumbent By Rev. Fr. Samuel Christopher Vodzogbe reference on the Day of Judgement. on all to contribute to the financial What are some of needs of the State as directed by Jesus. our religious obligations The earlier generation contributed to or duties? our education, health care, security The first two of the and other needs when we were Precepts of the Church growing up. It is now our turn to e c o n t i n u e o u r command us to keep sacred the contribute to those same needs of the reflections meant to Sundays and Solemnities and other new generation and those yet unborn. Wprepare us to celebrate Holy Days of Obligation and Governments that collect taxes the expectation of our encounter abstaining from our major economic are also enjoined to create the with Christ our King and Judge. activities (servile work). These conditions for the wellbeing of the We f o c u s t o d a y o n t h e precepts require the faithful to citizens like King Cyrus who discharge of our responsibilities participate in the worship activities Fr. Vodzogbe promoted cultural and religious emanating from our status as People ( M a s s ) w h e n t h e C h r i s t i a n freedom in his empire. This policy of God. community gathers Sundays and on enabled the Israelites who were exiled Drawing from the Gospel text sacred feast days. We actually grow in grace when by the Babylonians to return home, of today, we can divide our These religious duties are we make use of the nourishment from rebuilt the Temple and resumed the responsibilities into Civil and drawn from the mission of the Church the Table of the Word and of the full worship activities. Religious spheres: Give to Caesar itself: As a priestly nation called to Eucharist to transform our lives to For this singular act, Isaiah in what belongs to Caesar and to God sing the praises of God who brought become more and more Christ-like. the first reading referred to him as an what belongs to God, in reference to us out of darkness into his own The Church, as a missionary anointed of God, a messiah. Jesus' response to the question wonderful light, (I Peter 2:9) these society charged with the responsibility Just as citizens are obliged to regarding tax paid to the Roman precepts offers the guide to enable us of proclaiming the Gospel message to fulfil their civic obligations to the government and the Temple tax. fulfil our role of worshipping God and the whole world needs financial state to ensure that the government Payment of tax is not an in living our very identity as a resources to execute its mandate (Mt. runs, so also those who hold political option, but an obligation imposed on worshipping assembly. 28:18-20), hence the last Precept office are bound to provide the all citizens, failure of which attracts What is unique, however of obliges the faithful to give financial enabling environment for true punishment. our worship of God (as directed by support to the Church to carry out its freedom and the progress of the In the same vein, our religious the Precepts of the Church) is that it mandate. people. When these two obligations and civil obligations will be adds nothing to God's greatness, but Like the Church, the State also are met, we will contribute to making considered as obligatory and will be rather benefits us the worshippers, as needs resources to provide the the country a better place. What has used, I believe, as the point of Preface IV of weekdays puts it. services needed to make the country a been your contribution to this better world?

Health t r e a t m e n t r e g i m e m a y b e as dove, Neutrogena etc. remove instituted after a couple of months all dirt or make-up. Wash once or break. Pregnant women however twice a day, including after Column ACNE (2) exercising. However avoid By Dr. André Kwasi Kumah must not use it at all due to the possible undesired fetal effects. scrubbing or repeated skin washing TREATMENT The doctor could prescribe EXPECTATIONS · Shampoo your hair daily some medication to be taken to Acne usually goes away especially if it is oily. Comb or after the teenage years but could deal with the condition and also pull your hair out of your face. persist into the middle age. The discuss other options with the · R e g u l a r e x e r c i s e c o n d i t i o n o f t e n r e s p o n d s patient. positively to treatment after 6-8 improves maintenance of skin · Oral antibiotics such as weeks but could flare up from time cells by providing with oxygen tetracycline, doxycycline, to time. Scarring may occur if and nutrients while removing minocycline, erythromycin, severe acne is not treated. waste. A secondary effect of trimethoprim or amoxicillin Psychological effects such as low exercise is reduction of stress. self-esteem and in very extreme could help a number of patients. cases depression or suicide can What not to do: · Other topical antibiotics occur if the acne is not treated. As · Do not squeeze, scratch, that can be applied to the skin has been stated already this pick or rub the pimples since it i n c l u d e c l i n d a m y c i n , condition occurs more commonly can lead to skin infections and erythromycin or dapsone. in adolescents which is an age group in which they are not very scarring · Creams or gels that are chemical skin peeling, removal of 4-6 months and can cause socially secure and hence their · Avoid wearing tight effective include retinoic acid of scars by dermabrasion, or long-term resolution or s u s c e p t i b i l i t y t o t h e s e headbands, baseball caps and cream, benzoyl peroxide, removal, drainage or injection of reduction of acne. However psychological conditions. There other hats has also been a link between acne sulpher, resorcinol, azelaic acid cysts with cortisone. due to the side effects of this · Avoid touching your face and stress with the latter being or salicylic acid. · Blue and red light medication, it must only be blamed to bring on the former with your hands or fingers · Spironolactone or birth phototherapies with purpose- u s e d u n d e r t h e c l o s e according to scientific research. · Avoid greasy cosmetics control pills may help in cases of built fluorescent light have been supervision of a dermatologist. or creams and remove make-up at acne made worse by hormones. found to have positive results. SELF-CARE AT HOME About 25% of patients have night. Look for water-based or · Minor procedures that · A vitamin A derivative Steps you can take to help non-comedogenic products which been known to relapse after your acne: can be undertaken to help with drug known as isotretinoin have been tested and proven not to taking this medication and in · Clean your skin gently t h e c o n d i t i o n i n c l u d e which is marketed as accutane clog pores and cause acne. such instances a second with a mild, nondrying soap such photodynamic laser therapy, can be taken daily over a period AGM: Cardinal Dery Foundation he Board of Directors of the Cardinal Dery TFoundation is inviting a l l m e m b e r s o f t h e Foundation throughout the c o u n t r y t o a n A n n u a l General Meeting. The meeting will take SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020 – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020 place on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 10.00 am at the Parish Hall of Christ the King Catholic Church, Opposite Jubilee House, Bishop Boi-Nai Ordains Two Priests Accra. special way, companionship serve. with Christ and His mission of Bishop Boi-Nai expressed teaching, sanctifying and shepherding, thus making gratitude to the parents and other Christ's own body, the Church, family members of the ordinandi for grow continuously . generously offering their sons for the “Indeed, you are called to ministerial priesthood to serve God share in the priesthood of and the Church. b i s h o p s h e n c e , b y y o u r Rev. Msgr. Thomas Anamooh, consecration you are to preach of the St. Victor's Major the Gospel, share with all Seminary had presented the ordinandi humankind the Word of God to the Bishop for ordination after you have received with joy, meditate on the Law of God, having testified to their worthiness believe what you read, teach for the priesthood. what you believe, and put into On behalf of his colleague, Fr. practice what you teach”, the Megbenya expressed gratitude to Bishop stated. Bishop Boi-Nai, their Formators, Bishop Boi-Nai (middle) flanked by Frs. Owusu Mensah (left) and Megbenya (right) “Let the doctrine you will priests, their parents, benefactors and he Most Rev. Vincent Mass at the St. Martin's become true image of teach be true nourishment for all who in diverse ways assisted them Sowah Boi-Nai, SVD, Pastoral Centre at Sunson, C h r i s t t h r o u g h t h e the people of God and the during their formation. TBishop of the Yendi near Yendi. inspiration and guidance example of your lives attract the The Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe of the Holy Spirit in their Diocese recently ordained In a homily the Bishop followers of Christ, so that by Kumordzi, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Revs. Samuel Owusu Mensah reminded them that just as all ministry. He noted that as word and action you would Diocese and 20 Priests including Very and Joseph Epedze Megbenya baptised and confirmed persons priests, they share in a build up God's Church, making Rev. Fr. David Kajal, Vicar General Kwaku to the Priesthood at a they too have been called to every effort to die to sin and to of Yendi Diocese, concelebrated the walk in the new life of Christ”, ordination Mass. he admonished. A l s o p r e s e n t w e r e SUPPORT THE CATHOLIC STANDARD He further exhorted them Kindly help us continue to provide you with the electronic version of The representatives of some Church to seek to bring the faithful S o c i e t i e s , t h e R e l i g i o u s , Catholic Standard. together into a unified family We need your kind and generous donation. You can please send your donation to: Seminarians, families of the newly and always strive to follow the ordained priests and the faithful. MoMo number 0553921791 in the name of Standard Newspapers and Magazines example of the Good Shepherd or follow the information below to send us your support. From Rev. Fr. Prince Enoch who came not to be served but to Baffoe Welcome Mass held for New Nuncio to Ghana Pontifical High Mass to officially welcome AArchbishop Henryk M. Jagodziński, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana was held last Thursday, October 15, at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Accra. The Mass was presided o v e r b y A r c h b i s h o p Jagodziński and concelebrated by members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Archbishop Jagodziński A l a rg e n u m b e r o f Priests, the Religious, and the lay faithful attended the Mass. The Nuncio arrived in the country on September 8, 2020. He is the ninth Nuncio to Ghana. Look for an elaborate report on the welcome Mass in the next week's edition of The Catholic Standard.

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