This came to light as he celebrated Pentecost with congregants and members of Catholic Charismatic as they observe Pentecost at Our Lady Queen of Africa in Bolga. He indicated there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, emphasis was placed on four which are:

1. Love: love is not blind but clear sight or consciousness. However, Christians must do good to their neighbors without discrimination.
2. Joy: Christianity is not a religion of gloom, but life of happiness with trust and knowing that God is in charge. As Christian they live and share joy with everyone.
3. Peace: A genius Christians is a person that accepts whom he/she is and radiating it in the community. The world needs peace now more than ever before as we are confronted with conflicts and war almost everywhere.
4. Self-control: Christian must be in-charge of oneself and well disciplined. He indicated without self-control we won’t be able to progress. Failure to discipline one’s self will lead to self-distractions and condemnation.

In conclusion without the discipline and love the gift of the Holy Spirit in us is useless and valueless. He called on the congregants to pray for the gift and fruits of the Holy Spirit to strengthen them on their Christian journey and wherever they find themselves.

Story By: Asaah Philip

Also, addressing leadership succession in the church, Fr. Tabase asked believers to prioritize prayer for God’s intervention over campaigning, trusting in God’s guidance. Campaigning for church leadership is a sin, as he added.

In moments of uncertainty, Fr. Tabase urged his congregation to constantly look to God, who is the author and finisher of lives or destiny in all endeavors.

As the day was also a global “Mothers’ Day,” he reminded congregants of the importance of respecting Mothers, paraphrasing Chinua Achebe, “Mothers are Supreme,” and recalling the biblical duty to respect and honor our parents, which is the only biblical blessing with a promise (Ephesians 6:2-3).

This came to light in his sermon on the Theme: “Pray for Love and Unity in the Church.”

Story By: Asaah Philip

Drawing upon biblical references from Genesis and Ezekiel, Fr. Atongdem illustrated how ancient societies prioritized the comprehensive training and education of individuals, resulting in disciplined and virtuous communities. In contrast, he highlighted the challenges of today’s complex world, where parents must make deliberate efforts to instill responsibility, integrity, and transparency in their children. Neglecting this responsibility, he cautioned, could lead to societal decay and moral corruption, echoing the need for a renewed focus on ethical upbringing in contemporary society.

In conclusion, Fr. Atongdem reiterated the importance of compassion, sacrifice, and mutual care, urging individuals to extend love and support, especially to the elderly. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of self-care and nurturing marital relationships amidst the demands of parenthood and societal responsibilities.

The sermon, titled “Be a Good Shepherd after the Mind and Heart of Christ,” served as a important call to action for individuals to embrace their role as guides and nurturers in shaping a better future for generations to come.

Story By: Asaah Philip

“Many marriages in my opinion are suffering separation, while divorces continue to be in the ascendancy. Couples need to pray together when they finally tie the knot. The clergy is worried about this, and we need to make conscious efforts to make the marriage vocation attractive.” He narrated.

Bishop Alfred Agyenta also noted that the youth are the future of the church and should be well nurtured to reflect the teachings of the gospel. When the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bolgatanga launched its centenary celebration as a Parish, Bishop Alfred Agyenta also opined that a family that prays together would always stay together stronger.

“Conflict in families and the world, the practice of LGBTQA+ among others are factors that keep dwindling the population of the Catholic Church. This must be a worry to us as Christians. And I think it is time we strengthen our spiritual life and teach our children the God’s way.” Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta lamented.

History has it that the Sacred Heart Parish originated from the Missionaries of Africa who came from Navrongo to the Eastern part of Upper East Region and settled in Bolgatanga in 1925 to evangelize. It has produced seven new parishes since it creation. The OLA Parish in Bolga, St. Theresa Parish in Tongo, St. Martin de Porres Parish in Zuarungu, St. Anne’s Parish in Bongo, St. Joseph’s Parish in Bolga Soe and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sumbrungu and Paul’s Parish in Walewale. The parish also produced the St. Theresa’s Rectorate in Zorkor. The launch is on the theme: 100 years of walking together as a family.

Story By: Philip Asaah

Bishop Alfred Agyenta also noted that the youth are the future of the church and should be well nurtured to reflect the teachings of the gospel. When the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bolgatanga launched its centenary celebration as a Parish, Bishop Alfred Agyenta also noted a family that prays together would always stay together stronger. He observed that conflict in families and the world, the practice of LGBTQA+ among others are factors that keep dwindling the population of the Catholic Church.

History has it that the Sacred Heart Parish originated from the Missionaries of Africa who came from Navrongo to the Eastern part of Upper East Region and settled in Bolgatanga in 1925 to evangelize. It has produced seven new parishes since it creation. The OLA Parish in Bolga, St. Theresa Parish in Tongo, St. Martin de Porres Parish in Zuarungu, St. Anne’s Parish in Bongo, St. Joseph’s Parish in Bolga Soe and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Sumbrungu and Paul’s Parish in Walewale. The parish also produced the St. Theresa’s Rectorate in Zorkor. The launch is on the theme: 100 years of walking together as a family.

Story by:  Peter Agengre

The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Stephen Yakubu, has called on the Catholic Church to pray for peace in Bawku.

He acknowledged the church’s role in the various peace processes initiated in Bawku to ensure peace returned to the area, and appealed to the church not to relent on its efforts at ensuring peace.

The Minister made the call when the Papal Nuncio to Ghana called on him as part of his working visit to the Upper East Region.

Hon. Yakubu said the Regional Coordinating Council as part its initiative to ensure peace, had initiated moves to bring religious leaders together to intervene in the Bawku conflict to pave way for peaceful existence.

The Papal Nuncio, Most Reverend Henryk Mieczyslaw Jagodzinski, said the Catholic Church would continue to play its role in the peace building process for nation building.

He said Pope Francis established a special office for Human Integral Development, and Cardinal Tuckson was the first to occupy the office.

He said the church was concerned about wars in the world, especially in Gaza, and would continue to play its role to ensure peace.

As part of his working visit in the region, the Papal Nuncio would visit the Tarikom Reception Centre, meet with the Ghana Refugee Board, the UNHCR, and later celebrate mass for the refugees at the Centre.

The Papal Nuncio would also present items to the asylum seekers.

Source – gbcuraonline.com

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has expressed concern over the increasing economic challenges faced by Ghanaians and has urged the government to intensify its efforts in stabilizing and improving the country’s economic trajectory.

In a communiqué released at the conclusion of its annual plenary assembly in Sunyani, Bono Region, from November 6-18, 2023, the Conference acknowledged the global economic crisis’s impact on Ghana and appreciated the government’s efforts.

However, they noted the need for improved economic management and expressed the view that the country’s reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is indicative of inadequate economic stewardship.

The statement emphasized that the current economic difficulties are reaching an intolerable level for Ghanaians and called on the government to take immediate measures to stabilize the economy, providing relief to citizens grappling with the prevailing challenges.

Additionally, the Catholic Bishops urged the government to adopt appropriate strategies for policy implementation, reduce its size, minimize wasteful expenditures, prioritize the common good, and review and rectify any abuses related to benefits outlined in Article 71 of the Constitution of Ghana.

Aligning with the theme of their Plenary Assembly, the Bishops encouraged all Ghanaians to engage actively in matters of national importance, fostering a spirit of co-responsibility.

They also called on citizens to willingly bear their fair share of sacrifices for the benefit of future generations.

Source : gbcuraonline.com