Rev. Fr. Clement Obeng has been installed as the first Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua Parish at Goka in the Diocese of Sunyani on October 20, 2024 by Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Nketia, Dean of Sampa Deanery.
Fr. Andrew Nketiah in his homily explained to the parishioners that before a Rectorate is raised to a Parish status, there are a lot of activities involved which include the Bishop has to write to the Pope in Rome to be given the permission to raise a rectorate as a Parish.
He added that in the Catholic Church, a Priest is made a Pastor when he is appointed by the Bishop and installed by the Bishop or by a Dean on behalf of the Local Ordinary.
Fr. Nketiah encouraged the first Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua, Goka that though he would face painful experiences, he needs to stand firm, advising the parishioners to support their Pastor.
Speaking in correspondence to the Gospel of Mark 10:35-45, the Sampa Dean advised Fr. Obeng to always forgive because many people would offend him.
Adding that the faithful should pray for their priest, they should encourage them and they should talk with them when they notice that the Priest is silent because the priest when offended will not talk.
“The parishioners will not understand when you talk about your problems, they are more concerned about church projects” added Fr. Nketia.
He therefore advised the congregation to pay attention and give their support to their Pastor when he makes suggestions that might not be about Church projects, stating that all is not about church project in the church.
Fr. Nketia speaking further stated that Christianity is all about serving and not being served.
“We are ordained to serve the faithful and not for the people to serve us” he further stressed, Advising Fr Clement to be there for the people and to serve them as he was ordained to do.
Fr. Nketiah encouraged the parishioners that they should be ready and willing to support and sacrifice for the growth and development of the Parish with their resources and energy.
As part of the installation ceremony, Fr. Obeng was presented with the keys of the Parish as a symbol of authority, the Book of the Gospel to proclaim the good news, a Stole as the symbol of the priesthood, Sacred Oils for anointing and Baptismal pitche and bowl for baptism.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicator)
