Serious Catholics Enter the World of Social Media to Tell the Truth” – Says Catholic Archbishop of Accra

The Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra has reiterated the significance of social media in evangelisation due to the rise of misinformation and lies in the digital era.

During the ordination of 12 young men in the Archdiocese of Accra at the St. John the Baptist Church, Odorkor Tipper, Archbishop Kwofie emphasised the need for Catholics, especially seminarians to utilise social media for evangelisation.

He said, “Serious Catholics and especially those who seek to become Priests use the phone to seek the truth and evangelise the world than telling toxic lies.”

According to him, “any seminarian who tells lies on the social media or at any instance is not made for the priesthood.”

In his message, Archbishop Kwofie raised concerns about the emergence of false news in the media due to the advancement of technology.

He noted that, “The phone culture is filling the world with lies and fake news.”

In addition, Archbishop Kwofie reflected on the nature of the priesthood stating, “By ordination, we share the same priesthood of Christ.

Christ works through us. By ordination, we are consecrated by Christ to offer a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.”

He also highlighted that despite their calling, the newly ordained priests are not immune to human weaknesses, referencing Hebrews 5:2, which notes that Christ calls them to be priests not for their strength but because they are human.

“Pope Leo says we often see priests wearing unblemished cassock and vestments but they are covering a weak body. We are real men with real struggles. We are real men with silent wounds even to the point where they fester as if it has no cure”, he added.

Addressing the news Priests, he said that when priests offer sacrifices, they “offer it first for their sins and then for the sins of the world (Heb 5:3).”

He also stated, “We offer it to ask forgiveness for our sins and for those who have lost their ways and have gone astray.”, highlighting the weakness of the human person who becomes a Priest.