The Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, has admonished all Catholics to be missionaries by promoting fraternal community, friendliness, and socialization within the Church while also being mindful that the Church is not a club.
He made this profound statement during the concluding Mass of the Maiden Accra Archdiocesan Rosary Congress, where he shared three reflections: one centering on the gospel according to Luke, a reflection on the life of St. Luke, and the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Reflecting on the gospel reading, he noted the importance of being missionaries, where 72 disciples represented the universal mission of the church.
He also noted that Jesus sent His disciples to preach about the two sets of charity, which are the love of God and the love of neighbor, adding, “The Lord sends His disciples round to preach in twos in order to teach us that whoever fails the charity towards his neighbor should by no means take part in the office of teaching”.
The Apostolic Nuncio also stated that the gospel is not a privilege for a few but must be opened to all called “to bear witness throughout the world”.
He however noted that the purpose of missionary work is not to socialize, though “it is indeed important to foster fraternal bonds and to find communities united by shared abilities. However, the church is not a club”.
To the Youth, he advised that they go beyond their service as each one is called to be a missionary and disciple of God and the world.
He said, “Have courage. It is a beautiful thing to forget oneself and to give oneself for others. Each of us by virtue of baptism is called to be a missionary”.
In his second reflection, which centered on Saint Luke, he emphasized that each one has been given gifts and talents to serve the church and that Catholics are called to place their ability at the disposal of God’s people.
“Do not use your gift for yourself only but for others as well”, he stated.
Speaking on Marian devotion, he emphasized that the rosary is not a mere repetition of words, but a contemplative prayer.
Most Rev. Julien Kaboré described the rosary as a “Christocentric prayer”, noting that the mysteries of the rosary reflect the life of Christ.
Additionally, he also emphasised that rosary can be said anywhere and that the best way to prepare for mass is by praying the rosary, encouraging priests to pray at least a decade of the rosary always before celebrating mass.
The Apostolic Nuncio re-affirmed that the holy rosary is profoundly human and simple which teaches compassion and forgiveness.
By: Theodore Kpodo
