Members of the African Religious Union of Ghana (ARUG) have converged in Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese to kick-start activities marking the climax of the Union’s 50th Anniversary celebration at the St. Kizito’s Pastoral and Catechetical Centre, Apowa.
The event, taking place from January 4 to January 8, 2024 under the theme: ARUG Beyond 50: The role of the Religious in evangelization in Ghana, brought together African Religious working in the Arch/Dioceses all over Ghana.
The opening ceremony started with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, the Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh at Christ the King Catholic Church, Effiakuma.
Bishop Attakruh, in his homily, extended a heartfelt welcome and hearty congratulations to the ARUG members, emphasizing with profound appreciation the role of the Religious in Evangelization mission of the Church.
He reminded the Religious that the different gifts and charisms are inspired by one and the same Spirit emphasizing the need for unity of purpose and common vision.
He stated that 50 years is a time to pause, stop, look back, look forward, listen to our hearts for God speaks there, stressing the need for ARUG to move on with vision.
He noted that John’s epistle could be summarized in one word love pointing out that love must be practical as exemplified by Jesus who loved and gave his life for us, urging us to incarnate Jesus in our lives and all we do.
Evangelization he added is to love and to lead people to the love of God, urging the Religious to eschew bitterness and disaffection that diminishes our appreciation of God’s love for us.
Bishop Attakruh added “Jesus calls us every day, we must say Yes to Jesus every day. When we discover the treasure Jesus, then we would be able to invite others to follow,” he stated.
The Sekondi-Takoradi Prelate exhorted the Religious not to be discouraged by obstacles but see them as opportunity to overcome and strengthen their faith and resolve to feel the urgency to go and spread the love of God.
Rev. Fr. Bernard Adjei Appiah traced the history of ARUG, highlighting the aims and objectives as: Better understanding of Religious life within the African context in order to make it meaningful to the African Religious and the world; fostering dialogue among the various Religious Congregations for a better communal witness of Christ’s love; promoting justice and peace for effective community living; fostering the spirit of promoting vocations to the Religious life and promoting ongoing formation programs for all Religious.
He intimated that as a way forward ARUG hopes to research and study the Biblical Foundation of the Religious life, the various Religious life styles Charisms and habits, current interpretation of the vows in the light of Vatican II and the different apostolates such as youth apostolate, Biblical apostolate, Catechesis, Family life.
Rev. Fr. Jacobson Dey, SVD, President of ARUG who welcomed the gathering expressed gratitude for the presence of the Most Rev. Gabriel Palmer-Buckle and Bishop John Baptist Attakruh.
He highlighted the motto of ARUG as “We live together, we pray together, work together to proclaim the love of Christ to the world”.
In a good will message, the President of Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic Priests Association while congratulating ARUG @ 50 said the celebration will make a significant impact in the life of African Religious serve as a catalyst for a continued collaboration, shared vision and urged them to look forward in hope and enthusiasm for the future.
There were goodwill messages from the Major Superiors of Ghana and other pioneer members of ARUG.
Source Depsocom Sekondi – Takoradi
