The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore has admonished Christians to use the celebration of Christmas to reach out to the needy and in the marginalised in society.
He said they should engage in charitable works, reach out to the lonely, visit the sick, and extend the joy and peace of Christmas to others.
- Most Rev. Kabore gave the advice at a Thanksgiving Mass to climax the 55th anniversary of the St John the Baptist Catholic Church at Odorkor-Tipper in Accra on Sunday.
The theme for the celebration is ” 55 years of Catholic Mission in Odorkor: Fostering the growth of Catholicism through selfless service- Lessons from the past.”
The year-long celebration wthnessed the episcopal visit of three Catholic bishops to the Parish. They are the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji (SVD), Catholic Bishop of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra and the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev Julian Kabore.
Highlights of the celebration included the Very Rev. Fr Hans Van Kempen Week Celebration( the longest serving priest of the church) in May, ordination of a member of the church as a Priest, Rev. Fr Paul Atidoh, in August, First Communion and Confirmation of some church members in August, mass wedding for some parishioners in November, Thanksgiving Mass and Awards night.
The Sunday School children were not left out as they turned up in their smart dresses to take part in the celebration.
The Apostolic Nuncio used the occasion to thank all Ghanaians for ensuring a peaceful election.
He also urged members of the church to promote love and unity and remain steadfast in their faith
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Matthew Mensah expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Nuncio for gracing the climax of the anniversary celebration of the Church.
The Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr Eric Adiasany, thanked God for guiding the church and bringing it this far.
He expressed the hope that the parishioners would show more sense of belonging.
St John the Baptist Parish is the first Catholic Church for the Nuncio to preside over a Mass since his appointment to Ghana.
Story by Augustine Cobba-Biney
Pictures: John Apprey
