Under the directive of Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, for all men in the Archdiocese to form one body, the Catholic Men’s Association has officially been inaugurated in the Accra Archdiocese to unite all men to promote evangelization and service to the church.
The inauguration took place at the St. Michael Garrison Church, 37 under the theme, “Faith in action: Strengthening the role of Catholic men in the evangelization and service” which brought all men from the various deaneries under the Archdiocese of Accra.
Present at the inauguration Mass was the Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Accra, who led the men in prayers and officially inducted the executives of the Association into office.
In his homily, Bishop Asare commended the men for how far they have come in order to form the association and noted that the theme for the day was both “timely and inspiring”
He said, “This historic moment is not only a testimony of your commitment to the church but also a bold witness to your witness to serve God and humanity with renewed vigor. The theme you have is both timely and inspiring in our world today.”
Bishop Asare also encouraged the men to extend their mission beyond their homes and parishes by serving the nation.
“As Catholic men, your mission goes beyond your homes and parishes. You are called to be pillars of integrity, defenders of truth and torchbearers of evangelization. The church needs men of strong faith who are ready to serve selflessly, lead families in prayer and contribute to actively to parish life and social transformation”, he added.
Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare raised concerns about the recent divisions in the church and urged the Catholic Men’s Association to be united in whatever they do.
“Even though diversity brings something good, it is not all diversity that we need… Every society is doing things on their own and showcasing themselves and yet the compound of the church is dirty. In unity is our strength”, he noted.
Speaking on the theme, Peter Amaleboba Esq., Founder and Managing consultant at Amal Law and ADR Consult highlighted the importance of men’s role in serving the Church and the country.
According to Mr. Amaleboba, men who become leaders must prepare themselves through prayer, scripture and the sacraments.
He said, “Men do not stool into leadership. Neither do they grow into it. Men do not become leaders by accident. They must be prepared. In scripture, leaders are formed. Moses shaped Joshua, Paul trained Timothy, elders were tested for self-control, fidelity and good stewardship.”
He noted that being a leader means “financial discipline, community and parish life, mentorship by receiving guidance and passing it on”.
Mr. Amaleboba also urged the men to prepare themselves for the roles given to them as leaders, noting that “with preparation, men become light on the hill, visible examples of Christ’s love and servants of God’s mission.”
He also encouraged the men to model fidelity, gentleness and financial visibility in order to express their faith in action in the church and country.
He added, “Evangelization begins at the dinner table when our children see our prayer, our love, and our humility in conflict. Service begins when we carry burdens together.”
During the Mass, some members of the Association were awarded for their services to the Church and their contributions made towards the success of the formation of the Association.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya
