The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, has challenged the Catholic Church in Ghana to use its upcoming 150th anniversary as an opportunity for genuine spiritual renewal, stronger communion and renewed commitment to evangelisation rather than limiting the milestone to elaborate celebrations.
He said the anniversary should inspire the Church to examine its mission, strengthen relationships among its members and respond more effectively to the spiritual and social needs of the people.
Most Rev. Kaboré made the call in his address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Plenary Assembly of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) at Our Lady of Grace Senior High School, Mamponteng, on Monday, 9th November, 2026.
Reflecting on the Plenary Assembly’s theme, “Communion, Participation and Mission: Preparing the Catholic Church in Ghana for Her 150th Anniversary,” the Apostolic Nuncio emphasised that the three dimensions should shape not only the Church’s deliberations but also its daily life and pastoral activities.
He urged the Church to ensure that the anniversary became a period of meaningful transformation, recalling the sacrifices of the early missionaries and generations of Catholics who helped establish and transmit the faith in Ghana.
“The 150th anniversary should therefore not be only a season of solemn celebrations; it should become an occasion of genuine spiritual and pastoral renewal for the entire Church in Ghana,” he stressed.
On communion, Most Rev. Kaboré explained that unity was rooted in the life of the Holy Trinity and should find practical expression in dioceses, parishes, religious communities and Church institutions.
He called for mutual trust, sincere dialogue, support and concern for the good of the entire Church, noting that communion among the Bishops should extend to all members of the Catholic community.
Addressing participation, he reminded the faithful that involvement in the Church was not merely an administrative arrangement but a responsibility arising from baptism.
“Every baptised person has received dignity, vocation and responsibility within the Church,” he said.
He consequently encouraged greater involvement of priests, consecrated persons, catechists, women, young people and lay faithful in the life and decision-making processes of the Church.
He also challenged diocesan and parish pastoral councils to function effectively as instruments of consultation and shared responsibility, urging Church leaders to listen attentively, particularly to people whose voices are seldom heard.
On mission, the Apostolic Nuncio stressed that proclaiming Jesus Christ and sharing the joy of the Gospel remained the fundamental reason for the Church’s existence.
He cautioned that communion without mission could become self-serving, while participation without mission could be reduced to the mere distribution of responsibilities.
He further identified formalism, intellectualism and complacency as three temptations the Church must avoid as it prepares for the anniversary.
According to him, elaborate celebrations, programmes and commemorative publications would have little significance if they did not lead to substantial renewal in the Church’s spiritual and pastoral life.
He also warned against excessive discussions, reports and resolutions that remained disconnected from the everyday experiences and struggles of the faithful.
Drawing on the vision of Pope Francis, Most Rev. Kaboré encouraged the Church in Ghana to become a Church that journeys together, listens and remains close to the people.
He said listening should begin with the Holy Spirit and extend to one another, including those who express concerns, disappointment and criticism.
“A bishop who listens does not diminish his authority; rather, he exercises it with greater wisdom,” he observed.
He further urged the Church to demonstrate closeness, compassion and tenderness, particularly towards families experiencing difficulties, young people searching for direction, the elderly, the poor and those facing social exclusion.
Looking beyond the 150th anniversary, the Apostolic Nuncio challenged the Bishops to consider the kind of Church they would want future generations to inherit when the bicentenary is celebrated.
He said the Church must strive to be deeply rooted in faith, united in charity, attentive to the Holy Spirit, close to the poor and courageous in proclaiming the Gospel.
Quoting a reflection shared by Pope Francis, he noted: “The Church is always the same. What we can do is to create a new way of living the same Church.”
He concluded by expressing hope that the preparation towards the anniversary would become a season of grace for the Catholic Church in Ghana, strengthening communion among the Bishops and the entire People of God.
By Theresa Kpordzo // Newswatchgh.com
