The Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana (CMSR-GH) has lauded the simplicity and commitment to duty of the Most Rev. Henryk Jagodzinski, the outgoing Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana.
“Your simplicity and your person have endeared you to many. We, members of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious have experienced your proximity and closeness,” said Very Rev. Fr. Paul Saa Dede Ennin, SMA, President of the Conference in a message at a farewell ceremony for the Nuncio at the Christ the King Parish, Accra.
The July 2, 2024 farewell ceremony was organised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference as the Nuncio leaves Ghana for South Africa and Lesotho to take up his new mission on behalf of the Holy Father.
Fr. Ennin extolled the Nuncio’s availability, listening ear and wise counsel, saying, “You made it a duty to attend our meetings each time we called upon you, coming with us as far as Wa, to honour His Eminence, late Cardinal Richard Bawoobr. M.fr.”
According to the CMSR-GH President, “Through your (Nuncio) instrumentality we got our new Statutes as a joint conference approved by the Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.”
“We will miss your sense of humour and wise guidance. But, our loss is South Africa’s gain,” Fr. Ennin who is the Superior of the Society of African Missions (SMA) said, adding, “We wish you well as you leave the shores of the Black Star for that of the Rainbow nation.”
He thanked Archbishop Jagodzinski for who he is, praying to God to richly bless him and his ministry in South Africa and Lesotho.
On a personal note, Fr. Ennin narrated his first encounter with the Nuncio, saying, “The first time I got really to interact with His Excellency, was a visit he paid to the SMA Provincial House, Amamoley, during the SMA Provincial Annual Conference in November 2020.”
“It was the Covid-19 time. I was not in my nose mask when he arrived and I welcomed him. So, he asked if one was allowed not to wear the mask. I responded that I struggle with the nose mask, especially breathing, so I do not wear it when at home,” he stated.
Then, the Nuncio said, “Am I permitted to feel at home with you by removing mine”. Sure, your Excellency, Fr. Ennin responded saying, “if you are more comfortable without it, why not. And he did remove the mask.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Leadership of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana paid a courtesy call on Archbishop Jagodziński to bid him farewell to South Africa.
The visit forms part of the cordial relationship between the Apostolic Nuncio and the Leadership of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious, Ghana.
Fr. Ennin, the President of the Conference who led the delegation, commended the Apostolic Nuncio for his posture of simplicity, availability, counsel and guidance towards his pastoral care.
His Excellency, Most Rev. Henryk Mieczysław Jagodziński now appointed by the Holy See to the Republic of South Africa and Lesotho recalled his wonderful experiences he encountered during his visits to many communities and churches in Ghana.
He noted that, he enjoyed the traditional reception and relationships built during the period of his four year stay in Ghana.
He offered special blessings to the leadership of the Conference and admonished them to keep working faithfully to achieve all their set goals.
The Leadership of the Conference included Sr. Francisca Damoah, SIJ and Vice President of the Conference, Fr. Vitus Edem Yao Mensah, OFM Conventual, Executive Council Member, Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, Sr. Brigid Andoh, SSL.
The others were Bro. Paulinus Toh Kisam, OH, Fr. Reginald Tiesaah, SJ , Bro. Cyprian Gadeebo, FMS and Sr. Theodora Adzayawo, SMMC, the Executive Secretary of the Conference.
The Conference presented some Ghanaian gifts to the Nuncio on behalf of the Religious and Consecrated Men and Women in Ghana.
By Robert Mawuenyegah
