A Ghanaian Comboni Priest working in Togo, Rev. Fr. Shane Degblor, MCCJ, has marked his 25th anniversary of Priesthood with the promise to be loyal and make every effort to live by the will of God as a Missionary.
The anniversary Mass held on October 21, 2023 at the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish Abor, in the Volta Region of Ghana was graced by two Prelates, the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumodji, SVD, Bishop pf Keta-Akatsi and Most Rev. Anthony Adanuty, Bishop Emeritus of Keta-Akatsi.
Also in attendance were scores of Priests from the Keta-Akatsi Diocese and Comboni Priests working in Ghana, Togo and Benin as well as Rev. Fr. Simon Ntshedi Shako, a South African Priest and a mate to Fr. Degblor.
In a homily, Rev. Fr. Francis Geraldo, Parish Priest of St. Joseph Quasi Parish, Afiadenyigba, commended Fr. Degblor for choosing to thank God after 25 years of missionary zeal.
He said it was right to be grateful to God because the strength one had was from God, “so we should not be proud and boastful.”
Fr. Geraldo told the faithful to be patient and pray for the Priests instead of judging them without knowing the details.
He urged them to be kind and supportive out of clear consciences; as he quoted a philosopher by saying, “Show kindness but don’t demand gratitude. “ “We should all keep our consciences alive.” He said.
He continued by saying we were called to catechetise one another as Philip did in from Acts 8:26-40 and encouraged the faithful to nurture the Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope and Love by sharing the fruits of these virtues as Christians.
In a goodwill message, Bishop Kumordji told Fr. Shane that after 25years, he was no longer young but a mentor to the young ones. “You’re not a young Priest, you’re a mentor.” He asserted.
He encouraged Fr. Degblor to move on in the faith and to bring more souls to Christ.
On his part, Bishop Adanuty expressed joy for witnessing the 25th anniversary of the one he had ordained 25 years ago, recalling that the quotations Fr. Degblor used for his ordination was the same quotations he (Adanuty) used for his 25th Episcopal anniversary.
He prayed that the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit may go before him and all Christians to prepare the heart of the people we preach to, before we meet them. He said this in his goodwill message.
The Comboni Provincial of the Ghana, Togo and Benin Province, Very Rev. Fr. Timotée Hounake also said that he identified one thing about Fr. Degblor, he has a good heart.
He urged Fr. Degblor to keep that good heart that made him touch many lives in many countries.
Fr. Degblor thanked the faithful for joining him to thank God and recalled two things Bishop Adanuty told him during his ordination: “Be hardworking god and be cautious”
He assured Bishop Adanuty that he kept the words he had given him and tried to live by them. He asked to be prayed for to enable him live by the will of God.
