The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, has reminded newly ordained Catholic priests that the priesthood is a divine gift of service and not a means of attaining personal honour or prestige.
Delivering the homily during the priestly ordination of four members of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Ghana Province, at the Our Lady Queen of Africa Catholic Church, Oshuiman, Accra, on 25th June, 2026, Most Rev. Kaboré challenged the priests to embrace humility, authenticity, and compassion throughout their ministry.
Priesthood is never a career process,” he said. “It is a gift, not a path to prestige.”
The Archbishop urged the newly ordained priests to become authentic shepherds who would faithfully serve God’s people without discrimination.
“Do not seek perfection in your priesthood because you are not angels. Seek authenticity, not fame. If you are a priest, be a true priest; do not pretend,” he advised.
He encouraged them to remain approachable and never neglect the poor, the sick, the suffering and those searching for hope.
“Do not make differences among people,” he said. “Do not forget the poor, the sick, the suffering and those seeking guidance.”
Archbishop Kaboré acknowledged that priestly life would present moments of loneliness and disappointment but reminded the ordinands that God’s grace would always sustain them.
“There will be moments when you will feel disappointed and lonely, but remember that priesthood rests not on your strength but on God’s grace.”
Entrusting their ministry to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he encouraged the priests to pray the Holy Rosary daily.
“Never spend a day without praying the Holy Rosary if you want your priesthood to be fruitful.”
He concluded by appealing to Catholics to continue praying for priestly vocations. “We need many and holy priests,” he said.
The four newly ordained priests are Rev. Osei-Owusu Barnabas, Rev. Joseph Valentine Amoah, Rev. Justin Kwame Amissah and Rev. Walter Kofi Tottoh, who now begin their missionary ministry under the Society of African Missions.
By Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatch
