At this year’s Chrism Mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, Accra, the Very Rev. Fr. Raymond R. Osei-Tutu, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, called on Priests to return to the heart of their vocation by renewing their Priestly commitment.
In his thought-provoking homily on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Fr. Osei Tutu explained that the title “Christ” meant “the Anointed One” and emphasised how Jesus, as the “Oiled One,” sets the model for the priesthood.
Drawing from the Scriptures, he traced Christ’s anointing at baptism and mission to bring healing and liberation, tying it to the liturgical significance of the Mass of the Blessing of Oils.
The homilist invited the clergy to acknowledge their shortcomings, likening some of their failings to Judas’ betrayal.
He questioned the sincerity with which Priests uphold their ordination promises, calling on them to reflect on whether their actions mirror the sacred oils they receive—oils meant to bring healing, salvation, and holiness.
“O Judas, come back home,” he urged, encouraging Priests to reclaim their calling with integrity and humility.
Fr. Osei Tutu challenged the Clergy to assess their liturgical and pastoral use of the oils—Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism.
He raised questions about how the oils were received, used, and respected in Parishes, underlining the spiritual and canonical responsibilities that come with their use.
“Were we mere dispensers, or were we spiritually disposed?” he asked, urging Priests to practice what they preach and handle the Sacraments with reverence.
Closing his homily, he reminded the congregation that the oils being distributed were not just substances, but a symbol of the Archbishop’s spiritual presence in every sacrament throughout the Archdiocese.
“Arise Catholic Faithful, Rejoice and Renew!” he proclaimed, echoing the Jubilee Year’s call to hope and revival.
The Mass was presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, the Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp and concelebrated by his two Auxiliary Bishops , the Most Revs. Anthony Narh Asare and John Kobina Louis and 220 Priests.
Present at the Mass were scores of Religious, Seminarians from the St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary, Papal Knights and Dames and the Lay faithfuls within the Archdiocese.
In a remark, Archbishop Kwofie, called on all Priests to invest in education and schools manned by them as there were more opportunities out there for the Priestly ministry.
He encouraged parishes to have outstations to enable the church grow, calling on all clergy and religious to be supportive to the growth of the Catholic community.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
