Two Ghanaian Priests of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Rev. Fr. Fabian Gbortsu and Rev. Fr. James Owusu-Yeboah , immediate past Ghana Regional Superior of the SMA have celebrated their Silver Jubilee of priesthood with a Mass at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ashaley Botwe in Accra, Ghana on August 25, 2024.
The celebration brought together families, friends, loved ones, priests from the SMA fraternity and parishioners of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic to give thanks God for the lives of Silver Jubilarians for their priestly journey.
A guard of honour was mounted for both priests by the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary from the St. Francis of Assisi and Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Madina Commanderies.
In a homily, Very Rev. Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, the Ghana Regional Superior of the SMA praised the two celebrants for their courageous and humble responses to the call of God into the priesthood.
He was also delighted for their twenty-five years of celebrating Sacraments, bringing joy and comfort to humanity, preaching the Word, inspiring and challenging the flocks of God, serving the poor, comforting the afflicted and accompanying the faithful, in times of joy and sorrow.
Fr. Ennin, recounted some found memories he had with the celebrants in Nigeria some years ago. He stated “as we reflect on your journey, we remember the early years, filled with enthusiasm and idealism in Bauchi and Kano, the challenges, trials, and triumphs amidst the religious crisis of Northern Nigeria, the moments of doubt, overcome by faith, the countless blessings, joys, and love”.
He said “As you celebrate this milestone, we honour your dedication, perseverance, and love. May this anniversary be a time of Gratitude for the past, Renewal for the present, Hope for the future”.
“Frs. James and Fabian, as we honour your 25 years of ministry, we pray that like Peter, the Words of the Lord remain your source of eternal life as you choose Jesus every day. In doing this remember the importance of nurturing body, mind, and spirit” he advised.
FR. Ennin advised the silver jubilee celebrants that as they are poised for the next chapter of their priestly journey, they should first of all, prioritise their health and well-being.
This, he said, involves taking care of their physical health. “Your body is a temple, honour it”, he emphasised.
He asked them to cultivate spiritual growth, saying, “Continue to deepen your relationship with God. Seek spiritual direction and guidance and Nurture your soul through meditation on the Word of God, prayer, reflection, and silence.”
“Embrace self-care and boundaries: the energy is not the same as when you started. Learn to say “no” when necessary. Surround yourself with supportive people” he entreated.
He also asked them to stay connected and be community-oriented, emphasising, “Nurture friendships and relationships; both of you are good at that; Remember, priesthood is a journey with others”.
On spiritual reflections, Fr. Ennin, counseled them to stay grounded in humility, compassion, and love. “Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, your heart filled with joy” he pointed out to the celebrants.
Mr. Dominic Atuahene Ababio, the Parish Pastoral Council chairman of the St. Francis of Assisi community, on behalf of the Parish, commended Frs. Gbortsu, and Owusu-Yeboah for their display of compassion, wisdom, and devotion, and many countless lives they have touched through their ministries.
He prayed for God’s continuous blessings upon their ministries.
