Preaching at the opening Mass of the Society of African Missions (SMA) Ghana Province’s 2nd Provincial Assembly, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, called on missionaries to embody the Christlike compassion of St. Peter Claver, the patron saint of slaves, African missions, and interracial justice.
The Archbishop recalled that St. Claver fought the evils of slavery “simply by treating every human being as a child of God and letting his Christlike example work on hearts and consciences.”
He urged participants to walk alongside those burdened by mental, physical, and social injustices, assuring them: “Our message to them is, you are not walking alone.”
Archbishop Kwofie further challenged the Church in Ghana to raise new Mother Teresas, Fr. Campbells, and other modern-day saints who dedicate their lives to serving humanity with compassion and zeal.
“We are sent out to preach the Good News to those who are suffering,” he emphasized.
The 10-day Assembly, running from Monday, 8th September to Wednesday, 17th September 2025, is being held at the SMA Ghana Provincial House in Accra. Its opening ceremony on Tuesday, 9th September coincided with the feast of St. Peter Claver.
This year’s Assembly brings together 17 delegates and invited guests, including Friends of the SMA, under the theme: “Missionaries of Hope: Called to proclaim the Gospel to the most abandoned in Africa, with Africa and from Africa.”
The gathering seeks to rekindle the missionary flame and renew the Province’s commitment to evangelization and service to the marginalized.
By Theresa Kpordzo
