Most Reverend Dr Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi says people must be ready to either suffer vilification or glorification depending on what they decide to do with the life God has given them.
Speaking about the happenings in his 87 years of life in the world in his autobiography titled “From the Hut to Oxford”, the famous but retired Catholic priest said one would be praised or criticised in what they choose to do in life.
Narrating many unpalatable ordeals he suffered because of his vocal nature, Most Rev Dr Sarpong said his sermons and journeys were monitored by some government heads when he served as Priest in Kumasi.
He mentioned the embarrassing ordeal in JFK Airport where he was searched like a fugitive just because one particular government suspected him of nursing a presidential ambition.
“I, in this 386 page book detail my life from my parents hut in the remotest part of the Ashanti Region where God’s grace enabled me to have education to the point of studying in the world’s most prestigious Oxford university in Great Britain”
The Archbishop Emeritus recounted several meetings with people across the world with each having a mind of his own and a unique belief system.
He wondered why people thought having money and wealth was the only sign of success in life.
With many having their own views about him, Archbishop Sarpong said he was clear in his mind what he wanted to do for God for the grace he had received to serve as a priest in the Roman Catholic church.
Noted for his innovations in the Catholic church including the introduction of traditional drumming and dancing, the revered priest summed up his writings as pieces to console and to encourage.
“In this autobiography just like many other books I have written earlier, my aim has been to write to console and encourage people all over the world”, the Most Rev Dr Sarpong summed up.
Recounting his fond memories of the famous priest, Mr J.A Kufuor, former President of Ghana said he found in Archbishop Kwasi Sarpong a man deep in thought and deed when he encountered in the halls of Oxford in the early 1960’s when they both went to study in the UK.
The former President urged the youth to emulate the humility and humaneness of the retired Catholic Bishop as he bought the first two copies of the book for GHC 20, 000.00.
Kantinka Sir Dr Donkor Fordjour, first Managing Director of the Agric Development Bank (ADB) said the retired Bishop has been diligent and transparent in all his dealing.
He noted that the deep wisdom and sobriety of Archbishop Kwasi Sarpong draws people to him easily.
Most Rev Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi noted with admiration the profound humility of the retired Archbishop.
He posited that the retired Catholic Bishop possessed profound wisdom and knowledge which made him a constant reference point any time issues of faith came about.
Dr Samuel Sarpong, speaking to the Ghanaian Observer newspaper recounted with fond memories the times he was taken to the Archbishop’s house to eat and share fellowship with the priest of God.
He noted his dad was a friend to Archbishop Kwasi Sarpong and had the luxury of being at the former’s house every weekend to learn at his feet.
Summing up, the Chairman of the Council of State, Nana Otuo SIRIBOE II said the life and ministry of Archbishop Kwasi Sarpong make him an epitome of wisdom which is worthy of emulation.
He urged the current generation to tap into the life and lessons of the retired Catholic Bishop so that they can influence their generation positively.
Source: Michael Ofosu-Afriyie
