The mission mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ: “Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” Mt. 28:19-20 has been understand by Friar Martino CORAZZIN and with courage set out to Spain and finally to Ghana to accomplish the missionary work.
The Catholic Diocese of Sunyani in Ghana has acknowledged the good work done by Friar Martino CORAZZIN who was the Parish Priest in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Penkwase – Sunyani from 1998 to 2014. Friar Martino has been recognised when the Bono Ahafo celebrated its golden jubilee, some streets have been named after Friar Martino, he has been made a development chief and ultimately the Church has also decided to recognise him for his significant role in building schools, Churches, provision of potable water (boreholes), charity alleviation of many youths and pastoral presence.
On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, the Bishop Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi GYAMFI petitioned the Holy Father Pope Francis to honour Fr. Martino CORAZZIN with Papal Honour Pro ecclesia et Pontifice. On 6th July, 2024 at the Christ the King Cathedral in Sunyani alongside many Christian faithfuls who were also with Papal and Episcopal awards. The programme was attended by the Most. Rev. John Yaw AFOAKWAH, Bishop of Obuasi Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku ATUAHENE, Bishop of Goaso Catholic Diocese, Regional Minister of Bono Region Hon. Justina Owusu Banahene, priests, consecrated men and women, chiefs, queen mothers and opinion leaders.
On the 7th July, 2024 Friar Martino CORAZZIN who celebrates 50th anniversary of Priestly ordination joined the Sacred Heart Parish to thank God for the gift of the Priestly ministry and the papal award. In the mass, Friar Martino highlighted the pillars that has been his strength all these years as his manifesto in his preaching on his ordination thanksgiving Mass on 6th April, 1974: Daily listening to the Word of God; Humility in sincerity of heart; True sincere prayer that embraces all life which goes against formal prayer; Daily presence among the people; Renunciation of self and putting the interest of the people first; Renewal of daily vows to the Lord.
We thank God for the presence of Friar Martino CORAZZIN in the Custody of Ghana and the impact he has played in the life of many in Kwesiminstim in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, in Sunyani, Sacred Heart Parish at Penkwase and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Elmina.
Friar Vitus Edem Yao MENSAH, Provincial Custos
