On August 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., a three-fold celebration took place at Christ the King Catholic Church, in Effiakuma, near Takoradi, Ghana. This was a unique celebration, not seen since the mission in Ghana began.
Five friars professed their solemn vows. They are Friars Kofi Evans APPAU, Prosper YAW-KUMAH, Paul KUSI, Stephen ADUSEI and Ebenezer Kwabena ARTHUR. Five brothers celebrated various jubilees: Friar Martino CORAZZIN (50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood); Friar Joseph Kwame BLAY (25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood); Friar David Marion KWAW (40th anniversary of profession of solemn vows); Friar Paul DOGBE (40th anniversary of profession of temporary vows) and Friar Emmanuel Oposika ACQUAYE (25th anniversary of profession of temporary vows). The Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana also celebrated the 30th anniversary of its erection as a Provincial Custody.
In attendance was the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi Takoradi, the Very Reverend Father Francis Kofi LEMAIRE, who represented the bishop. Others attending included priests, members of men’s and women’s religious institutes, friars, family, friends, parishioners and people of goodwill. Before the Mass, an honor guard comprised of the Knights and Ladies of St. John International was assembled for the jubilarians who inspected the parade. Due to ill health and other exigencies, only two of the jubilarians were present for the celebration: Friars Martino CORAZZIN and Joseph Kwame BLAY.
The Mass was presided over by the Provincial Custos, Friar Vitus Edem Yao MENSAH. In his homily, he advised the newly-professed, as well as all present, not to waste time building hopes on false securities. Instead, he urged them to look to Jesus as their only sure foundation and to make Him their primary focus. He also exhorted the newly professed to emulate the older friars who have made great efforts in their vocation and are celebrated as beacons of hope in the Custody. The jubilarians were offered citations, Papal blessings and “token envelopes” [often containing a monetary gift or a small token of gratitude] for their dedicated service.
As we thank God for this three-fold celebration, we are also grateful to Christ the King Catholic Church and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for their generous contribution to this occasion, and to all who made this beautiful and colorful celebration possible.
Friar Francis Pascal AFFUM, Custodial Secretary
