Ghanaian Catholic Community of Chicago finally inaugurated

Sunday, February 5, 2017, Chicago IL: Finally, the Ghanaian Catholic Community of Chicago was officially inaugurated at the St. Malachy + Precious Blood Parish, 2248 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago IL 60612. To be sure, this was the First-Ever inauguration of the Ghanaian Community of Catholic worshipers in Chicago by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, with the personal blessings and well-wishes of His Eminence Cardinal Blase Joseph Cupich!

This most-vibrant Ghanaian Catholic Community was formed out of the passion of a few Ghanaian immigrants in the Chicago area, Catholics by faith, who had the spiritual desire to unite all Catholics of Ghanaian descent with the clear view to serving and experiencing worship of the LORD in their very own native language and culture.

The historic inauguration was well attended by many people from all walks of life. They included: Ghanaian ceremonial Chiefs and Queenmothers in Chicago, who were dressed in their usual rich and colorful traditional clothes; Most Reverend Bishop Alberto Rojas, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago for Vicariate Three; Father Michael Knotek, Priest in charge of International Priests, Archdiocese of Chicago; Father Matthew Eyerman, Pastor of St. Malachy + Precious Blood; Father Moses Agorjesu, the new Ghanaian Resident Priest of the Community; and Deacon Anthony Osei.

It is worth noting that Bishop Rojas' homily centered on the Scripture readings, which highlighted Jesus Christ's likening his followers to salt and light to "give flavors to our life." He reiterated that Jesus Christ came to this earth to give us Light and, without Him, eternal life will be simply impossible. He finished the homily with the installation of Father Moses Agorjesu, as Father Moses Agorjesu, in turn, humbly expressed his ardent commitment and desire to serve the diverse parishioners at St. Malachy, including the Ghanaian Catholic Community.

The leadership and elders of the Community, headed by Professor Dr. George O. Assibey-Mensah (President), the traditional leaders, as well as other dignitaries in attendance, took turns to offer personal congratulatory gestures and well-wishes to welcome Father Moses Agorjesu to the community. One of the highlights of the memorable occasion and/or event was Professor Dr. George O. Assibey-Mensah's welcoming address, followed by his presentation of well-decorated, colorful Catholic paraphernalia, which he had personally brought from Ghana on behalf of his Community, for His Eminence Cardinal Cupich, His Lordship Bishop Rojas, Father Michael Knotek, Father Matthew Eyerman, and Father Donald Eruaga (Pastor at St. Kilian Parish , who has diligently served the Community by celebrating Mass with it since Sunday, July 13, 2014, when the Community served and worshiped the LORD at Old St. Mary's Church).

Additionally, there were spirit-filled, joyful gospel-music presentations from the resident choir of the Ghanaian Catholic Community, under the baton of Mr. Francis Sarfo Kantanka and Mr. Emmanuel Ofori-Danso at the organ, as well as melodious solo performances by Sister Josephine Amoo Afriyie. The ceremony ended beautifully with a reception for and camaraderie among attendees, as Bishop Rojas and the clergy present were entertained with pleasant Ghanaian music, as well as the popular cultural dance: Adowa. What a joyous way to appreciate, serve, and worship the LORD!!