Catholic Church ordains three new SVD priests in Accra

The Catholic Church on Saturday ordained three deacons into the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) Priesthood at the St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Dansoman in Accra.

The newly ordained priests – Reverend Ignatius John Kwasi Otusafo, Reverend Victor Samuel Kusaga, and Reverend Francis Wumborti Bakilatob- were ushered into the priesthood by Most Reverend Vincent Boi-Nai Sowah, SVD, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Yendi.

The priests were given an opportunity to declare to discharge their duties without failing the office of priesthood in caring for the Lord’s flock and resolve to exercise the ministry of word worthily and wisely, preaching the gospel and teaching the Catholic faith.

They also declared to celebrate faithfully and reverently in accordance with the Church’s tradition, the mysteries of Christ especially the sacrifice of the Eucharist and Sacrament of Reconciliation for the glory of God and the communication of Christians.

The priests also promised to respect and obey the Diocesan Bishop and their legitimate superiors.

As part of the rites of ordination, the Bishop prayed the prayer of ordination for the new priests, placed into their hands a chalice containing wine mixed with water and the paten container host and gave each of them a fraternal kiss saying, “Peace be with you” and they responded, “And with your spirit.”

Most Rev Sowah said the ordination was a call on the priests by God to serve humanity and not to be served.

He said they were called to baptize and lead by example to share in companionship with Christ as good shepherds.

Their calling, he said, could be equated to how Samuel was called by God but did not recognize his voice, saying the only way one could recognize the call of God was through prayer.

Most Rev. Sowah making reference to the Holy Bible said the Prophet Jeremiah was called by God but disclosed his worry over his inability to proclaim God’s word to many people, but God empowered him to deliver.

By this example, he said, the new priests have no reason to worry about how to preach the good news to people as God would strengthen and empower them.

The Bishop advised the priests to be cautious of women, some of whom could show interest to have romantic relationship with them though they have vowed to remain single to dedicate their time and lives to serve God.

“Don’t get entangled with women ‘palava’ else you will never get out,” he said.

“You also have to watch your drinking habits else you will create alcoholic problems for yourselves. Moderation in food and drinking wears down the body’s pride so you should be careful,” he added.

Bishop Sowah urged the priests to be cautious with how their churches’ funds generated are handled to enable them to publicly give account of the expenditure.

He also advised families of priests to give the priests freedom to serve their calling and not to pressurize them especially with monetary issues.

“Please go and develop good relationships with your church members and communities so that they can easily approach you when they need your help and congregation, please help to shape and put your Priests on their toes to deliver their duties effectively,” he said.