Healing mass for the aged on Republic Day in Takoradi

Takoradi, July 1, GNA - Mrs. Dawson Amoah, a 70-year old member of the Star of the Sea Catholic Church at Takoradi on Tuesday called on churches, leaders of the various religious organisations and the society as a whole to regularly visit and interact with the aged.

She noted that old age is lonely, boring, and spiritually unfulfilling and therefore, said people in such state need regular counselling, friendship and love to overcome their boredom.

Mrs. Amoah made these remarks in an interview with the GNA at Takoradi after attending a healing mass for 150 sick and aged members at the Star of the Sea Cathedral to mark the Republic Day.

"It has been eight long years since I entered a church and I feel rejuvenated and proud that once again I can sing, dance and praise God together with other members of my congregation."

Mr Amoah called on the society not to brand the elderly as witches, adding that "in old age, every thing beautiful about the person changes and this should not been seen negatively.

Delivering the sermon earlier, Rev Father Joseph Armah, Assistant priest of the Cathedral said Christ had time for the elderly, the sick and the needy and challenged all Christians to live likewise.

He said sharing with the elderly makes them feel wanted and it also reminds them of their services towards mankind and the church during their active years. Mr. Joseph Mensah co-ordinator of the programme said the healing mass for the sick and the elderly is meant to bring together all former members of the church who, due to old age, could no longer attend church service.

"Most of the elderly are also likely to meet their peers and interact among themselves and thereby reduce boredom and their isolation from the larger society," he added.

He said the mass would also give the Rev. Fathers enough time with each elderly person and share the gospel of Christ with them.