Nuncio confirms 200 Catholics

Akwatia (E/R), May 1, GNA - The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop George Kocherry, on Sunday confirmed 200 members of the Catholic Church at Akwatia as part of his two-day pastoral visit to the Akwatia St. Anthony Parish and urged them to let "their light shine". They were also drawn from the St. Rose's Secondary School at Akwatia, Buadua, Osenase, Asamankese and neighbouring villages. The celebration also formed part of the diamond jubilee of the St. Anthony's Parish, established some 75 years ago.

Preaching the sermon, Most Rev. Kocherry told them that the ceremony was their graduation to become "soldiers of Christ" in the same way as soldiers of the armed forces of the country underwent training to defend the country.

The Apostolic Nuncio said as "soldiers of Christ", they should be endowed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, which should be their "arms and ammunitions" after learning the essential elements of Catholicism. He urged them to be good Christians following the righteous path of Jesus Christ, adding that they should have the wisdom and courage to preach and proclaim the risen Christ. The Pope's Ambassador to Ghana said with their confirmation, they should receive new "hearts and new spirit and become new persons as transformed Christians that should reflect in their conduct to glorify God".

The Apostolic Nuncio urged the young ones among them who have the inclination to be Priests or Sisters to do so since the two vocations were needed by the Church and nation in the spiritual, social, health and educational fields.

Most Rev. Kocherry said those opting for family life should lead lives worthy of emulation, as good mothers and fathers. He praised the chiefs and people of Akwatia for their role in the establishment of the St. Dominic's Hospital and the St Rose's Secondary School, both at Akwatia, describing the institutions as among the finest in the country.

The Apostolic Nuncio who had earlier presented a medal of recognition from Pope Benedict the XVI to the Akwatiahene, Osabarima Kofi Boateng III, commended him for the support he had been giving the Hospital and the School. He commended the St. Rose's Secondary School for its excellent academic performance, which he said had been communicated to the Pope who was happy about the academic achievements of Catholic schools in Ghana.

The Kwaebibirem District Chief Executive, Mr Yaw Yiadom-Boakye thanked the Catholic Church for its remarkable work in the fields of health, education, sanitation and environment in the District and promised the partnership of the Assembly with the Church to uplift the District. 01 May 06