For many who know Rev. Fr. Stephen Kofi Sakpaku, his name has become synonymous to the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom.
He is most likely the first person anyone familiar with the Vicariate thinks about when they hear Donkorkrom.
But did you know Fr. Sakpaku is a Diocesan priest of the Accra Archdiocese and only on Fidei Donum in the Vicariate of Donkorkrom?
Fidei Donum is strange right? let me help you.
Fidei Donum is a Latin term meaning “gift of faith.” It was a program launched by Pope Pius XII in 1957 that encouraged Catholic dioceses and parishes to send priests and other missionaries to help build and strengthen the Church in areas that were in need of evangelization and pastoral care.
Now that you know what Fidei Donum is, let’s continue from where we left off.
Fr. Sakpaku, a young priest, left the comfort and luxury of Accra for Donkorkrom just two years after his ordination.
What makes it more intriguing is that he did not move at the request of his Bishop, then Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle.
What then would make anyone take such decision?
Fr. Sakpaku shared that he was initially invited to raise funds for the Donkorkrom Vicariate at Christ the King Catholic Church on March 12th, 2012, by the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD.
After the event, he had a dream of working in the Vicariate and went to discuss it with the then Vicar General, Very Rev Mgsr Francis Adoboli.
The Vicar General asked him to go and discuss it with Archbishop Buckle, who surprisingly gave him a “blank cheque appointment,” telling him to go and return anytime he wishes.
Fr. Sakpaku tells Catholic Trends he was thrilled to take up the challenge, and since then, he has been working in the Donkorkrom Vicariate.
Fr. Sakpaku’s journey has been full of challenges, but he has embraced them all with love and enthusiasm.
In his time at the Donkorkrom Vicariate, Fr. Sakpaku has accomplished a lot, including building schools and establishing programs to help those in need. His work has had a positive impact on the community, and he has become a beloved figure in the area.
Fr. Sakpaku’s story is one of inspiration, showing that sometimes, it takes a leap of faith to pursue a calling. His dedication to the Donkorkrom community has touched many lives and will continue to inspire others to serve their communities with love and enthusiasm.
Fr. Sakpaku is our classic definition of a Church militant. Please pray for him and share this story to inspire someone.
God bless you fr. Sakpaku for your dedicated service