Dr. Kweku Nyamedua Bruchim, a distinguished lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and a devoted parishioner at the Saint Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Baatsonaa, Accra, has penned an opinion piece stressing the importance of preserving the core identity of the Catholic Church amidst contemporary trends.
In his thought-provoking piece, Dr. Bruchim underscored a growing concern within the Catholic community, a perceived influx of external influences under the guise of dynamism and modernity.
He passionately advocated for the preservation of the Catholic Church’s distinctive identity.
Dr. Bruchim emphasized that people are not leaving the Catholic Church because they are restricted from engaging in vibrant forms of worship, such as exuberant dancing or fervent prayer. Instead, he attributes this phenomenon to a lack of understanding regarding the essence of the Church itself.
He added, “People are leaving not because they are not allowed to dance till they drench their attires in sweat! People are leaving not because they are not allowed to pray till you hear nothing but grunts! People are not leaving because they’re not allowed to put their talents to the service! People are leaving because they don’t know the Church they belong to!”
He lamented the misconception among some Catholics and non-Catholics alike that all churches are essentially the same. Dr. Bruchim asserts that the Catholic Church stands apart as “ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC, and APOSTOLIC,” and he encouraged Catholics to embrace and appreciate these distinctive qualities.
One of his key points centered on the concept of the Mass, which he regards not as a mere event but as a profound spiritual journey. “When people tell me, every church is the same and i tell them the Catholic Church is very different they don’t understand – sadly many Catholics don’t understand what it means to be “ONE, HOLY, CATHOLIC and APOSTOLIC” Church!”
Dr. Bruchim cautioned against the indiscriminate adoption of external practices and trends by the Catholic Church, which he believes may lead to a dilution of its unique identity and the potential loss of its members.
He concluded by emphasizing that the key to preserving the Catholic identity lies in educating and enabling Catholics to understand the significance of the Mass, while remaining cautious about unnecessary external influences.
