The St. Michael Catholic Church in Peki-Adzokoe in the Diocese of Ho can now boast of a befitting place of residence for priests following the blessing and official opening of a new Presbytery by Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, on May 18.
The project was made possible through the generosity of donors, including friends of UK-based indigenous priest, Rev. Fr. Jerry A. Manomey, after a period of 7 years.
Delivering a homily preceding the blessing of the edifice, Bishop Fianu underscored the importance of cherishing and maintaining the newly acquired property, urging the church community to express gratitude to the benefactors and follow their example of generosity.
For his part, Fr. Jerry Manomey urged the community to see the structure as a symbol of unity between the Peki-Adzokoe old and new towns. He expressed appreciation to individuals who made it possible for the project to come to fruition.
The priest also issued a heartfelt appeal for continued support for the construction of a new church building. He highlighted the pressing need to replace the current mud structure, which struggles to accommodate fifty individuals.
State of the St. Micheal Catholic Church, Peki-AdzokoeStressing the importance of providing a suitable place of worship, he emphasized that the establishment of the presbytery was a crucial step towards realizing this goal and fostering the church’s expansion.
The new Presbytery owes its existence to the benevolence of several individuals and families from the Diocese of Northampton, UK.
Among them are Mr. Andrew Dexter and Mrs. Julie Dexter, the family of the Sacred Heart Parish in Weston Favell, Mrs. Klara Eves and her family from the Sacred Heart Parish in Flitwick, and Mrs. Pat Nutt and her family from the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Parish in Great Billing.
The edifice is erected in memory of Rev. Fr. Edward Charles Ametefe, a pioneer priest to have worked in Peki-Adzokoe and its environs.
Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also... chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the one who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.
Psalms 33(32),1-2.4-5.12-13.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
Praise... from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
With the ten stringed lyre chant his praises
For upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he has chosen for his own inheritance.
From heaven the LORD looks down;
He sees all mankind.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 12,1-7.
At that time: So many people were crowding... together that they were trampling one another underfoot. He began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.
There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known.
Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.
I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more.
I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.
Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."
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