Bishop of the Diocese of Wa, Ghana Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan has called on newly ordained priests in the Diocese to be clothed in the identity of their ministry.
According to the Bishop, priest’s true identity is found in their commitment to serving humanity, a call highlighted in the Scriptures and vital to their new vocation.
Delivering a homily at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Wa earlier today, the prelate called on the newly ordained priests (Frs. Jacob Beyere Maasang, Emmanuel Waabu, and Soloman Bezen) to embrace the mission of service as their primary identity.
“For every minister of Christ, his or her identity card is service to humanity,” he declared, urging Frs. Maasang, Waabu, and Ueber to internalize this notion as they embark on their ministry.
He drew from the readings of the day to underline that their mission extends beyond personal blessing to actively addressing the needs of those in despair.
Bishop Bomansaan reflected on the significance of the Holy Spirit’s role in their priesthood, referencing the readings from Isaiah and the Gospel. “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me,” he quoted, highlighting how both the prophet and Jesus recognised their divine favour as a call to mission.
“The spirit is given to you not just for yourself. You are favoured not just for yourself but for a mission,” he emphasised, urging the new priests to see their ordination as an opportunity to uplift and bring hope to those in need.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by many in Ghana and Africa, where despair and brokenheartedness are prevalent. “In Africa and in Ghana, there is a certain degree of despair, brokenheartedness and losing hope,” he noted.
He called on the new priests to address these issues, saying, “We are called as messengers to restore people’s trust in the love of God and his mercy.” He urged them to engage with the community not just through words but through genuine solidarity and compassionate actions.
Discussing the concept of mercy, Bishop Bomansaan clarified that it goes beyond emotions. “Mercy in the scriptures is, I am in covenant with the people I am ministering to even when they are not able to live up to the expectations I have for them,” he explained.
He noted that true mercy involves being compassionate and inclusive, and “not to write off anybody.” He encouraged the priests to be advocates for those who are voiceless and to work towards alleviating conditions that undermine human dignity.
The Bishop also underscored the importance of embodying Christ’s presence in all aspects of ministry. “We are to be the human face of Jesus to people not only when we proclaim the word of God or celebrate the Eucharist but in all things,” he said.
He urged the new priests to ensure that their ministry points towards Christ rather than themselves, noting that “our ministry will be empty and what I will call self-service” without this focus.
Bishop Bomansaan also acknowledged the challenges priests face and the sacrifices they make. “Many of our priests go through challenges in their attempt to serve you,” he noted, expressing the need for the faithful’s support and prayers.
“Let us love our priests and pray for them,” he urged.
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