Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, has called on priests in the Archdiocese to be mindful of the importance of maintaining the sanctity and integrity of liturgical practices.
In an address at the 2024 Accra Archdiocesan priestly ordination at the St. Bahkita Catholic Church in Lashibi, Archbishop Kwofie emphasized the need to curb “foreign practices” and maintain high standards in the celebration of the Eucharist.
“I wish to speak to the priests about what we call liturgical abuses. That is, foreign practices we introduce in the celebration of the Eucharist. That we put a stop to these practices,” Archbishop Kwofie stated, addressing the gathered clergy.
He stressed that priests are expected to adhere to rigorous standards, both in their conduct and in their preparation for Mass.
Archbishop Kwofie criticised several practices that have become prevalent in some parishes. He highlighted concerns about deviations from traditional liturgical norms, stating, “During the presider’s prayer, you leave out a line and put in your own words because the words over there do not suit your temperament. You have not said the Mass.”
He also expressed disapproval of the trend of using the lectern improperly, saying, “Some keep away from the lectern to deliver the sermon, unlike the stable central posture and style Cardinal used today. My dear brothers. They have made the lectern for the delivery of the word.”
A key focus of his message was the misuse of holy items and the commercialization of sacred rites. “Some of us bless water or encourage the innocent ones to open their homes for blessing, and all is done because of money. Holy water is not for sale,” he declared firmly.
Archbishop Kwofie also condemned the practice of blessing salt for the faithful to ward off evil spirits, and the excessive use of Amen and Alleluia in sermons, which he says disfigures the liturgy’s beauty.
“Some bless salt and ask the faithful to sprinkle it on or under their beds or put it in their soup and eat in order to ward off bad spirits. When praying or preaching, you intercept it with Amen and Alleluia at every instance. By so doing, you disfigure the beauty of what you are doing,” he said.
The Archbishop also criticised the use of the pulpit for personal grievances and the improper handling of church collections. “When you have a problem with one or two people at the parish, you shout from the pulpit because it is the safest place to hide and talk,” he said.
He reminded priests that fundraising should not occur during Mass, advising, “You cannot have fundraising during Mass, but you can wait till after the Mass is over to raise funds.”
Addressing the issue of multiple collections, Archbishop Kwofie set a clear guideline for the Archdiocese, stating, “In the Archdiocese of Accra, every priest has the right to take not more than two collections at a Sunday Mass. Anything more than two collections is excessive.”
The Prelate appealed to the newly ordained priests, emphasising the gravity of their role. “I am saying this, my dear brothers and sisters, especially when the newly ordained are attentively listening to what they should not copy from the senior priests. The Mass is going to be your number 1 mission, and you are going to do it every day for people’s intentions. Please don’t play the intelligent guy than those who day and night struggle to get the missal done.”
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