Focus on Christ’s message, not personal ideas – Bishop Fianu urges newly ordained priests for Ho Diocese

Bishop of the Ho Diocese and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Reverend Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, S.V.D., has called on newly ordained priests of the Diocese to focus on preaching Christ’s message rather than their own ideas.

Delivering the homily at the 2024 Ho Diocesan Priestly Ordination at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ho Kpevele, on August 24, the Bishop admonished the newly ordained priests to ensure their teachings truly nourish the spiritual needs of their congregations.

He advised them to let their lives serve as examples that attract others to Christ and to perform their ministerial duties with deep devotion.

He urged senior priests to mentor younger priests, offering guidance and sharing the practical realities of parish ministry to foster collaborative and effective pastoral work. Bishop Fianu admonished the new priests to listen to their elders and adhere to best practices, noting that ordination does not equate to complete knowledge.

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“As Parochial Vicar or Associate Priest, you are to assist the Parish Priest in his parish ministry. You are to substitute for him if the situation arises, according to the norm of law. You are to report to the Parish Priest on proposed and ongoing pastoral plans and projects, which have been legitimately assigned to you, in such a way that you and the Parish Priest, through common efforts, are able to provide for the pastoral care of the parish (Canon 548 §§1-3).”

“Do not turn the outstations into your parish house from where you operate without reference to your Parish Priest. I am not appointing you Parish Priests or Priest-in-Charge. Follow canonical guidelines and do not independently manage sacramental duties without proper authorization.”

The newly ordained priests are Rev. Fr. Paul Zigah from St. Joseph Parish, Liati, Rev. Fr. Juliano A.K. Yahadji from St. Stephen Parish, Kpetoe, Rev. Fr. James Gadasu from St. Joseph Parish, Liati, and Rev. Fr. Augustine Osei from St. Mary Parish, Likpe Abrani.

The ordination was attended by priests, religious, and numerous Catholic lay faithful from across the Diocese, including members of the Christian Mothers Association, the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, St. John International, and the Ladies Auxiliary.