The Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, has called on the faithful to desist from using their phones during Mass. A development he says disturbs the reverence and attentiveness required during Mass.
Speaking at the 2024 Accra Archdiocesan priestly ordination on August 24, Archbishop Kwofie highlighted the detrimental effects of modern distractions on the sanctity of the Eucharistic celebration.
Addressing the congregation, Archbishop Kwofie noted the importance of maintaining focus and respect during Mass. “And the lay people, you have heard Pope Francis say it over and over again. Stop looking at your phones when Mass is going on. Stop going out to answer or place a call when Mass is going on. Stop watching your Facebook when Mass is going on, etc. It is against the sanctity of the Mass,” he declared.
Archbishop Kwofie’s remarks were a call to action for both clergy and laity to uphold the reverence of the Eucharist, stressing that modern conveniences should not compromise the sacred nature of worship.
He drew on the teachings of Pope St. John Paul II, stating, “Let us take what Pope St. John Paul said on the Eucharist. He said we must celebrate the Eucharist with great fidelity, for the liturgy is not the private property of either the celebrant or the community.”
Archbishop Kwofie earlier criticised several practices he described as liturgical abuses by priests that have become prevalent in some parishes of the Archdiocese.
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