“Look at humility as a virtue” – Archbishop Buckle urges seminarians at synodality formation

The Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle has called on seminarians in Ghana to embrace humility as a cornerstone of their spiritual and pastoral lives.

The Archbishop’s comments were a highlight of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference’ formation on synodality event for seminarians, taking place from August 27 to August 29, 2024 at the St. Gregory the Great Provincial Major Seminary, Kumasi under the theme, “Synodality and Spiritual Conversations in Pastoral Settings.”

Archbishop Buckle’s message centered on the importance of humility in the practice of synodality, which he described as essential for spiritual growth and effective ministry. “Look at humility as a virtue and it is that virtue that makes us fruitful,” he stated, mentioning that genuine service in the Church stems from this fundamental quality.

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He likened the role of a seminarian to “cow dung,” explaining that just as dung helps seeds grow, so too does humility support the spiritual development of others. “We are cow dung and the Lord puts us around his seed. The seed is the word of God. And it makes it germinate,” he said.

The Archbishop’s counsel was not just a call for introspection but also a practical guide for seminarians embarking on their journey in formation. “Therefore if you are simple, you are open, you are humble and the rest of it, believe me the three virtues of synodality is in the inward of you,” he remarked.