Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, has expressed deep concern over what he described as “worrying liturgical abuses” within the Church. He mentioned that these abuses undermine the reverence required for the sacred mystery of the Eucharist.
Bishop Agyenta made these remarks while delivering a reflection at a Eucharistic adoration held on the first day of the 10th Congress National Sacred Heart of Jesus and Golden Jubilee of the Enthronement Centre.
During his reflection, Bishop Agyenta lamented that certain priests have introduced elements into the Mass in the name of creativity and innovation, leading to a dilution of the sacred mystery.
He stated, “It is sad to note the abuses that occur within our Eucharistic celebrations nowadays, sometimes carried out by some of our priests in the name of innovation and creativity or out of misplaced spiritual enthusiasm.”
He further warned that such actions obscure the true meaning of the Eucharist and weaken Eucharistic adoration, which is an extension of the Mass.
Bishop Agyenta called for collective action to halt these abuses, saying, “We must all help to stop these abuses that undermine our Eucharistic mystery.” He reminded the faithful that the reverence owed to the Eucharist should not be compromised, as it is central to Catholic worship.
Beyond internal abuses, the Bishop also spoke against external attacks on the sanctity of the Eucharist. He cited the 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Paris, where the Last Supper scene was mocked by a group performing as drag queens. The Bishop described the incident as a deliberate attack on Catholic beliefs, stating that the organizers had made a mockery of the sacred moment by depicting the apostles as men dressed as women.
He urged the faithful to remain vigilant in defending the sanctity of the Eucharist from both internal abuses and external ridicule, concluding that the Eucharist is a sacred tradition that should be preserved with the utmost reverence.
