The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kaboré, has urged priests and recipients of papal honours to wear their titles with humility and renewed commitment to service, cautioning against pride and spiritual complacency.
Speaking during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ho on Saturday, the Vatican envoy emphasised that recognition in the Church should draw recipients closer to God and His people especially the poor and marginalised rather than create distance or a sense of superiority.
The celebration, which featured the elevation of two priests to the rank of Monsignor and the conferment of Papal Awards on four distinguished lay faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Ho, brought together clergy, religious and lay faithful in a spirit of thanksgiving and joy.
In his homily, Archbishop Kaboré described prayer as an invitation to a sincere and authentic relationship with God, urging the faithful to approach Him with confidence despite life’s disappointments and challenges.
Drawing from the Gospel, he reminded the congregation of Jesus’ assurance to His disciples that the Father remains ever-present and attentive to the needs of His children, stressing that believers must remain steadfast in prayer because “the Father is never distant” and understands the burdens carried in human hearts.
The Apostolic Nuncio further challenged priests to reflect the image of God the Father in their ministry through compassion, humility and closeness to the people entrusted to their care.
“The Church today does not need Christians of appearance. She needs Christians and priests whose lives radiate fidelity, prayer, charity, integrity and peace,” he said.
Addressing the newly honoured priests and award recipients, Archbishop Kaboré cautioned against allowing titles and recognition to create barriers between them and the faithful, urging them instead to remain approachable and attentive, particularly to the poor and marginalised.
He also encouraged devotion to the Eucharist and silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, describing prayer as the foundation of authentic Christian witness and effective ministry.
Presenting the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of humility and service, the Apostolic Nuncio noted that despite receiving the singular honour of becoming the Mother of God, Mary remained humble and obedient to God’s will.
He called on the honourees to emulate her example by embracing responsibility without pride and rendering service without seeking recognition.
During the ceremony, Very Rev. Fr. Walter Agbetoh and Very Rev. Fr. Clemence Ashiara were elevated to the rank of Monsignor in recognition of their faithful and dedicated service to the Church.
Four distinguished lay faithful of the Diocese also received Papal Awards for their commitment and dedicated service to the Catholic faith. They included Dame Florence Ofori, Sir Bernard Wisdom Quarshie, Sir Jonathan Kofi Torku and Sir Ernest Kwame Afla.
The ceremony formed part of the Apostolic Nuncio’s pastoral visit to the Diocese of Ho and highlighted the Church’s commitment to recognising exemplary service while promoting humility, faith and dedication among its members.
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