Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), Fr Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, has said the installation of Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, as the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Donkorkrom in Ghana has brought great joy to the local Church and the SVD fraternity.
“Dear Bishop Asiedu, your installation as the first diocesan Bishop of Donkorkrom brings great joy to the local Church and to us, your confreres in the Society of the Divine Word,” Fr. Anselmo Ricardo Ribeiro, SVD, said in an address delivered on his behalf by the Provincial of the SVD Ghana Province, Fr. Andrews Aboagye Obeng, SVD on August 8.
Fr. Ribeiro described the establishment of the new diocese as an important moment in the life of the local Church, recognising the faith journey of the people of Donkorkrom and opening a new phase in their pastoral life.
He expressed gratitude to the missionaries, bishops, priests, religious, catechists, pastoral workers, families, local leaders and benefactors who contributed to the growth of the Church in the area over the years.
He paid particular tribute to Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, the first Apostolic Prefect and first Apostolic Vicar of Donkorkrom, as well as those who worked with and supported him.
The SVD Father General also highlighted the contribution of local catechists and families who sustained the faith in their communities, including at times when priests could not be present.
“Through their prayer, service, and daily witness, the Gospel continued to reach new generations. Some planted, others watered, but God gave the growth,” he said.
Fr. Ribeiro noted that Bishop Asiedu’s installation builds on the pastoral journey he has already shared with the people of Donkorkrom as Apostolic Vicar.
He indicated that the Bishop already knows the people, their faith, hopes and challenges, but that his new role places a fresh responsibility on him as the first diocesan Bishop.
“You already know the people, their faith, their hopes, and the difficulties they face. This installation continues the journey you have shared with them as Apostolic Vicar and now entrusts you with a new responsibility as their first diocesan bishop,” Fr Ribeiro said.
He assured Bishop Asiedu of the support of the priests, consecrated persons, catechists, lay leaders, families, young people and the faithful as he begins his new ministry.
Fr Ribeiro also urged the people of the new diocese to take an active role in building the local Church, stressing prayer, participation, shared responsibility and care for those in need.
He called for particular attention to families, young people, those who struggle to receive pastoral care and those discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The Father General further urged the faithful to embrace the new diocese as both a gift and a responsibility and to support Bishop Asiedu and those who will serve the people in the years ahead.
Discussion about this post