Priests and Religious of the Archdiocese of Cape Coast were urged not to neglect the grace they have received as they gathered for their Archdiocesan Lenten Recollection at the Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Held under the theme, “As His fellow workers, we beg you… not to neglect the Grace of God that you have received” (2 Corinthians 6:1), the recollection provided a sacred moment of reflection and renewal, calling the clergy to examine how faithfully they are stewarding God’s gift in their priestly and religious ministries during this Lenten season.
The recollection was led by Fr. Emmanuel Mintah, a priest of the Archdiocese and formator at St. Paul Regional Seminary. In his presentation, he challenged participants to deepen their understanding of “Grace,” describing it as an unmerited and undeserved gift from God. He reminded them that they are stewards of this divine abundance and, having freely received God’s grace, are called to extend it generously to those under their pastoral care.
Fr. Mintah cautioned that grace can become “fruitless” if it is not actively engaged. He emphasised that ministry without Christ is a hollow pursuit and that work bears lasting fruit only when carried out in partnership with the Divine. Drawing on the concerns of St. Paul, he reminded the clergy that grace is not a passive possession; it must be used to avoid becoming “empty” in their lives and ministries, since no enduring achievement is possible without reliance on God’s favour.
Reflecting on contemporary challenges, he noted that grace must also bear fruit within the priestly and religious community.
He raised concerns about modern distractions particularly mobile phones and social media which he said are eroding the quality of fraternity among clergy and Religious.
When digital engagements or personal interests replace shared meals and meaningful conversation, the effectiveness of communal grace is weakened. “If that grace is not beneficial to anyone,” he emphasised, “then it is in vain.”
The recollection concluded with a renewed call for priests and Religious to recognise their talents not as personal achievements, but as gifts entrusted to them for service always used for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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