A WORD FROM THE PROVINCIAL

Transcription

1 A WORD FROM THE PROVINCIAL Dear Confreres, This past month has been full of happenings, most of which were good and beneficial to us and the province. The Local Superiors-Provincial Council meeting took place at McCarthy Hill as scheduled. Most superiors and council members were there. They were able to share experiences and needs and plans for the future for the different local communities. The next day we had the Elsbernd Lectures at the DWCCC in Nsawam. The topic was Health. It focused on how to keep fit always and how to take care of ourselves medically. It was so interesting that we had to close before all questions could be answered because of time. The Province Assembly the next day was also held in Nsawam. We were very happy that a majority of the province members from the southern sector and representatives from the northern sector were present. A report was given on the province and was well discussed. All your local superiors will report to you in detail on what went on. One of the many points that were discussed and that was voted on was to also allow women religious and close relatives of our confreres to stay in the newly renovated Guest House (for the normal non-svd fee). Ninety per cent (90%) of those present voted for this change. In most of our SVD managed parishes the 24 th of October, Mission Sunday, was well celebrated. Many of our seminarians from CFC and the novitiate divided themselves and went to various parishes. I myself was in St. Margaret Mary Parish in Dansoman and presided over two Masses. The Friends of the SVD had a very good celebration, highlighting the SVD missionary life. To awaken mission interest in everyone all the parishes as mentioned in the last Chapter, should try to develop a unit of the Friends of the SVD. On November 3 we had a Memorial Mass in Nsawam in the cemetery grounds. We remembered all those priests and religious who are buried there as well as all those who worked in Ghana and passed away somewhere else. This Mass was very well attended by priests and religious. The SVD Yendi District is fifty years old. It had a small beginning 2 confreres now it has developed into a diocese. This is a happy occasion for us. Remember to pray for those who are there now and for those who have worked there in the past. Our elections for the new provincial and council will start this month. Please see that you fill your straw ballots and send them through your local superior, or directly, to us in time. We will see to it that we will send them to you in time also. May God bless each and every one of your. Thomas D Mello, SVD Provincial 1

2 PROVINCE NEWS SVD Ghana Province attends Elsbernd Memorial Lecture Sixty five SVD Members from different SVD districts, houses and institution in Ghana province attended the Elsbernd memorial lecture on 13 th October 2010 at Divine Word Conference Center, Adoagyiri-Nsawam. This year s topic was: Health Care Today: Vital Tit Bits on How the Missionary Should Care About His Health. The resource speaker, Prof. Dr. Lawrence Osei, lecturer in public health, Korle- Bu teaching hospital, led the participants to review the common infections and examples which are existing in Ghana: 1) Respiratory tract infections, e.g. cough and cold, pneumonia; 2) Urinary tract infections, e.g. prostate cancer; 3) Viral infections, e.g. malaria, hepatitis (A, B, C), HIV-AIDS; 4) Fungal infection, e.g. candida, tuberculoses; 5) parasitic infections bilharzia, tape worm, and hook worm. He also touched upon the hazards of smoking and drinking alcohol. Apart from these he also included accidents of different kinds like: road accidents, electrocution, falling from a tree or storey building, poisoning and drowning. He said that due to the nature of their ministry, missionaries can be easily infected and affected by the above health hazards. He cautioned them to be mindful of good personal hygiene and regular health checkups. The workshop in smaller groups on the question: How do I want to be helped and achieve good health as a missionary in Ghana? also helped a lot. Provincial Assembly 2010 SVD Provincial, Fr. Thomas D Mello, facilitated the provincial assembly meeting on 14 th October at Divine Word Catholic Conference Center, Adoagyiri-Nsawam. At 9:30 a.m. after the opening prayer, the provincial welcomed all the participants of the assembly. He gave special welcome Fr. Peter Kabutey, SVD who was recently appointed to Osonson Catholic Church and Fr. Biju Joseph, SVD who also was recently invited by the Bishop of Techiman Diocese to learn the culture and language of the Brongs and the Ahafos. Then he proceeded to give a report on the affairs of the province such as: Health of confreres, personnel, appointments, formation, spirituality, communication, biblical ministry, finance, Tuba land, and the prospective parish at Kumbungu-Tamale. This was followed by an open forum to give a chance for others 2

3 to air their opinions, suggestions and corrections. Fr. John Schilitz questioned why we have a shortage of personnel, suggested an appropriate place for a spirituality center, proposed that creation of a private Senior High School Institution could be good for an income generating project, and asked for more materials (photos, magazines, videos, etc.) that promote SVD spirituality for Mission Sunday. Fr. Andrews Obeng wondered why JPIC is not highlighted in the provincial s report & stressed the need of a good lawyer as consultant for JPIC apostolate. Fr. Paul Dogba narrated on how JPIC is working in Donkorkrom and on the National level. Fr. Cyprian also commented that SVD s involvement in JPIC was unique. Fr. Alphonse Amanor suggested on how to get more personnel so that we will not be found wanting. Fr. George Angmor appealed that SVD formations houses would be manned by formators coming different areas of the AFRAM Zone & asked how to go about Kumbungu mission. The provincial with the help of his council sorted out and responded very well to all matters that were asked by confreres from the forum. Before the assembly was officially closed at 12:30 with an assembly lunch, the provincial expressed his gratitude to all confreres for their participation. He gave special thanks to Fr. Jolly Mudakkampurath for the good work done as director in charge in renovating DWCCC chapel. Memorial Mass for our Departed Priests and Religious This year s celebration of Holy Mass for our departed priests and religious was on 3 rd November 2010 at the cemetery ground of the priests and religious in Adoagyiri-Nsawam. At 10:00 a.m. while the choir intoned the entrance song, the religious and priests walked in procession from the main church to the altar at the cemetery ground. As soon incensation of the altar is done, the Master of ceremonies, Fr. George Acheampong Parish Priest of St. John Parish, Nsawam - introduced Very Rev. Fr. Thomas D Mello, SVD as the main celebrant and the homilist Very Rev. Monsgr. Fr. Twum Barimah VG, Diocese of Koforidua. He also introduced two other vicar generals: Very Rev. Fr. Francis Adoboli VG, Archdiocese of Accra and Very Rev. Fr. Alex Chandy, SVD VG, Vicariate of Donkorkrom who were there as representatives of their Bishops (Archbishop Charles Palmer Buckle; Bishop Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum and Bishop Gabriel Kumordji, SVD were attending the Ghana Bishops Conference at Sefwi-Wiaso.) In his invitational remarks, Fr. Thomas D Mello, SVD asked all the concelebrants and the faithful to pray one by one for the departed priests and religious who died and were buried in the cemetery as he mentioned their names: Frs. Cletus Hodapp, SVD; Harold Lauck, SVD; Joseph Hus, SVD; Anthony Bauer, SVD; Patrick Pius Twi, SVD; Joseph Skorupka, SVD; Edmund Nomo, SVD; Clement Hotze, SVD; Glicerio Paraguya, SVD; Frt. Maurice Mayo, SVD; Frs. John McKillip, SVD; Joseph Tetteh Addy; Bernard Ato; Patrick Charkitey; Bernard Mensah; Patrick Ado-Amankwah; Dominic K. Peprah; Samuel Frempong; Innocent Eshun; Lawrence Duhu; Joseph Baidoo; Samuel Adusei; Bros: Charles Kukah, SVD; Paul Ayi, SVD; Damien Bockmann, SVD; John Heckel, SVD; Lawrence Aurbach, SVD; Romeo Kofi. SVD; Yeremias Palur, SVD; Srs: Anciela, SSpS; Mary Lois, SSpS; Ruth Norek, SSpS; Virginia Julia Althof, SSpS; Jane Lefrois, SSpS; Agnes Harter, OP; Scholastica Riesbeck, OP; Bonosa Klara Windbergs. SSpS; Gerard Rita Smith, SSpS; Zita Simon, OP; Frs.: Hans van Kempen, SVD; Francis Beemsterboer, SVD; Bro. Edward Asafoagye, SVD; Frt. Denis Asiamah, SVD; Frs. Boleslaw Gielata, SVD; and Justinus Toda, SVD. He also asked to include all expatriates missionaries who worked in Ghana but died abroad. In his homily, Fr. Twum Barima narrated that in Russia All Souls Day is celebrated like a picnic. The family members of the dead gather around the tomb of their dead relative. They dance, eat together and make merry. In short, it is a merry making day for them. This shows that they have a bond with their dead. Hence, death is 3

4 not the end but the beginning. Like them but more he asserted, as Christians, our bond in Christ is more powerful than death. When we die we will be united with Christ and be re-united with our beloved dead. He continued by saying that It is a fact, you and I will die tomorrow and thereby we need prayer. That is why it is good that today we are here sacrificing our time to pray for our departed. Since we are praying for them today, somebody will also pray for us tomorrow. Let us pray that when the time comes for us to die, we shall die in God s grace. In the concluding part, Very Rev. Francis Adoboli assisted by Very Rev. Alex Chandy, SVD led the incensing, lighting of candles and blessing of the graves of the departed priests and religious. Then Fr. George Acheampong gave comprehensive vote of thanks on behalf of the Bishops of Accra, Koforidua and Donkorkrom at 12:30 pm. Yendi District: DISTRICT NEWS Yendi District is 50 years Old ( ) The SVD Yendi District superior, together with his council and confreres in the district, are cordially inviting all confreres to celebrate a golden thanksgiving with them on the 8 th December 2010 at Yendi SVD District House. The special features of this celebration are: 3 day- recollection of the Yendi confreres and blessing of the jubilee plaque. All these activities will be officiated by provincial superior - Fr. Thomas D Mello, SVD. Come one, come all! Brong Ahafo District: SVD Brong Ahafo District Gets a New Residence House The first phase of the SVD Brong-Ahafo District s Residence house is completed. Having seen that the house is habitable already, Fr. Otmar rushed from St. Joseph Catholic Church Mission House, Kintampo to the new district residence house (3 miles away from the Mission House). He has stayed there already since 29 th September He is now enjoying the magnificent ambience of the new spiritual environment. For visiting priests, there are two guests rooms available for you. According to Fr. Otmar, You can also order Austrian delicacy if you like. How about visiting the place? Accra District: SVD House, Accra Six Missionaries receive their Mission Crosses 4

5 Rev. Frs.: Julius Han-Gerber Makafui Agbenafa, SVD; Elorm Akpatsa, SVD; Francis Dolagbenu, SVD; Martin Akwetey Dumas, SVD; Peter Kabutey, SVD; and Robert Yinamyah, SVD received their mission crosses during the mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Fred Timp, SVD on 21 st October Before these six young missionaries received their crosses, Fr. Fred advised them to love the cross of Christ. As missionaries the cross of Christ is the symbol of victory; the cross of Christ is the light that vanishes the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief; the cross of Christ is our strength in our entire missionary endeavour. After the advice, Bro. John Lengari presented six crosses to Fr. Fred for blessing. Then each one of them beginning from Fr. Hans-Gerber to Fr. Robert solemnly received his cross. That day served as a mission sending day for them. Tema-Battor District: St. John Vianney Parish, Asutsuare St. John Vianney Gets a New Parish Priest The parishioners of St. John Vianney Parish, Asutsuare were glad to hear the good news announced by Monsignor Agbenu on 24th October 2010 that a new parish priest was appointed for Asutsuare in the person of Rev. Fr. Jojo George Monoth, SVD and that he would arrive on the feast of All Saints Day 1 st November Their patient waiting of the new parish priest was rewarded when Fr. Jojo arrived exactly on the expected date at 4:20 p.m. With jubilation they met him with their brass band from the entrance of the church compound to the sanctuary of the chapel. On behalf of the parishioners, Monsignor Agbenu expressed to Fr. Jojo the deep longing of the parishioners of Asutsuare for a new parish priest since it was eight months that they lost their pastor Rev. Fr. Justinus Toda. And their big joy because at long last the new parish priest has come. These sentiments were confirmed when the vice parish council president stood up and gave his official welcome address. In his response, Fr. Jojo expressed his joy for the warm welcome afforded for him. He said that, with God s abiding grace and parishioners united effort, he will do his best to be a good parish priest to them so that God be praised. He also expressed a word of thanks to Fr. Dionisio Nellas, SVD; Fr. John Dorborkoe, SVD; the Christian Mothers; and some elders of St. Augustine Parish, Asesewa for seeing him off till Asutsuare. He prayed that God will bless them for their love and care. After a final prayer all the priests present headed by Fr. Jojo blessed the congregation. From there refreshments were served in the mission house with some singing and dancing interludes. The whole programme lasted for 2 hours. 5

6 Koforidua District: St. Augustine Parish, Asesewa Fr. Dionisio Nellas, SVD Gets His Appointment as Parish Priest of Asesewa Being aware of the eventual transfer of Fr. Jojo George, SVD, the former parish priest of St. Augustine Parish, Asesewa, the Provincial and his council proposed Fr. Dionisio Nellas, SVD, for appointment in the Diocese of Koforidua particularly for St. Augustine Parish, Asesewa. On October 18, 2010, Fr. Dionisio received a letter from Most Rev. Joseph Afrifah-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua appointing him as parish priest of St. Augustine Parish, Asesewa with effect from October 30, With the blessing of Fr. Provincial, Fr. Dionisio went to Asesewa on 28 th October for a handing over meeting with Fr. Jojo George Monoth in the presence of the Vicar General of Koforidua Diocese, Monsignor Francis Twum Barima; the Diocesan Bursar, Very Rev. Justin Mensah and the Diocesan Chancellor, Very Rev. Joseph Aggrey. After the handing over, Fr. Dionisio began his ministry as Pastor of the said parish on October 30, 2010 as stipulated in the appointment letter. Akate Water Disaster For more than three weeks now the residents of Akate especially those living along the bank of the lake were badly affected by the unexpected rise of the water. Several houses, stalls and kiosks were submerged. There is no definite time when the water will subside so that the victims can see whether their kiosks and houses are still in shape. They appealed from the town leaders to come to their aid. The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Upper Manya Krobo District came to the site on 3 rd November He expressed his solidarity with those badly affected and promised to help them. Kwahu District: Water Disaster Ekye Amanforum As it happened in Akate so it happened in Ekye Amanforum because they share the same lake. The market was flooded and many people lost their houses, workshops and kiosks. The Eastern Regional Minister came to assists the Victims. 6

7 FORMATION Nkwatia Novitiate Novices animate Mission Sunday in Accra The message of Pope Benedict XVI for this year s World Mission Sunday invites all Catholic faithful to pray through the act of love and sharing by offering fraternal and concrete help to support the missionary activities of the Church. The message Building Ecclesial Communion is the Key to Mission offers us the opportunity once again to renew our commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel and also to give pastoral activities greater missionary perspective. In this regard the Pope exhorts us to become forbearers of the newness of life in building authentic Christian communities and offering hope to our world. According to the message, Ecclesial communion is born from the encounter with Jesus Christ who reveals God s love to us. This love is what we celebrate in Word and Eucharist and thereafter proclaim to the world. By its very nature the love of God demands to be shared with everyone. It is in this light that we the SVD novices led by the novice directors Frs. George Angmor and Rafael Mesi decided to reach out and share the Pope s message with some parish communities in Accra during the Eucharistic celebration on Mission Sunday. The parishes were St. Margaret Mary, Dansoman which invited and hosted us including its outstation St. Peter s parish at Ngleshie Amamfro (Torkuse); St. Charles Lwanga, Abeka with its outstation of St. Anthony at Fishpond; and Ss Peter and Paul, New Aplaku. In all we divided ourselves into five different groups to enable us reach out to all these communities. In order to facilitate the understanding of the message each group symbolized the Mission Sunday message with objects of their choice. The first group comprising four novices shared the message at St. Charles Lwanga parish. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Rafael Mesi and concelebrated by Frs. Sampson Fenuku and Francis Damoah. With a symbol of a bunch of banana, the novices invited the faithful to see Christian communities as such with the various bundles stacked to the stalk in love and unity. Father Martin Dumas, the officiating priest and the faithful of St. Anthony, on the other hand, received the message with the symbols of a bouquet of flowers, the Holy Bible and a globe signifying the urgency of all Christians who receive the word of God to be missionaries to every part of the globe. At St. Margaret Mary, three novices demonstrated the message using a grafted flower with roots and varieties of flowers symbolizing the attachment of all ecclesial communities to the same root, which is Christ. Father Thomas D Mello, our Provincial Superior, was the main celebrant and Fr. George Angmor, the homilist of the day; Fr. Patrick Ofori, Parish Priest; his associate priests Fr. Andrew Obeng and Jacobson Dey were the concelebrants. The Mass at New Aplaku was celebrated by the parish priest, Fr. John Straathof. The faithful welcomed the symbols of the Holy Bible and the world map together with the message of the readiness to go out to proclaim the divine love to all people. The last group of three novices shared their message at Torkuse with the symbol of the stock of cassava sharing the message of unity in diversity. Fr. Benjamin Asare was the celebrant. All the communities were very happy to have us among them with the message. We are very grateful to all the parishes and our confreres who welcomed us and gave us the opportunity to share this message of love. We also thank all the faithful and the Friends of the SVD who supported us very well with food and offertory gifts during our visit. A friendly match between the novices and the youth of Dansoman ended in a goalless draw. Abraham Dzibitor and Martin Kotchoffa 7

8 Frt. Eugene Agyapong Professes Final Vows On the 31 st of September 2010, in the Divine Word Novitiate Chapel, Frt. Eugene Cudjoe Agyapong professed his final vows as a Divine Word Missionary. His father and mother, some family members, relatives and friends were present to support him as he said his bold YES to the Triune God. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist started at 10 a.m. presided over by Fr. Thomas D Mello SVD, Provincial Superior. Five S.V.D. priests concelebrated with him during the celebration. They are Fr. John Alphonse Asiedu, Prefect of CFC Tamale; Fr. George Angmor, Novice Master; Fr. Rafael Mesi, Assistant Novice Master; Fr. Daniel Lenwah, Assistant Headmaster of St Peter s SHS, and Fr. Phanuel Agudu, Associate Parish Priest of Gushiegu in the Yendi Diocese. There were about eighty people in attendance. The presence of all the members of the Provincial Leadership Team of the SSpS sisters as well as sisters from Kwahu Tafo, Nkawkaw, and Koforidua added colour and flavour to the celebration which was joyfully animated by the novices. At the beginning of the Holy Mass, the Novice Director, Fr. George, welcomed everybody, and introduced the family to the community. Preaching the homily, Father Provincial reminded all of us that the vows which a religious professes are a binding force of freedom as well as protection. The vows free us from the worries of the world and give us the humble disposition to serve God and his people. A missionary, the Provincial continued, is a messenger; he does not change the message, but rather, he avails himself to be changed by the message. By his example and his words and guided by the Holy Spirit, he coveys this message to God s people. At the end of the Mass, the newly professed confrere thanked all those who were part of his life, his family, and especially those who supported and accompanied him to reach this stage of his religious life. The celebration ended with a fraternal sharing of food and drinks provided by the novitiate and the family of the newly professed. Novice Abraham W.K. Dzibitor Arrivals: ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES Fr. Marek Dabrowski: 3 rd October 2010 from home-leave in Poland. Fr. Marek, welcome back. Jak się masz! Frt. Edmundo: 26 th October 2010 from Bolivia for his Overseas Training Programme (OTP). Frt. Edmundo, welcome to Ghana. Akwaaba! Fr. Vincent Burke: 28 th October 2010 from his home leave in the USA. Fr. Vincent, welcome back! Departures: Fr. Dominic Asare: 22 nd October 2010 to Paraguay. Padre Dominic, Via con Dios! Fr. Robert Yinamyah: 23 rd October 2010 to Rome to secure his VISA for Paraguay. Robert, have meaningful missionary journey! Fr. Francis Damoah: 20 th November 2010 back to Mississippi mission. Fr. Francis, sail on! wo ne Nyame nk[. 8

9 SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES Communication: Very Rev. Dr. Vincent Kwame Owusu, SVD presents liturgical Lectures on GTV The desire of Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Owusu, SVD to proclaim the word of God through liturgy on the television came to reality when Rev. Bro. Stephen Domelevo invited him to present series of liturgical lectures though the Catholic Digest. The advertisement on these affairs was posted in the bulletin of the Catholic Digest office and in many offices in the parishes of Accra. The copy of the letter is stated below: Dear Father, UPCOMING PROGRAM ON CATHOLIC DIGEST Greetings from the Catholic Digest Office. As part of our publicity measures to get more Catholic to watch Catholic Digest. We will be sending you topics of the upcoming programs to advertise in your Parish bulletins to sensitize catholic to watch Catholic Digest. WATCH CATHOLIC DIGEST EVERY SATURDAY MORNING GTV AM Starting from October 23, 2010 November 6, 2010 (3weeks) series on the Liturgy by Very Rev. Dr. Vincent Kwame Owusu SVD. GTV 6.00 to 6.30 am Saturday Mornings I am counting on your cooperation. Yours in Christ, Bro. Stephen Domelevo SVD Coordinator-Social Communication Office. These series of liturgical lectures of Very Rev. Vincent Kwame Owusu benefitted scores of thousands of TV viewers especially in the metropolis of Accra. This is indeed the wonder of Media communication. COMING EVENTS 14 November Ordination to Diaconate at Tamale 3-4 December Advent Recollection at DWCCC, Nsawam 6-7 December - Advent Recollection at DWCCC, Nsawam 8 Dec 50 th Anniversary celebration of Yendi District 7-8 December Cross Cultural Reflection on Ministry (CCROM) at DWCCC, Nsawam 9

10 WISE SAYINGS FROM THE FOUNDING GENERATION Grant that we may live in your house (Oh Lord) as your faithful children, willingly guided by you in joy - St. Arnold Janssen The true Christian is never without consolation joy and courage never leave him for a moment - St Joseph Freinademetz In the company of my holy guardian angel, I will endeavour often to seek holy solitude and to remain there alone with God. Blessed Maria Helena Stollenwerk Honour to God, all is due to God s grace and we human beings are the insignificant and inadequate instruments.. Blessed Josefa, Hendrina Stenmanns JOKES ONLY Will and Testament HUSBAND: When I die I will let you inherit my house, 5 hectares of land, and GHc. 350 million cash. What else would you ask for? WIFE: I ask that you shall die. And want it to be right now! Switch Off the Light CHILD: Mommy, according to my teacher, the mother is the LIGHT of the home. Now tell me about my father. What is he in the home? MOTHER: (had just a heated argument with the husband) the father is the one that SWITCH OFF the light. Stubborn boy Father: my son, go quickly to the store and buy me a beer. Son: club or star? Father: star? Son: bottled or canned? Father: bottled Son: big or small? Father: what a complex! Just buy me water. Son: Mineral water or distilled? Father: Mineral Son: hot or cold Father: Stubborn boy! If you will not stop that, I will spank you with wood! Son: Odum or wawa? Father: Go away! Son: by bicycle or by trotro?... 10

11 WORTH REMEMBERING November 1 Phanuel Agudu Feastday 1 Daniel Lenwah Feastday 11 Martin Ayedjo Kotchoffa Birthday 1 Joshua Gariba Feastday 11 Martin Ninang Feastday 1 Samuel Adjei Feastday 11 Martin Wels Feastday 1 David Tengey Feastday 16 Otmar Auinger Feastday 1 Jolly Mudakkampurath Feastday 19 Eugene Agyapong Birthday 1 Sampson Fenuku Feastday 20 Edmund Afagbegee Feastday 1 John Prempeh Duah Birthday 20 John Schilitz Birthday 3 Martin Goi Mangi Birthday 23 Bernard Appiah Birthday 3 Martin Goi Mangi Feastday 23 Clement Angmor Birthday 3 Martin Dumas Feastday 23 Joseph Addai Birthday 3 Paul Gbortsu Birthday 23 Patrick Ofori Birthday 3 Samuel Dagadu Feastday 24 Sebastian Sperl Birthday 3 Thaddeus Nyanuba Birthday 24 Martin Wels Birthday 4 Charles Ashun Feastday 30 Andrew Campbell Feastday 4 Charles Ashun Feastday 30 Andrews Obeng-Aboagye Feastday 4 Francis Naduviledathu Birthday 30 Andrew Quaye-Foli Feastday 4 Francis Koimb Feastday 30 Rex Vegbey Feastday 5 Tomy Kanjiramalayil Feastday 30 Andrej Kedziora Feastday 5 Jojo George Monoth Birthday 30 Jolly Mudakkampurath Birthday 8 Sofronio Endoma Birthday 30 Edward Simatupang Birthday 8 Paul Agbeyome Birthday Nov Our departed confreres Year 1 Maurice Lesage Romeo Cofie John Dauphine August Gehring Amos Freichs Albert Kretschmer John Heckel

12 December 1 Marcelo Oyarzún Birthday 21 Vincent Burke Birthday 1 Nicholas Aazine Birthday 23 Victor Leones Birthday 1 Dionisius Kopong Ola Feastday 23 Samuel Dagadu Birthday 2 Jean-Paul Sokpe Birthday 25 Emmanuel Fianu Feastday 3 Francis Naduviledathu Feastday 25 Emmanuel Dzisi Feastday 3 Jean-Baptiste Tchandama Feastday 25 Emmanuel Affum Feastday 3 Daniel Fordjour Feastday 26 Stephen Domelevo Feastday 3 Francis Mastan Feastday 26 Stephen Bonsu Feastday 4 Peter Edze Birthday 27 John Straathof Feastday 4 Tarcisius de Ruyter Birthday 27 Andrianandrasana Jean-Aimé Feastday 4 Dzokpe Komla Emile Birthday 27 John Akuffo Feastday 6 Nicholas Aazine Feastday 27 John Asiedu Feastday 6 Rakotondramasy Nicolas Feastday 27 John Dorborkoe Feastday 7 Dzibitor Abraham W.K. Birthday 27 Schilitz Janusz Feastday 10 Anthony D. Mensah Birthday 29 Kpatcha David Feastday 14 Claude Galley Birthday 30 Sob Sabastine Birthday 18 Tchekpi Jean-Bertrand Birthday 31 Agosseme Abraham K. Birthday 19 Oussoï O. Victorin Birthday 31 Andrinjatovo Diderick Birthday 20 Agosseme Abraham K Feastday Dec Our departed confreres Died 6 Kostka Piotrowski Paul van Riel Aloysius Hoguth Maurice Mayo Carolus, George Kukah 1985 Liturgy of the Eucharist Liturgy Corner The proclamations of the Word and the Eucharistic actions of the Mass have always been integrally one. By the end of the first century, the basic structure of the Eucharist preceded by the reading of Scripture passages was in the context of prayer. The First Apology of Justin Martyr (already quoted) gives testimony to this act. As we enrich our understanding of this next phase of the Eucharistic celebration, it is important to keep in mind the relationship between word and action in Christian theology. Speaking of the revelation of God in the Old Testament, the Second Vatican Council writes: He (God) so manifested himself through words and deeds as the one true and living God with men (Constitution on Divine Revelation, n. 14). And in 12

13 summarizing the purpose of revelation in the plan of God, the same Council clearly identifies for the community of Christ as an important pattern for its life: This plan of revelation is realized by deed and words having an inner unity; the deeds wrought by God in the history of salvation manifest and confirm the teaching and realities signified by the words, while the words proclaim the deeds and clarity the mystery contained in them. By this revelation then, the deepest truth about God and the salvation of man is made clear to us in Christ, who is the Mediator and at the same time the fullness of revelation (Constitution on Divine Revelation, n. 2) The Mass, which is the celebration of Christ and his people on earth, continues this pattern of word and deed until the end of time. The Mass gathers Christ and his people together in a unique way (in a sacramental way) to unite the words and deeds of the community with those of Christ. Through the Mass, a statement is made, namely, the words and deeds of the community of Christ continue and make present Christ s mission today in a uniquely visible manner. The Liturgy of the Eucharist has three basic movements, or rites, namely: 1. Preparation of the Gifts: the community prepares to offer itself together with Christ through the symbolic gifts of bread and wine. 2. Eucharistic prayer: the community unites with Christ in offering itself to the Father. 3. Communion Rite: the community is united with the Father who accepts the offering of Christ and his people. Pius Agyemang 13