A December To Remember

As I count the months before I leave Damongo, each event, each encounter and activity have more significance.

A Carol’s Night

December this year was more memorable than one I had in my first year of mission.  This is especially true of the Carol’s night celebration. My first experience of the Carol’s night was at the St. Theresa’s Parish in 2022. This year (2024), I celebrated the service at the St. Anne’s Girls Senior High School (SAGISS).  While the format is largely the same, I guess the reason I appreciated it more is that now I fully understand the meaning of the activity.  In the first year my focus was on the Christmas Carols being sung by the participants.  This time around, as the night unfolded, I realized that the nine lessons traced the great history of God's redeeming work from its beginning in Genesis until the coming of Jesus as Savior.   

SAGISS celebrated their Carol’s night just before the students went for their Christmas break.  We were joined by Catholic students from the two public schools (Damongo Senior High School and Ndewura Jakpa Senior High Technical School) in Damongo. The singing of the carols and dramatization of the stories of the Gospel highlighted to us the good news of Christ's birth and helped us to connect deeply with the spiritual message of Christmas.

The specific carols sung during the service always change from year to year but the following lesson (Scripture readings) basically remain the same since its inception.

• First Lesson from Genesis 3:8-15; 17-19.  God tells sinful Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise and that his seed will bruise the serpent’s head.
• Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18. God promises to faithful Abraham that in his seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.
• Third Lesson from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7. The prophet foretells the coming of the Savior.
• Fourth Lesson from Isaiah 11:1-3a, 4a, 6-9. The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.
• Fifth Lesson from the Gospel of Luke 1:26-35, 38. The angel Gabriel greets the Blessed Virgin Mary.
• Sixth Lesson from Luke 2:1, 3-7. Luke tells of the birth of Jesus.
• Seventh Lesson from Luke 2:8-16. The shepherds go to the manger.
• Eight Lesson from the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.
• Ninth Lesson from the Gospel of John 1:1-14.   St. John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.

Some traditions never fade; they rather get enriched with time. And so, it was with the Carols Night at SAGISS.  It was truly a night of lessons and reflection.

A Double Wedding

In February 2024, I shared with you the exciting news that before the end of the year, we would have a quadruple wedding. Sadly, the quadruple wedding did not happen. The law in Ghana requires the couple to first celebrate the traditional wedding before any sacramental wedding could be officiated. Eric, our Secretariat driver, still did not have his traditional wedding so he could not have the wedding at the Church yet.  The same was true for Cynthia.

But the good news is that we still had a double wedding before the year 2024 ended. In a solemn ceremony held at the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Canteen-Damongo on December 21, 2024, the Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, presided at the sacramental marriage of two couples: Irenaeus Saana and Gaamale Mildred, and Evans Gogu-Nwentieru and Vivian Kuunyem.

The Bishop highlighted in his homily the spiritual meaning of a marriage by utilizing the day’s readings from Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32, and Mark 10:2-9. He emphasized that marriage is not only a social contract but a divine institution designed by God as part of His plan for humanity. He urged the newlyweds to see their union as a means of witnessing God’s love to the world by forming a domestic church through their bond of love.

Practical advice for a successful and fulfilling marriage was given by the Bishop to the couples.  These include: trust and mutual respect, fidelity, good communication, patience and perseverance. Concluding his homily, Bishop Angkyier exhorted Irenaeus and Mildred, and Evans and Vivian, to accept their new roles as Christian couples fully and without reservations.

After the celebration of the sacrament, everyone joined the couples at the courtyard of the Church for food, drinks and dancing.  The SAGISS group moved to the Unity Center later in the afternoon to join Evans and Vivian (Vivian was also the Matron for the School) for a few more drinks and bonding.

This day was a joyous occasion celebrated with heartfelt prayers and blessings, leaving all who witnessed the sacred union of two couples, with a lasting memory. 

A Pilgrim’s Path to the Spiritual Heart of Italy

As I approach the end of my mission, I am becoming a bit reflective. I tend to do this at the end of every commitment or a project – look back at what I have achieved, think about what lies ahead. This year, my thoughts keep coming back to a pilgrimage I experienced in Italy recently.

The thing with pilgrimages is that it is generally about the psychological more than the physical. It gives you time to think.  I had the feeling that each stage of the journey brought me closer to the destination and perhaps closer to some form of enlightenment. This pilgrimage gave me an opportunity to think about a lot of things. Many of them ultimately relate to my mission here in Ghana – therefore, to the core of my current life.

This journey was different to the other ones I had taken in the past.  It was not about the destination but about each place that are significant in its story.  Each day took me to a new setting where my understanding about the Catholic faith and its teachings grew. Spending time getting a better understanding of one site is more rewarding than scratching the surface of many. More often than not, in my travels, I go about trying to do as many things as possible, sometimes missing the link to them all.

I shall not dwell here on the places we visited, let me at least share with you briefly the journey we took.

 

Rome

The trip took us to the 4 major basilicas in Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major and St. Paul outside walls.  In these Churches I was able to see the Holy doors before they were opened by Pope Francis for the Jubilee.  The Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, the Holy Steps and of course, the papal audience with Pope Francis were truly a spiritual experience.

On the way to San Giovanni, we took a short detour to the Domitilla Catacomb spread out into about 17 kilometers with galleries laid out four levels. To see a Chapel underground is amazing.  Visiting this site and understanding the lives of the early Christians - their faith in Christ, their hope in the resurrection and eternal life is indeed something to marvel at.

San Giovanni

Here we visited the tomb of St. Padre Pio and saw the crucifix from which he received the stigmata in 1918.  En-route to San Giovanni we stopped at Monte Cassino to see the Benedictine Abbey founded by St Benedict in 529 and enjoyed a breathtaking view of the Gargano Peninsula.  We visited the Grotto of Michael the Archangel, the most celebrated shrine of early Christianity, a shrine consecrated by St Michael himself in 490.

 

 Assisi

On the way to Assisi, we stopped by at Lanciano to marvel at the 8^th century Eucharistic Miracle in the little Church of Lagontial, the miracle where a monk found himself holding a host that had changed into flesh and wine that had changed into blood.

 

Continuing on our passage, we then traveled through the Italian countryside to the town of Manoppello and visited the Santuario del Volto Santo where the miraculous image of Christ’s face on a veil, the “veronica” (true icon) was kept. We were told that this is the only case where the image is visible on both sides of the cloth.  Scientific tests, observations under ultraviolet light and under a microscope show no pigments and no paintings on the veil.

Following the Adriatic coast, we travelled to the great Marian shrine of Loreto to visit the Holy House of Nazareth and the beautiful Madonna of Loreto. Tradition has it that this is the house in which Mary prayed the Magnificat, in which Jesus grew to manhood, and in which the Holy Family lived. Legend says that angels carried the house from Nazareth to Italy.  

In Assisi, we visited the tomb of St. Francis.  We explored the huge 13^th century Basilica where many of St Francis’ possession and a series of frescoes depicting his life were displayed. We knelt before the crucifix from which Jesus spoke to St Francis, asking him to rebuild His church. We also visited the St Mary of the Angels Basilica where St Francis spent most of his life. Here we visited the Chapel, Portiuncula, the rose bush, and the cave where the saint retired for prayer.  Our next stop was the Church of St. Clare of Assisi where St. Clare’s incorrupt body lay.

The following morning, we were off to the beautiful town of Sienna, the birthplace of Saint Catherine.  Here we visited the Cathedral and the Basilica of St. Francis, containing the miraculous consecrated hosts that remained intact since 1730. We also viewed the incorrupt head of St. Catherine at the Basilica of St. Dominic.  

Whie my planned visit to Florence and Venice on my own did not happen due to an injured knee, it was providential. Instead, I went to Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Popes. Located just 24 kilometers from Rome and accessible by local train, the Papal Palance of Castel takes one through the Papal Apartment and the history of the Popes.  The Gardens of the Pontifical Villas offers another opportunity for reflection.  The well-kept gardens and the breathtaking view of the lake are a sight to behold.  The serenity of the place was a continuation of the spiritual journey I began in Rome.

The journey ended when I returned to Accra spiritually renewed and invigorated in my faith.

While each of us may have a different definition of “spiritual”, for me ultimately it meant personal growth.  It is about starting a journey and ending up somewhere – and I think that’s something I would like to do more of in 2025.

 

Sacred Heart of Jesus Congress and Enthronement

The National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre, Ghana, under the auspices of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, held its 10^th National Sacred Heart of Jesus Congress and Golden Jubilee at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale.

The three-day Congress held from the  5^th to the 8^th of September had a theme ‘’National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre, Ghana “50:  Building a Synodal Church, the Role of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotional Practices by the Catholic Family’’.

According to estimates, the Congress attracted about 9,000 Sacred Heart devotees across the country to celebrate masses, Eucharistic Adorations and other devotional practices, participate in the sacrament of reconciliation and in deliverance and healing sessions, offer thanksgiving to God and of course fellowship.

September 5^th, Thursday

The Opening Mass was celebrated by the newly installed Bishop of Wa, Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan. His homily highlighted the need for Christians to foster unity in the spirit of Synodality. He also cautioned Christians against “shopping around from church to church, from shrine to shrine, from pastor to pastor and instead to put their trust in God.”  He expressed hope that the Congress would lead to a “spiritual revival” in the Church.

The day ended with a celebration of a Holy Hour of Reparation and Adoration of the Holy Eucharist led by Most Rev. Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga. In his reflection at the Eucharistic Adoration, he expressed great concern over what he called as “worrying liturgical abuses” within the Church and outside the Church. He lamented that certain priests have introduced elements into the Mass in the name of ‘’creativity and innovation or out of misplaced spiritual enthusiasm’’ leading to a dilution of the sacred mystery. He warned that such innovations obscure the true meaning of the Eucharist and weaken Eucharistic adoration, which is an extension of the Mass. Urging the faithful to remain vigilant in defending the sanctity of the Eucharist from both internal abuses and external ridicule, he concluded that the Eucharist is a sacred tradition that should be preserved with the utmost reverence.

September 6^th, Friday

Day 2 of the Congress   was the official opening of the Congress and Golden Jubilee. It began early with each of the participant joining the morning prayers in their respective places of lodging at 5:00 a.m., then the praying of the Holy Rosary at the Stadium at 7:20am,  followed by the celebration of the Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Most Reverend Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The Sacred Heart Congress and Jubilee celebrations began with a call to foster ‘transformative love and unity among the faithful.

As part of the effort to adopt an inclusive approach to addressing challenges such as the declining Catholic population, attendees at the Congress participated in a series of workshops designed to promote the concept of a Synodal Church. These sessions were guided by the theme of the Congress. They employed a bottom-up approach recommended by the synodal process and were facilitated by bishops and priests from various dioceses across Ghana. The sessions provided an opportunity for clergy and laity to engage in dialogue on how the Sacred Heart of Jesus devotional practices can strengthen the Church and foster unity.

The day ended with an encounter with Jesus in in the Most Blessed Sacrament and a Healing Service led by Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, Bishop of Obuasi Diocese.

September 7^th, Saturday

On this day, Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Damongo celebrated the Votive Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In his homily, he urged everyone to emulate the virtues of Mary and entrust themselves to God. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by the Consecration of Ghana to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

In the afternoon of the 7^th, there was a procession through the principal streets of Tamale with brass band music and banners with the Arch/Diocese Bishops.

Later in the afternoon, the Tarcisians/Youth engaged in interaction with the Archbishops and Bishops. Simultaneously, a penitential service was held and led by Most Rev. Matthew Yitiereh, Bishop of Yendi, Bishop of Yendi Diocese.  This was followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Counselling available for everyone at the Congress grounds.

The day ended with a socialization festival by the Tarcisians/Youth which consisted of Cultural Display, Drama Performance, music and dance choreography at the Arch/Diocesan Provincial Level.

September 8^th, Sunday – Thanksgiving & Climax of Congress/Golden Jubilee

In his homily at the conclusion of the National Sacred Heart Congress and Golden Jubilee celebrations, Bishop Matthew Gyamfi of the Diocese of Sunyani and president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference (GCB) highlighted the role of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in providing spiritual and moral guidance for the nation especially in times of crisis. ‘’Let us carry Ghana like a sick man to Jesus for Healing’’, he said, and he then went on to list the many challenges that the country has faced and is facing at this moment in their history. Despite these challenges, the Bishop called for hope grounded in faith and action.

Before the Congress was concluded Bishop Gyamfi led his colleague Bishops, priests, religious men and women and pilgrims joined together in prayers to re-consecrate Ghana to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ahead of the December 7 general elections. He recalled that on March 3, 1957, Ghana was consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus ahead of the declaration of Independence. He further said that 50 years later during the 2007 Seventh National Sacred Heard Congress in Cape Coast, Ghana was re-consecrated to the love, mercy and protection of the Sacred Heat of Jesus which was repeated ten years later in 2017. In all these consecrations, the leaders of the Ghana government were present. This time the mayor of Tamale represented the President of Ghana.

Bishop Gyamfi rightly said that ‘We believe that the consecration of Ghana to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is what has sustained our country through its chequered history of 67 years.’’ And we say “Amen” to that.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, thy kingdom come.

Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angkyier, Bishop of Damongo Diocese, interacting with Tarcisians/Youth

Holy Hour of Reparation and Eucharistic Adoration

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion and Confraternity

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was revealed by Jesus Himself when he appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun, between 1673 and 1675. Jesus requested a special devotion to His Sacred Heart, a symbol of Jesus Himself and His love for humanity.

The purpose of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to focus our hearts on receiving and returning Jesus’ love with gratitude that He may be glorified and worshipped.

The devotion which is Eucharist centered aims to promote an authentic Catholic devotion and worship of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. In return, Jesus promises great rewards in this life and eternal life in heaven.  There are notably twelve promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Mary Alacoque.

The center of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Enthronement of an image of the Sacred Heart in the home. By the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, we link the tabernacle of our parish church to our home, inviting Our Lord to be our constant and most intimate Companion.

I remember growing up that we had the Most Sacred Heart enthroned in our home.  The devotion involved every member of the household in which we live. We would gather together every Friday to consecrate the Family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

So, imagine the joy I felt when on my third year of mission assignment I was initiated into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Confraternity on 07 June 2024 at the St. Anne’s Cathedral. Such occasion was memorable because it was also the day that the Diocese of Damongo reconsecrated the Diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The timing was providential as I would be able to join fellow Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the celebration of the 10^th National Sacred Heart of Jesus Congress and the Golden Jubilee of the National Sacred Heart of Jesus of the National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre Ghana to be held in Tamale on the 5^th to the 8^th of September.

This is timely as we have in the United States just successfully concluded the historic 10^th National Eucharistic Congress, the first in 83 years, in Indianapolis.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom Come.

Let's Celebrate

A pleasant surprise greeted me upon my return to Damongo from my vacation.  Wow! There were new babies in town.

Meet the newest additions to my Damongo Family.

Meet Terrance, the son of Eric Dery and Benedicta and Emmanuelar, daughter of Irrenus Saana and Mildred.  Terrance was born on the 4^th of November 2023 and Emmanuellar on the 29^th of December 2023.  Welcome little ones!

Eric Dery is the driver of the Secretariat.  He has always been there for me from Day 1 bringing me home from Tamale to SAGISS, my first home.  He has been a constant companion for my work commute, travels to Tamale for my Ghana documentation requirements and also to out-of-town travels.  But Eric is more than just a driver assigned to me.  He is my family here in Damongo.  He was with me when I moved and set up my new home in the Canteen area of Damongo, helping me with plumbing, electrical and handy man issues I experienced in my new home. He taught me and helped me set up my small home farm which provided me with the lettuce, cucumbers and other vegetables for the kitchen.  Truly, Eric is family, and I am proud to be called Grandma Josie by Terrance.

 

Irrenus is the Bishop’s Driver.  He was also with me from Day 1, picking me up from the airport and bringing me to the Catholic Guesthouse in Tamale for lunch with the Bishop.  On occasion, he would be the one to drive me around when Eric was unavailable.  Though the interactions with Irrenus is not as often because of his work, I feel a close bond with him.  He trusted me with the story of his life in Nigeria before coming back home to Ghana.  I am most honored to have shared this with him. He too is my family in Damongo, and it would be my pleasure to be a grandma to Emmanuellar.

 

But wait, don’t we always say that the best things come in threes.  Well, we are expecting another baby by June, this time from Cynthia Aazelinibe, our Secretariat cleaner.  Last year, in late October, I learned that Cynthia was engaged and already wearing an engagement ring.  In November, I was told that the dowry has been paid by Bruno and that in all respects in the Ghanaian culture this means they are already married.  Cynthia’s pregnancy is a welcome news for the couple and Cynthia’s son, Gregory.  Congratulations Cynthia, Bruno and Gregory.  We can’t wait to meet your new bundle of joy.

 

So, what’s next?  I’ll let you in on our secret.  I am thrilled to learn that there will be a quadruple sacramental marriage in the Catholic Church before the end of the year.  I am eagerly anticipating this event for Evans and Vivian, Eric and Benedicta, Irrenus and Mildred and Cynthia and Bruno. Keep them in your prayers.

Reflection On Mission At Mid-way Point

The Catholic Diocese of Damongo is comprised of 13 Parishes and has a number of institutions which the diocese takes care of. I am assigned to work at the Diocesan Secretariat as a Finance and Administrative Assistant.

As a lay missionary for the Diocese,  I contribute whatever skills I have specially in helping the Diocese achieve all or part of the Diocesan Strategic Plan for 2021 – 2026 specially in the area of transparency and accountability. 

 

It has been a special moment for me to know, listen to the people I work with, ask, encourage, motivate, and mentor them in ways to ensure proper accounting practices that will help improve systems for the Diocese. 

Again, fulfilling one’s life mission on earth is an essential part of living for God’s glory. This is where the mission called, it is where it is necessary to stay as a missionary and give our life. So, beside my official duties in the accounts office I took time out to visit some parishes to experience their worship and parish activities and sometimes to unofficially offer some advice on parish finance management.

Spending time in the villages and listening to the local people share their experiences made me realize how wounded our world is today and the need for us to be missionaries of hope even in our frailty. In as much as there are great positives, there are also negatives in this time of mission, something disappointing is the issue of parishes not having proper resources to work with (Computers, proper accounting set ups) records for parish finance management, the parish staff and finance committee’s inadequate knowledge of EXCEL among others. which would have made for a more efficient and effective financial management of the parishes/institutions.

Nevertheless, the financial audit of the parishes and diocesan institutions unearthed some of these inadequacies and appropriate recommendation given has brought changes to some degree and I hope to see more changes in the not far future. I think it is not impossible to achieve this and with my hand in heart, I tell you we can find alternative ways to resolve this situation.

As I have experienced so far, life mission is both shared and specific, one part of it is a responsibility you share with every other Christian and the other part is an assignment that is unique to you.  As a lay missionary of the Lay Mission Helpers, I am very grateful for this missionary experience. The joy on people’s faces will remain indelible in my heart.

Buipe , Savannah Region – A Grand Birthday Celebration

Birthdays are a very special day in everybody’s life.  More so for a revered paramount chief in Gonjaland, His Royal Majesty Buipewura Abdulai Mahama Jinapor II.   It is an important occasion to celebrate the life and achievements of an esteemed chief. The Chief is recognized for his sterling leadership as traditional ruler and for promoting the customs and tradition of the chiefs and people of Gonja.  Born on April 6, 1948, the Buipewura is a Ghanaian traditional ruler.

To celebrate his 75^th birthday, there was a Christian prayer session for him at his palace on Thursday, April 6 led by the Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Catholic Bishop of Damongo, Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier and members of the Buipe local council of Churches.

Then on Friday, the 7^th, the Imams of Buipe led Islamic prayers for him at 5pm. The highlight of his 75^TH birthday celebrations was observed on Saturday, April 8 with a dinner and the Tamale Police Band providing entertainment at his residence.

It was no wonder that the preparations for the program prepared by the outgoing parish priest Fr. Hilary Anadu was intense. The practice of the choir, one of two of the best in the Diocese was also intense.  Fr. Michael, the incoming parish priest supervised the rehearsal making sure that everyone swayed in the same direction and that the clapping was in sync. I was privileged to join the choir for the prayer service celebration. I am grateful for the invitation to be part of said group.

On the day of the Christian Prayer service, the Archbishop surprised everyone by addressing the Chief by his Christian name, Michael.  Unknown to a lot of people, the Chief was a baptized and confirmed Catholic but because of his title and social norms he uses his traditional name. 

Bishop Peter Paul for his part praised the Chief for raising children with a heart for service.  Prominent among his children are his two sons representing two constituencies from Gonjaland on the ticket of two different political parties.  The elder brother, John Abdulai Jinapor is the NDC MP for the Yapei-Kusawgu.  The younger brother, Samuel Abu Jinapor is the NPP MP for the Damongo constituency.  Not to be outdone are their siblings who serves in various capacities of the government and private sector.

After the prayer service guests were invited to one of the residences where we were honored with an array of local food and drinks.  Everybody was welcomed and guests continued to come as we were leaving for home.

Once again I am grateful and truly blessed to have another cultural experience – the celebration of a  paramount chief’s special day. 

To the Buipewura, Happy 75^th Birthday and may the good Lord continue to shower you with His blessings as you continue to lead and serve the people of Gonjaland!