Evangelization “not a matter of free choice, a responsibility of all”: Ghanaian Cleric

Keta-Akatsi, 16 January, 2020 / 1:32 PM

At the launch of celebrations to mark 25 years since the establishment of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Tetekope in Ghana’s Keta-Akatsi diocese, Church leaders have encouraged Christians to take up the task of evangelizing as a mandate of all the baptized who are followers of Christ.

“The Catholic Church exists to evangelize hence it is not a matter of free choice for the Church but a responsibility of all,” said the Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua, Fr. James Mikado while presiding over Holy Mass to mark the start the silver jubilee celebrations of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Tetekope. 

“Fervently pray for God’s supplication as well as the renewal of the missionary zeal by extending your spirituality to other people,” the Cleric urged the Christians during the Sunday, January 12 event. 

He further called on the Christian faithful “to get rooted in the power beneath the baptism received as Catholics."

“Let your faith blossom,” the Ghanaian cleric emphasized. 

After Holy Mass, Catechist Christopher Kordzo Ekpe, a native of Tetekope domiciled in Ghana's capital Accra presided over the launch of the silver jubilee celebrations, a practice in the West African nation where special guests, not necessarily Clergy, lead Church programs. 

The Ghanaian Catechist reiterated the message of the Fr. Mikado, reminding the congregation of the mandate to share faith.

“Evangelization is the work of all the members of the Church as the Church is missionary and the work of evangelization is a basic duty of the people of God.” the Catechist said.

He added, “In the Church, evangelization is not only the responsibility of the Bishops and Clergy but for every disciple of Christ, according to his or her ability.” 

Catechist Ekpa also told the Christians to be attentive to proclaiming the Gospel through their actions rather than words. 

"We are encouraged to do more in the area of evangelization by putting into practice the Gospel message and not to rely only on words without facts or deeds,” he said. 

The silver jubilee celebrations, which will comprise different activities is being guided by the theme, “25 years of the Catholic faith in the community: Impacts, Prospects and the way forward,” an expression that speaks to the need for Christians to reflect on their faith, Catechist Ekpe reflected.

Some of the activities lined up for the anniversary celebration include, retreats, visits to the sick and the aged, memorial Masses for the dead, among others.

“How bright is the faith we received as Christians some 25 years ago?” the Ghanaian catechist probed as he told the faithful to “to reflect on how much you have performed as a Christian.”

The anniversary celebrations will conclude on October 25, 2020 with Holy Mass to be presided over by the Local Ordinary, Bishop Gabriel Edoe Kumordji.