Catholic Bishops of Ghana meet Catholic Parliamentarians

The six Bishops who met the parliamentarians were led by the Right Rev. Joseph Osei Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo Mampong Diocese who is also the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference. Others in his delegation were the Archbishop of Kumasi, Most Rev. Justice Gabriel Anokye; Right Rev Peter Paul Angkyier of Damongo Diocese; Paul Bemile of Wa; Most Rev. Matthias Kobena Nketsiah of Cape Coast as well as Most Rev. Thomas Mensah, the Archbishop Emeritus of Kumasi.

The Bishops were accompanied by officials of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat. Also present at the Bishops’ meeting with the parliamentarians were Catholic parliamentary staff.  

Before the meeting the Bishops first celebrated Mass with the parliamentarians and all present. In his homily, Bishop Osei Bonsu recounted the story of the Sower as contained in the Gospel reading. He asked the parliamentarians to examine themselves and see what kind of seeds their lives resembled.  

The Bishop further asked the parliamentarians to ensure that the Word of God bore fruit in them as they went about their civic duties and as representatives of the people. Parliamentarians ought to live as good Christians and as good family men and women, Bishop Osei Bonsu said as he challenged his audience.

On the issue of corruption, the Bishop said of those who indulge in corruption, the sad part was that some were Christians. This means that the Word of God is yet to take root in some of the hearts of the followers of Christ. He asked parliamentarians to let the Gospel message permeate their lives as witnesses to their faith.

Later, the Bishops went into a closed-door meeting with the parliamentarians.

The meeting between the Bishops and the parliamentarians was aimed at forging an important pastoral link with the parliamentarians and meant to enable the Bishops exchange notes with the parliamentarians on a wide range of topics that are of national interest.

In the past, the Catholic Church`s collaboration with the Government in the provision of social amenities, health facilities, schools and other essential services has been lauded by Ghana`s President John Mahama and his ministers. Similarly appreciated in Ghana is the candidness with which Bishops approach public pronouncements on national issues.

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference maintains a chaplaincy in charge of the pastoral care for Catholic parliamentarians and staff at Ghana’s parliament.

(John Kumado, Ghana)