The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Most Rev. Henryk Miecezyslaw Jagodzinki, paid a three-day visit to Ho Diocese from 12th to 15th September 2021.
As part of his visit, he presided over the Thanksgiving Mass of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the Congregation of Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church at Sokode Gbogame. In attendance were Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, the bishop of Ho Diocese, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumodji, SVD, bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese and the Bishop Emeritus of Keta-Akatsi, Most Rev Anthony Kwame Adanuty. The superior general of SMMC Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, the clergy and the religious from Ho Diocese and all over the country were present with a session of the lay faithful.
In his homily, His Excellency, Henryk Miecezyslaw Jagodzinki said “Religious life is a special vocation and privilege to follow Christ on the path of the evangelical counsels: chastity, obedience and poverty. Each congregation has its own particular charism, that is, a gift and tasks, which it is called to carry out in the community of the Church. As you know, the charism that a founder of a religious Congregation receives is practically reflected in the Constitutions of that Congregation”.
He also witnessed the official opening and the first matriculation ceremonies of Margret Marquart Catholic Nursing Training College at Kpando. He expressed his joy in being part of the historic events and commend the pioneers of this all-important project which aims at promoting the dignity of humankind. Under the theme “THE CHURCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH STAKEHOLDERS IN TRAINING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS” the principal of Margret Marquart Catholic Nursing Training College, Kpando (MMCNTC) in his speech said the respective mission and vision of their noble institution are geared towards training qualified health professionals who will be well equipped with the needed competencies to go out there and render the needed health services of our dear nation and beyond.
He continued to said quality healthcare is a by- product of quality and qualified health trainees, who is/are well prepared to confront the dynamic health needs of our people at all times. The future of health care delivery to the people of Ghana would be guaranteed if these selected few are well equipped with the knowledge, skills and positive attitudes to be able to respond to the patients/client the legitimate medical and non-medical needs in a holistic manner.
Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Catholic Bishop of Ho, Members of Convocation, Executive Secretary of CHAG, Director of NCHS, Representatives from various institutions, Torgbewo, Mamawo and other Akpini Traditional leaders, Staff of MMCNTC, Students, Parents, and the media were all present at this all-important function
At about 2:45 pm in the afternoon, he visited Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Kpando Agbenorxoe. In a short ceremony, he led the faithful through a short prayer at the feet of the St. Joseph statue. He later reflected on the life of St. Joseph as a tender and loving Father, an Obedient Father, an Accepting Father, a Creatively Courageous Father, a Working Father, a Father in Shadows, compassionate, caring, and loving father and called on the Catholic faithful to emulate him.
The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Walter Agbetoh on behalf of the bishop, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD presented to him a gift from the Diocese. There were other presentations from the Catholic Women Association and also from the Queen Mother of Kpando Agbenorxoe.
Rosary procession was made amidst the singing of Marian songs to the main grotto after which the Nuncio dedicated the Catholic Church in the Ho Diocese to the patronage of our Dear Mother Mary.
Later, on the same day, in the evening, he paid a courtesy call on the Bishop Emeritus of Ho Diocese, Most Rev. Francis Anani Kofi Lodonu where he interacted with the curia and some elderly priests during a dinner organized by the Host Bishop at the Bishop Emeritus’ residence at Bame.