This is the highest number of Candidates to be ordained since the elevation of the Apostolic Prefecture to a Vicariate in 2010.
The history-making October 26, 2024 Ordination which took place at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom, attracted scores of Priests and Religious from various Dioceses in Ghana, as well as family members and friends from within and outside the Afram Plains who came to witness the unique celebration.
The four newly ordained priests were Rev. Bernard Kwabena Amfo, from Akosombo in the Volta Region, Rev. Otmar Auinger Aklah, St. Fidelis Parish Tease in the Afram Plains, Rev. Gabriel Dabo-Gyamfi from Domenase Senfi in Bekwai, Ashanti Region and Rev. Mathew Akakpo from Tease, Afram Plains.
In a homily, the Chief Shepherd could not conceal his joy when he said “it is all joy today in our local Church of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, as in this Holy Mass, four men, who are your relatives and friends, are to be advanced to the Order of priests.”
“They will assume the sacred duties to preach the Gospel, to shepherd God’s people and to celebrate the sacred Liturgy, especially the Eucharist,” he said.
He congratulated the newly ordained for their courage in offering themselves for service in the Church as Priests, and implored that they should always conform their wills to that of Christ and serve his majesty in sincerity of heart, and be instruments of God’s grace, love and mercy.
“My sons, you come to share in the priesthood of Christ. Model your life after him. Take the Word of God to heart, meditate on it, believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach. Pray constantly and strive after holiness, and be true examples for the Lord’s flock. Be faithful to your priestly commitment, and unite yourselves in a bond of love with the Bishop and the priestly fraternity,” he endeared.
“May our desire to serve the Lord with sincerity of heart, always prompt us to follow him and keep our focus on him, so that wherever the Lord may be, we, shepherds and flock alike, may be with him,” the prelate prayed.
He further urged the newly ordained to be devoted and dependable to Christ in loyalty and in faith service to his church, and be good shepherd to the flock entrusted to their care.
The Chief Shepherd expressed deep appreciation to the parents, relatives, friends, formators, teachers, and the entire Christ’s lay faithful for their fervent prayers and kind contributions in preparing the Candidates for the high office of the Priesthood, and to all, he endeared “pray for your priests, support them in every good way possible, and encourage them. Do not be a hindrance to them in their quest for holiness, but collaborate with them effectively so that altogether, we can grow closer to God”.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Fr. Akakpo expressed joy and heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty for being a true companion on their journey to the priesthood. He said “truly the Lord has been gracious to us throughout this journey. Without him, we wouldn’t have reached this far”.
He was equally grateful to the Bishop of Donkorkrom, whom the Lord had used to ordain them, their formators, the Vicariate formation team, their retreat Master who had come all the way from Accra, their parents, both living and dead, benefactors and benefactresses, and to the entire Catholic family of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, he said “we say a big thank you for all your time and resources. This ordination couldn’t have been successful without your dedication and sacrifices”.
Dignitaries present at the Ordination Mass were Hon. Betty Nana Efua Kosbi Mensah, MP for Afram Plains North District, Chiefs and Elders from Donkorkrom, and environs, among others.
The ordination brings the total number of priests working within the 8 Parishes and one Island Mission of the Vicariate to 22; 13 for the Vicariate, Seven Divine Word Missionaries, One Fidei Donum and one Spiritan.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate)
