By Fatima Anafu- Astanga
Bolgatanga, May 7, GNA – Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo – Bolgatanga Diocese has launched 120 years anniversary celebrations of the Diocese.
The launch which was attended by the religious and lay faithful of the Diocese from outstations, parishes and parishioners and societies of Diocese was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga, preceded with celebration of Mass.
In a reflection during the Bishop’s homily, he reiterated the history of salvation, which he noted was manifested in two ways through word and deed through Moses to the prophets, complemented by action that led to the liberation to the promise land.
Most Reverend Agyenta said with the coming of Jesus Christ’s the proclamation of the kingdom of God continued through the word and deed also complement by action through working of miracles.
According to Bishop Agyenta at the time of the Church, the proclamation not only continued in the word but was accompanied with celebration of the Sacrament through which God revealed himself to the world.
“ In the era of the church continue the same manner but by paying attention to the needs of people and carrying out works of charity, hence after many years of the proclamation and hundred years of the church was time to reflect how far the local church of Africa church has gone in continuing the proclamation of the gospel and paying attention to the needs of people being served .
To the many years of presence of the church, the Bishop urged the religious and lay people to reflect on how faithful they have been in transmitting the word of God and continued with action, deed and celebration of the sacrament.
“Therefore, on the theme: “120 years of evangelization and Service as a church” The most Reverend Agyenta reiterated; “how faithful have we been in transmitting the word of God”?
‘How far and how successful have we been proclaiming the word of God and making it available to all”? He asked prayer leaders, religious and lay faithful.
He therefore charged all to the many roles assigned, especially to the religious to account for how they have contributed to spread of the word and celebration of the Sacrament , and to the ministers of the word and prayer leaders in preparing the lay people and indicated that lay people who are into many vocations have a key role to play.
Bishop Agyenta stressed the many challenges of society especially Ghana “if the church cannot give hope to the people we serve then we are lost,” he said.
We are in the year of hope and need to give the people hope, the masses of the people being served live in the parishes and outstations and these are the people who can transform wherever they are”. He stated and therefore bemoaned the priests to pay attention to their parishioners when they return and share the message, work towards improving the mission of the church, and care of parishioners wherever they are.
The climax of the anniversary which started from May 2025 is slated for 2026 with several programs and activities outlined to achieve a successful event including plans to look at forms of evangelization, use of social media in promoting evangelization and to be climaxed by a diocesan pastoral Congress next year.
GNA
FAA/KOA