By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, May 06, GNA – Most Reverend Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, Bishop of the Damongo Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, has emphasised the critical importance of philosophical formation in the holistic development of priests.
He said this is important, especially in navigating the complexities of today’s rapidly evolving technological world.
Most Reverend Angkyier said the Church of Christ was called to a mission in a highly technological age, and thus, the formation of priests as pastors and leaders must be carefully structured to maintain the relevance and mission of the Church.
Most Reverend Angkyier said this during an inaugural lecture in Tamale as part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebration of the Saint Augustine Millennium Major Seminary (SAMS).
He said: “It may be valid that philosophy is not responsible for solving everyday problems” adding “However, philosophy can be like a candle lit in the dark. It enables us to make meaning out of situations.”
The lecture, attended by stakeholders within the Catholic Church, including seminarians from SAMS, was held under the theme: “SAMS @25: Forming Priests for the World Today – The Role of Philosophical Formation”.
Most Reverend Angkyier, speaking on the theme, reiterated that the Church, established by Christ and entrusted with the mission of spreading the gospel, required well-formed priests to remain faithful to that mission.
He said: “Our study of philosophy is essential for a continuous, authentic dialogue with the various ways of searching for meaning. It is also vital for effectively refuting errors in contemporary philosophical debates.”
He added that, “Another functional aspect of philosophical studies is the capacity to communicate rationally and clearly with the people of our time.
“This ability to reason with those, who wish to reason, and to contemplate with those, who wish to contemplate, serves the purpose of evangelisation in today’s world, and is nurtured through the study of philosophy.”
He said philosophical education equipped seminarians with foundational principles of reasoning, helping them to move from understanding the obvious to grasping the unknown, and ultimately leading to the comprehension of divine truth.
Professor Hamdiyah Alhassan, Director, Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience, University for Development Studies, who chaired the event, echoed the bishop’s sentiments, saying, in a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, it was crucial to form priests, who were not only spiritually grounded but also intellectually sound.
She noted that philosophical formation fostered meaningful dialogue with the modern world and strengthened the Church’s faith through clear, and effective reasoning.
Professor Alhassan said: “Philosophical formation equips the priest not only to become a preacher but a thoughtful shepherd, who engages the minds and spirits of the congregation.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the second and third lectures will be held in September and October respectively.
The anniversary will be climaxed on November 22, 2025.
GNA
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