Accra, June 2, GNA-Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra has admonished Catholics to live the tenets of Christianity to receive the grace of God and be successful in life.
He said the tenets of Christianity must inspire Christians especially Catholics to do the right thing devoid of acts that derailed the true values of Christians.
He advised Catholics to stand firm, be honest in all their endeavours and eschew acts of bribery and corruption that would prevent them from entering God’s kingdom.
The Archbishop said this at the thanksgiving mass to climax the 75th anniversary celebration of St Kizito Catholic Church, Nima.
The Archbishop administered the sacrament of confirmation on 174 candidates during the celebration.
« You need to have the courage to say no to evil, dishonesty, hatred, and live as brothers and sisters », he added.
He said Christians condoned to wicked acts because they lack the courage to be strong in the lord and be empowered to stand the test of temptation.
Archbishop Kwofie encouraged the Catholic community especially the parishioners of St Kizito Catholic Church to live a truthful life and continue with the unity it enjoyed over the past years.
« Without unity, there cannot be perfect love. Let us do our best to live with one another and avoid self-centreness and live peacefully ».
He commended the church for its vibrancy over the years and was proud to be part of the anniversary, adding that, the celebration would be a blessing and a memorial for all.
Reverend Father Ernest Dugah, the Parish Priest of St Kizito Catholic Church, Nima said the Church as part of activities to mark the anniversary, organised blood donation, health walk, pilgrimage, night of praise, donation to the Nima Government Clinic, among others.
He urged parishioners to remain steadfast and continue to uphold the values that have been passed down from the beginning of the church.
Rev Fr Dugah enjoined all not to be tired in praying for God’s continuous favours, daily restoration and reformation upon the church.
Superintendent Dr Francis Ofei, the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, St Kizito Catholic Church, Nima said the Church had been the pioneer parish with groups and societies from the eight tribes across the length and breadth of the country and beyond.
He said the cultural diversity had not divided parishioners but rather kept them together as one Christian family with a common purpose.
« Over the past 75 years, we have demonstrated this unity in diversity to the admiration of other parishes, which has earned us the name ‘African Union Parish' ».
Giving the background to the name St Kizito Catholic Church, Mr Kwamena Assan, a member of the Planning Committee said St Kizito was one of the Martyrs of Uganda who was burnt alive by King Mwanga II in 1886.
He was canonised in October 18, 1964 by Pope Paul VI at Rome.
Catholic Christianity began to take root in Uganda after Cardinal Lavigerie’s White Fathers established missions in central Africa in 1879.
As part of the anniversary, the Archbishop blessed and unveiled the St Kizito statue.
The anniversary was preceded with a durbar of traditional Chiefs from the Church’s societies, displaying their rich culture.