More than 150 Catholic Priests, Reverend Sisters and Brothers in the Sekondi/Takoradi Diocese of the Catholic Church in the Western Region have been honoured for their meritorious service and dedication to duty.

They were presented with prizes which include clothes, wall clocks, bags and vestments at the ceremony held in Half-Assini.

The programme was organised by the Church and sponsored by the Diocesan Bishop, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie.

Speaking at a Pre-ceremonial Mass at the Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Half-Assini, the Bishop said the occasion was to thank God for the works of those honoured.

He said: “I am using the occasion to thank the Priests, Sisters and Brothers in a special way for their work in and outside the Diocese towards building God's Kingdom”.

Bishop Kwofie said some of the religious were working under difficult and unrewarded situations.

He said in this regard it was imperative once a year to set aside a day to meet and interact with them and take stock and make the necessary amends.

Rev Michael Owusu Parish Priest of St Patrick Parish, in a welcoming address said the Bishop had created an opportunity for them to interact with him and also relax, refresh, appreciate, encourage and reinforce bond of friendship with their co-workers.

He indicated that the Half-Assini Parish created more than 120 years ago had chalked out a lot of achievements in the Diocese by producing five other Parishes in the Half-Assini Deanery namely Kengen, Elubo, Bonyere, Newtown and New Kabenlah-Suazo.