Bolgatanga, April 4, GNA - The Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese on Wednesday urged Christians to rid themselves of superstitious beliefs, which could lead to idol worship.

He said such beliefs brought so much fear to the people who harboured them that they could be tempted to do anything recommended by diviners or conmen to supposedly save themselves.

The Bishop, who is also the President of the Catholic Bishop's Conference, said this when he con-celebrated Chrism Mass with all the priests from the Diocese in Bolgatanga.

Chrism Mass is a special church service, celebrated once a year to mark the beginning of the holy week of Easter and to bless the Sacred Oils of Sacrament that are used for the sick, baptism, ordination of priests and in marriage, he explained.

He, however, said the oils could not be used to bless homosexual marriages as it was not of God and unacceptable by the Catholic Church. Bishop Abadamloora urged Christians not to underrate the blessing of God within them but have confidence in God's love and mercy that would bring them the grace they need when they prayed by themselves. He said the Diocese was considering a joint healing service as part of the annual Chrism Mass where the sick, the aged and those who wished to renew themselves spiritually would be prayed for and anointed with the blessed oils. 04 April 07