Regional News of Wednesday, 3 August 2005

Source: GNA

Ghanaian priest trained in Nigeria ordained

Juaso (Ash), Aug 3, GNA - A Ghanaian Catholic priest, who studied in a Nigeria seminary was on Saturday ordained at the Saint Andrew Catholic Church at Juaso.

The Most Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Bishop of Konongo-Mampong diocese, who led the ordination ceremony of Reverend Father Peter Yaw Danso, noted that, Catholic priests are human, so they can be sinful, however, God who knows best can reveal why they are chosen to perform his work. He cautioned the new priest not to break his vow of chastity, adding, "you must have time for your flock so that you give them good and able leadership. You must listen to the problems of your church members and help solve them through unceasing prayers". Bishop Osei-Bonsu advised the women in the church not to tempt the new priest to break his vow, stressing, Peter is human and can also be sinful.

He charged the new priest to be a faithful missionary, "show respect to your seniors to enable you spread the word of God as provided in the Holy Book", pointing out that all these need great commitment and dedication to the holy word.

Bishop Osei-Bonsu said, "your humility and dedicated service to God will lead you to mobilise many people to come to worship God". Rev Father Danso, who studied in Enugu, Nigeria, holds Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies.

He held his first Mass Service on Sunday at the same church.