By Ato Aidoo

A Eucharistic celebration to mark Rev. Fr Tom Kweku Aidoo’s 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood has been held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Patchogue, New York.

Aidoo, a former assistant pastor at Tarkwa, and Enchi in the Western Region of Ghana, also served in the parish of Port-Bouert, Cote D’Ivoire, and later taught at the Nsein Secondary School, Axim, before leaving Ghana for graduate school at the St. John’s University, Queens. He is now a chaplain, Stony Brook University Hospital, New York.

Frs., James Knoses Essoun ( a long-time friend during his seminary formation and confidant), Samuel Ebuley-Afful, Miah, Micheal Torpey, priests from Nigeria, Ghanaian nuns, Ghanaian Catholic communities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Worcester, Massachusetts, joined in the celebration to thank God, and to renew their faith in the church.

Preaching the sermon, Rev. Fr Charles Poku, a classmate and friend, who was also celebrating his silver jubilee in priesthood tasked the congregation to support and renew their faith in the church as they participate in the celebration.

Fr. Poku described Fr. Aidoo as “firm and fair,” and attested to his cherished love for the vocation, fellow priests, and humanity. He prayed for God’s protection and guidance as Fr. Aidoo continues to lead the people of God.

Humbled by the presence of people from all occupations at the mass, Fr. Aidoo paid tribute to the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, and Long Island, for giving him the opportunity to serve, and share the “Word of God” with the people.

Aidoo said as in any profession, there are roadblocks, but he was quick to add; “if there is re-incarnation, I would want to become a priest once again.”

“I thank you all, the people of God, the head of chaplaincy, priests’ relations, my pastor- Mike Torpey, for being part of this memorable occasion in my life, and I ask for your prayers in the years ahead,” Fr. Aidoo concludes.

The Ghanaian Catholic Church choir- Christ the King Parish in the Bronx, backed by popular Ghanaian pianist, J. Taylor, treated the congregation to some inspiring religious songs infused with African drum beat.