Nuncio Urges Papal Awardees In Ghana To Be True Witnesses Of Christ

The Papal Awardees of the Oder of St. Sylvester Pope at Alakple in the Keta-Akatsi Diocese in the Volta Region on May 6 dancing to the glory after their conferment. From Left is Dame Elizabeth Attachie, Si Stephen Adzamli and Sir John Mark Worclachie. Photo by Damian Avevor

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Most Rev. Jean-Marie Speich, has on behalf of Pope Francis, conferred the Papal Awards of the Order of St. Sylvester, Pope on three distinguished persons of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese in Ghana, with a call on all Papal Knights and Dames in the country to be true witnesses of Christ by helping others in need.

The Papal Awardees are Sir John Mark Kwame Worclachie, Sir Stephen Eshun Kofi Adzamli and Dame Elizabeth Dogbatsey Attachie. They were honoured by Pope Francis at the request of Most Rev. Anthony Adanuty, the Emeritus Bishop of Keta-Akatsi for their immense contributions to the growth of the Diocese and the Catholic Church in general.

The Order of Saint Sylvester, Pope was formally constituted on February 7, 1905 by Pope Saint Pius X in his motu proprio, Multum ad excitandos. It is intended to award laymen who are activel involved in the life of the Church, particularly as it is exemplified in the exercise of their professional duties and mastership of different arts.

In a homily at the conferment Mass May 6 at Alakple, Archbishop Speich asked the faithful to love one another and be witnesses to Christ in their faith, asking them to constantly express their unique love to their neighbours.

“We actually have the power to live that way once we recognise God's love for us and His choice to share His life with us. Our power, our virtue, our goodness, our capacity to love-all come from the Lord Jesus,” he added.

He stated that a person in the Church with a good heart is better than one who has only a wallet full of money.

Conferring the Awards on the Awardees, the Nuncio said “This recognition and honour being given to you is accompanied with great challenge and mission for each one of you to keep deeply your Faith in God that you may strengthen the faith of others.”

The Nuncio asked them to give themselves unconditionally to the service of their brothers and sisters, reminding them that "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be the slave of all”

He told the Awardees that God was calling them to go and give witness to His love which must bear fruits that will last.

Archbishop Jean Marie-Speich (Middle with Crosier) with Bishop Gabriel Kumordji and Anthony Adanuty with the Papal Awardees after the Conferment of the Order of St. Sylvester, Pope at Alakple in the Keta-Akatsi Diocese May 6. Photo by Damian Avevor

Conferring the Awards on Dame Attachie, Archbishop Speich said the Church was recognising her for her Christian life of witness and dedicated service to

the Church in many fields as a dedicated Catechist, working tirelessly to ensure that the Catholic Community at Alakple and beyond was nurtured in their

faith.
He said she was also honoured for having promoted the Girl-child Education and helping in the formation of Seminarians formation and for being a very active member of the Diocesan Justice and Peace. Commission.

Awarding Sir John Worlachie, the Nuncio said “the Church has recognized

your exemplary witness of faith and dedicated service especially in the field of Catholic Education, helping students, teachers and parents as well, deepen their

faith in God.” You have been a strong pillar of the Catholic Church in the Diocese, he added.

Conferring the Award on Sir Stephen Adzamli, Archbishop Speich said it was in recognition of his life of Christian witness and dedicated service especially in the field of Catholic Education as well as giving support to the formation of seminarians and priests, and the formation and development of the laity.

Their responsibility as Papal Knights and Dame include their willingness and readiness to defend not only the Catholic Church but also the Papacy.

In a brief remark, Bishop Gabriel Kumorji, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi told the Awardees to continue to be well grounded in the Catholic faith and let their love for the Church and the Papacy be absolute.

As Papal Knights and Dames, he said they would have to seek better understanding of the Catholic faith and deepen their knowledge of the Church’s teachings and defend them always. He was optimistic that as recipients of the prestigious Papal Award, they would continue to serve the Lord faithfully and be shining examples of good Christians living wherever they found themselves.

In a Goodwill will message, Sir Benedict Assorow congratulated the Awardees on behalf of the Forum of Papal Knights and Dames and welcomed them to the Forum which has an objective to contribute to the evangelisation effort of the Church.

He said the as new members of the Forum, the Awardees are to provide leadership and professional services to the Church, collaborate with and support the Bishops, and promote filial respect for the spiritual authority of the Church.

They are also to assist in the formation of the laity, particularly the youth of the Church, render services to the Church and nation as well as advance the spirituality of its members.

Archbishop Jean Marie-Speich (Middle) with Bishop Gabriel Kumordji and Anthony Adanuty with the Papal Awardees. Seated second left is Togbi Amey Zegu II, Chief of Alakple and second right is Togbi Agawu III, Sub-chief of Alakple.

On behalf of her colleagues, Dame Attachie said they felt blessed, proud and privileged to be honoured by the Supreme Pontiff and expressed gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who had granted them the privilege and dignity of Knighthood and Dame of St. Sylvester, Pope.

She thanked the Nuncio for conferring on them the Award on behalf of the Pope and Bishops Adanuty and Kumordji for recommending them for this great honour. She also thanked their families and parishioners of their Parishes for their prayers and support during the time they served the Church in various capacities.

She pledged the Awardees’ continuous service to the Church and promised to give their unflinching support to the activities of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese and the Church in Ghana.

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