Cardinal Dery Hails Women

Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, has extolled the virtues of women, describing them as generous, kind and caring.

"Women, I praise you, God bless you for your immense contributions to the maintenance of family unity,"he said.

Cardinal Dery was speaking in Tamale during a call on him by members of the Nandom Youth and Development Association to congratulate him on his recent elevation by the Pope to a Cardinal.

He observed that with such sterling qualities, women could contribute effectively in governance and leadership positions and therefore urged them to get actively involved in national affairs "because if you women are not developed, your country would not grow".

The Cardinal, however, acknowledged that it would be more appreciated and beneficial to the country, "if both men and women build together, support together and love together at all times".

According to him, "God will not forgive us if we do not love one another, care for one another and forgive one another."

The Cardinal also advised the youth to live above reproach, concentrate on their studies and vocations and take keen interest in the development of their respective communities, emphasising that it was only through well resourced and disciplined youth that the country could attain its development goals.

Cardinal Dery further entreated parents and guardians to show love to their children and wards in order that they would grow up to love them in return.

"Love is a free gift that must be shared among spouses, neighbours, friends and relations; indeed everybody deserves love that is unconditional and which knows no bounds," he stated.

The Cardinal further re-echoed the saying that "the beauty of love is not how happy you are but how happy others are because of you".

He thanked the people for their support and assistance over the years, saying, "I don't know how much I owe you but I owe you so much".

The chairman of the association, Mr Roy N. A. Dery, expressed appreciation to the Cardinal for his immense contribution to the cause of the church and mankind, particularly in the north.

On behalf of the members, he donated ¢2 million to the "Cardinal Dery's Foundation Fund," which was established some years ago to support the poor and the underprivileged.