The Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, the Episcopal Chair of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) Movement in Ghana has urged Priests and Religious including Sisters associated with the group to be men and women of encouragement.
He said this in a homily at the opening Mass to mark this year’s session for Priests and Religious who are members of the CCR at Adom Fie in the Kumasi Archdiocese.
The three-day Session was attended by about 73 Priests and Religious from the various Arch/Dioceses in Ghana.
Sharing his reflection on the life of St. Barnabas whose feast day was celebrated on June 11, 2025, he enumerated some qualities of the life of the Saint and entreated the Priests and Religious to emulate him.
“The early Church was very Charismatic, as was Barnabas. He was a Jew, whose name means “son of encouragement,” Bishop Afoakwah who is the Catholic Bishop of Obuasi said.
According to him, Barnabas with Paul rejoiced and encouraged the Early Christian Community, therefore “We need Spiritual Directors in Our Churches.”
“He was a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” he added. 
The Obuasi Bishop asked thought provoking questions:
Like Barnabas, do we rejoice when we see our brother Priest and Religious flourishing?
Do you know your spiritual qualities?
What will your parishioners say about you?
Are we interested in seeing people grow in faith?
Bishop Afoakwah stressed that there were many areas that Priests and Religious who are members of the CCR could explore including spiritual direction and Catechesis.
Mr. Anthony Osei Assibey, the National Director of the CCR who welcomed the Priests and Religious, reiterated the aims and objectives of the Movement in Ghana.
He encouraged them to hold such sessions yearly for the good of the Movement
By, Sr Bridget Kator, SMMC. (Sister Communicator)
