The Very Rev Fr. Paul Saa-Dade Ennin, SMA, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious of Ghana (CMSR-GH) has declared the Jubilee Year Celebration for the Consecrated persons in Ghana a significant milestone.
He made this remark during the opening ceremony of the Jubilee Year for Consecrated Persons in Ghana at the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani Pastoral Centre on January 31, 2025.
According to Fr. Ennin, the Jubilee celebration is “the first in recent times for men and women Consecrated to God for Life through the sacred bonds of poverty, chastity and obedience to hold a national gathering of about 500 participants, others joining virtually,” which he confessed was the highest number ever recorded for any celebration in Ghana with a total number 86 different congregations.
“To God be the Glory! Indeed, charisms for one mission” he affirmed.
Under the auspices of the Conference, Fr. Ennin expressed immense joy as he welcomed all particularly Consecrated Men and Women the celebration which was meant to run from 30th January 30, to February 2, 2025.
The Jubilee Year in the words of Fr. Ennin was “a momentous occasion”, which is reflected in the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: A Time to Renew the Face of the Earth”.
He explained that the theme is inspired, on one hand, by the universal theme for the Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” given by Pope Francis; and on the one hand by “our ardent prophetic desire to heal our land, our water bodies, our forests and our environment from unbridled irresponsible mining and negative attitude towards the environment.”
Making reference to Psalm 104:30, which says, “When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth” Fr. Ennin reminded all that we are called to be instruments of this renewal, to be the face of hope in a world torn apart by greed, conflicts, injustices, and uncertainties.
Reflecting further on St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 3:9), “For we are God’s co-workers;” the priest reminded participants to engage in building together the kingdom of God under the direction of their bishops who are guardians of the Apostolic faith.
Fr. Ennin expressed gratitude to Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Catholic Bishop of Sunyani, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ho, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD and the Most Rev. Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Bishop of Donkorkrom Vicariate, for creating time out of their busy schedules to be at the celebration.
He was equally grateful to the traditional, religious, civil and political leaders present as well as the lay faithful.
Re-echoing the Holy Father’s remarks, “Hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5) the priest prayed that the hope may “guide us, strengthen us, and renew us as we journey through this Jubilee Year. Let us renew our commitment to our prophetic consecration.
Let us rekindle the flame of hope in our hearts, and let us strive to be the face of hope in a world that yearns for it”.
He expressed the hope that the tree-day celebration may be “a time of spiritual rejuvenation, a time of deepening our relationship with God, and a time of renewed commitment to the environment; a true karios of empowering hope that will never be quenched nor forgotten”.
By Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC and Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (Sister Communicators)
