Bishop Bomansaan takes over Wa Diocese

Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, M. Afr (Missionaries of Africa) last Friday, August 2, 2024, took canonical possession of the Wa Diocese of the Catholic Church after his consecration as the Bishop.

Bishop Bomansaan was appointed by His Holiness Pope Francis on May 2, this year after the seat became vacant following the death of His Eminence Richard Cardinal Kuuia Baawobr, the then Bishop of Wa in 2022.

The episcopal consecration was witnessed by a large number of priests from the diocese, members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, his confreres from the Missionaries of Africa, also known as White Fathers, religious brothers and sisters and Roman Catholic faithful from far and near.

The members of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall and Knights of St John International and Ladies Auxiliary were also present to add colour to the event.

Consecration

The consecration ceremony was led by the Metropolitan Archbishop of the Tamale Province, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, and was supported by the President of the GCBC and Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew K. Gyamfi, and the Bishop Emeritus of Wa, Most Rev. Paul Bemile, as co-consecrators.

Support

In his message, the Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah-Turkson, congratulated Most Rev. Bomansaan on accepting the arduous task of a bishop since he could have rejected the appointment.

He called on the faithful to support their shepherd in his task as chief as the job was not easy and would require the support and prayers of everybody to be able to succeed.

He said a prayer for the success of the bishop was a prayer for oneself “since you are the work and responsibility of the bishop. “When you gather in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening or at night to pray for the bishop, remember and recognise that you are praying for yourselves,” he said.

Dedication

The Superior General of the Missionaries of Africa, Rev. Fr. Stanley Lubungo, M.Afr, for his part, said the appointment of Most Rev. Bomansaan, M.Afr, was a testament to his dedication and exemplary leadership and deep faith within the confraternity and in the church in general.  

He said his humility and vision had been a source of inspiration for some of them and “I have no doubt that you will shepherd the faithful of Wa Diocese with the same passion and love.”