Uphold cardinal principles of life — President
President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to uphold the cardinal principles of the family—instilling discipline, order and exemplary lives to present and future generations.
Advertisement
“We are all witnesses to the moral decadence in the society which is attributable to family disintegration and which can destroy the fabric of society if not checked,” he stated.
50th anniversary
President Mahama stated this in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Johnny Osei Kofi, at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church at Madina, Accra.
The celebration, presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, was on the theme: “Come, let us build a family of faith, love and unity.” It brought together parishioners of the church and former priests who served the parish in its 50 years of existence.
The church, manned by the Society of African Missions (SMA) congregation of the Catholic Church, has produced four parishes, been running four primary and four junior high schools since its establishment.
Role of Catholic Church
President Mahama said the Catholic Church was credited with the development of the spiritual and physical being and therefore could play a leading role in stemming the tide of moral turpitude.
He pledged the continuous support of the government to the church in its efforts to ensure the development of moral values which he said were important to the development of the nation.
President Mahama commended the Catholic Church for the establishment of educational and social infrastructure across the country.
Other Trending Stories
Malfeasance in society
The President hinted that officials cited for wrongdoing in the Auditor-General’s reports would be sanctioned.
“Measures are being taken by appropriate agencies to sanction indicted individuals,” he indicated.
“Together, as a people, we can stamp out acts of malfeasance from the society,” Mr Mahama added, noting that such actions could be realised through faith, love for one another, unity in families, the church and workplace.
Role of Mother Mary
Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle in a homily justified why the Catholic Church honoured Mary, the mother of Jesus.
“We honour her because God honoured her. We honour her because Jesus Christ honoured her and we honour her because the Holy Spirit honoured her. Elizabeth under the influence of the Holy Spirit honoured her and Mary in Luke 1:48 honoured herself,” Rev. Palmer-Buckle explained.
He underscored the significant role Mother Mary played in Christendom, describing her as a woman of faith, purity, humility and service.
Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle said the virtues of Mother Mary made her a role model in Christianity.
Year of renewal
Touching on the celebration, he said 50 years of the parish was very significant and urged the parishioners to make it a year of renewal, reconciliation and reconstruction.
The SMA Regional Superior, Very Rev. Fr James Owusu-Yeboah, paid glowing tribute to the early missionaries who started the parish and urged the parishioners to use the occasion to honour the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future.