St Paul’s Catholic Seminary Holds 3rd Edition of ‘Journey to Calvary’

St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary at Sowutuom recently held the 3rd edition of Journey to Calvary, under the theme: “By His Wounds We Are Healed” (Isaiah 53:5).

It was a special evening of music and reflection aimed at preparing hearts for Holy Week, deepening the understanding of Christ’s sacrifice, experiencing spiritual renewal and growth, and finding solace in community and fellowship.

The event brought together the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, His Excellency Archbishop Julien Kabore; the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp, priests, religious, seminarians of St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary, and some lay faithful.

In his welcome address, Very Rev. Fr. John Doe Dormah remarked, “As a philosophic home, we have come to appreciate the role of the reason in faith and to realize that faith not subjected to the judgment seat of reason degenerates not only into fundamentalism but also into superstition.”

He further explained that to avoid this, the seminary creates a spiritual atmosphere through shrines, holy sites, and liturgical activities, ensuring a balance between faith and reason in the formation of seminarians into priesthood.

In his reflection, Archbishop Julien Kabore expressed appreciation for the seminary’s cherished traditions of songs, prayers, and meditations. “I feel privileged to be associated with this rich heritage,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, drawing from 1 Peter 2:24, he stated, “This single line from St. Peter carries within it the wonder of the journey to Calvary and the mystery of our redemption.”

He emphasized that the wounds of Christ are not merely signs of suffering but marks of divine compassion, “the door through which grace has entered our history.”

“To contemplate the wounded Christ is to encounter the triumph of love. We cannot tell someone, ‘I love you, but just a little,’ because love is always to the end,” he noted.

The Apostolic Nuncio encouraged seminarians to visit the sick, describing them as “Christ’s living icons.” He added, “If every person is our brother or sister, how much more must we draw near to those who are suffering?”

He stressed that every seminary and every Christian must keep a place for compassion. “On Good Friday, remain in adoration before the cross for as long as you can. The cross is a throne of mercy, a school of peace, and a wellspring of joy for every heart that thirsts for love.”

During the event, the Apostolic Nuncio also made an important announcement on behalf of the Dicastery for Evangelisation. He read the official decree confirming the appointment of Rev. Joseph Okine-Quartey of the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi as the Rector of St. Paul’s Major Seminary, Sowutuom. Fr. Okine-Quartey had been serving as the acting Rector prior to this appointment.

Reading from the decree, the Apostolic Nuncio declared, “The Dicastery for Evangelization, having duly considered the recommendations of the appropriate authorities, hereby appoints Rev. Joseph Okine-Quartey of the Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi as the Rector of St. Paul’s Major Seminary, Sowutuom. This appointment shall remain valid until the Lord provides otherwise.”

The evening concluded with a candlelight procession to the newly unveiled Calvary scene, and a solemn vespers service.

The Calvary scene, a space for prayer and reflection, was dedicated to the seminary by Gabriel Asempa Antwi as a lasting reminder of spiritual formation and an inspiration for mission.

By Theresa Kpordzo

DEPSOCOM Accra