AUXILIARY BISHOP JOHN KOBINA LOUIS URGES CATHOLICS TO SEEK GOD’S KINGDOM DURING PASTORAL VISIT TO BLESSED CLEMENTINA CATHOLIC CHURCH
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, has urged Catholics to place the Kingdom of God above every earthly ambition and remain steadfast in their faith as he paid a pastoral visit to Blessed Clementina Catholic Church, Ashaiman Middle East, on Sunday, 19 July 2026.
The visit brought together clergy, religious and parishioners in a joyful celebration marked by the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to 32 candidates and a renewed call to faithful Christian living.
Bishop Louis was received by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Edmund Ekow Neizer; the Parochial Vicars, Rev. Fr. Aaron Agbeshie Agorsor and Rev. Fr. Godson Kwame Bentum; Rev. Fr. Michell Eduordo, a priest from Niger in residence; Religious Sisters; and members of the parish community. The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) mounted a guard of honour while children welcomed the bishop with flowers.
Welcoming the bishop on behalf of the parish, the Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Prince Katapu, described the visit as a blessing and a visible expression of the bishop’s pastoral care and unity within the Church. He thanked Bishop Louis for accepting the invitation to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and assured him of the parish’s continued prayers and support in his ministry.
In his homily, Bishop Louis reminded the congregation that the Sacrament of Confirmation is far more than a ceremonial rite; it is a sacrament that strengthens believers to become mature and courageous witnesses of Christ.
Addressing the candidates, he urged them to embrace a lifelong commitment to Christ and the Catholic faith, stressing that Confirmation should mark the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey rather than the end of their active participation in the Church. He also reminded parents, godparents, catechists and priests of their shared responsibility to provide sound spiritual formation for candidates before they receive the sacrament.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of Catholics leaving the Church, the bishop encouraged the newly confirmed to remain steadfast in their faith and become active members of their parish communities. Reflecting on the Gospel reading from Matthew 13, Bishop Louis explained that Jesus repeatedly taught about the Kingdom of Heaven because it remains the ultimate goal of every Christian.
Quoting Christ’s exhortation to “seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” he emphasised that every aspect of Christian life, from worship and family life to work and service, should be directed towards attaining eternal life.
According to the bishop, worldly success without salvation ultimately counts for little, whereas those who gain the Kingdom of God possess the greatest treasure.
To illustrate his message, Bishop Louis recounted the story of a Ghanaian who declined British citizenship because he hoped one day to serve Ghana as a Member of Parliament. Drawing a spiritual lesson from the story, he cautioned Christians against pursuing what he described as “dual citizenship” between heaven and earth.
“Our true citizenship is in heaven,” he said. “While we live and work on earth, we must never lose sight of our final destination. We must safeguard that heavenly citizenship by living holy lives and remaining faithful to Christ.”
At the conclusion of the homily, Bishop Louis administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 32 candidates, praying that the Holy Spirit would strengthen them to become faithful disciples and courageous witnesses of the Gospel.
Following the Mass, Mr. Prince Katapu thanked the bishop for his pastoral visit, describing it as a memorable occasion in the history of the parish. He appealed to benefactors and corporate organisations to support the completion of the parish hall and the construction of a Marian grotto, projects he said would benefit future generations of parishioners.
The Chairperson of the Catholic Youth Organisation, Crusader Augusta Bebli, thanked the bishop for his encouragement to the youth and his continued support for the organisation.
She disclosed that since the re-establishment of the CYO in November 2024, membership has grown to nearly ninety following the recent induction of nine new members. She also expressed appreciation for the bishop’s assistance in securing a brass band for the youth group and appealed for further support to sustain its growth.
Speaking as a parent, Mr. Timothy described Confirmation as a sacrament that equips young Catholics with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and prepares them to become authentic witnesses of Christ. He encouraged the newly confirmed to allow the Holy Spirit to guide every aspect of their lives.
On behalf of the newly confirmed candidates, Nii Adjei Nyongmoda Sowah thanked God for the grace of receiving the sacrament and expressed appreciation to the priests, catechists, sponsors, and parents who accompanied them throughout their formation.
Sr. Mary Ann Matthew, FMA, expressed joy at witnessing one of her former students receive the sacrament after attaining the required age. She prayed that all the newly confirmed would remain faithful disciples and courageous defenders of the Catholic faith.
The Immediate Past Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Obed Nyamach, described the bishop’s visit as spiritually enriching and said the message on seeking God’s Kingdom would continue to inspire parishioners to deepen their relationship with Christ.
Rev. Fr. Michell Eduordo, a priest from Niger currently in residence at the parish, expressed gratitude for the warmth and hospitality extended to him by the parish community. He noted that his stay at Blessed Clementina Catholic Church had enabled him to improve his English while experiencing the generosity of the Ghanaian people. He thanked Very Rev. Fr. Edmund Neizer, Rev. Fr. Aaron Agbeshie Agorsor and Rev. Fr. Godson Kwame Bentum for their guidance and support and assured the faithful of his continued prayers.
In an interview, Rev. Fr. Aaron Agbeshie Agorsor said the bishop’s homily challenged Catholics to place Christ at the centre of their lives. He urged the newly confirmed to remain active in the Church, noting that young people are not only the future of the Church but an essential part of its present mission.
The pastoral visit concluded with renewed commitment among the faithful to seek first the Kingdom of God and to live as authentic witnesses of Christ in their homes, workplaces and communities.
By Thelma N.E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM Accra
