Cape Coast April 12, GNA – Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, Archbishop of Cape Coast, on Tuesday held that the lifestyle of the priests of old is still relevant today and called on Catholic priests to refrain from embracing worldly pleasures.
He urged them to emulate the good examples of their predecessors, the disciples of Christ, who he said, abandoned everything to follow their Master, by performing their priestly duties and shunning materialism.
Cardinal Turkson, made the call during a ‘chrism mass and renewal of commitment of priestly’ service at the St Francis De sales Cathedral in Cape Coast.
The mass was celebrated under the theme: “Jesus’ priestly disciples, yesterday and today,” and was attended by more than 80 Catholic priests from the all parishes in the archdiocese to herald “an essential phase of the lord’s last supper”, to be held on Holy Thursday, when Jesus Christ instituted the sacraments of the Eucharist and ministerial priesthood.
It was also used to renew the priestly vows and commitment to service, as well as bless ‘holy oils’ for sacramental use. Cardinal Turkson also exhorted the priests against seeking “selfish interests”, saying they should serve with commitment, dedication and integrity. “Priestly duties and materialism are incompatible,” he held. “As you renew your priestly vows today, you should consider the abandonment of worldly things, since your ministry and call involves a lot of sacrifices, cut off and separation from what belong to the world,” he repeated.
He called on all Christians and Catholics in particular, to continue to pray and support the clergy in their work to enable them effectively discharge their duties.
Source: GhanaWeb
