Fruitful Living

Holy Rosary Catholic Church attains Parish status

•Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Acheampong,the first Parish Priest of the church assumes his seat

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie has elevated the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Adentan to a parish status.

He has subsequently appointed Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Kwaku Acheampong as parish Priest of the church.

The Archbishop who paid a Pastoral visit to the parish to mark the church’s 40th anniversary celebration, also administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 14 candidates in the church.

In his homily, he reminded those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation that they were no longer juniors in the faith but adults and must, therefore, conduct themselves as such and be bold in professing the faith.

“Once you have willingly professed in the presence of the congregation to follow Jesus, you must endeavour to stay in the church and there should be no turning back, no matter the circumstances,” he advised.

He said since many of the faithful had made meaningful sacrifices and played their part in the growth of the church, it was their time to demonstrate their love for God and the church.

He asked them to stand firm in prayer, good works, service to God and man, and be on the lookout, since the devil would come in diverse ways to tempt their faith.

He advised the faithful to use words which came from their mouth to edify, promote peace and refrain from the use of abusive language.

The Parish Priest of St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ashaley Botwe and the Deanery Head, Very Rev Fr Nimoriuos Donmanzine advised the faithful to contrive new ways of doing things.

He asked them not to relent in their efforts but remain resolute to surmount the challenges in the future.

Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Kwaku Acheampong expressed his gratitude to the founding fathers of the church, the past and current parishioners for the respective roles they had played over the years.

He said the church’s motto of ‘One Family’, should not be taken as a mere cliche but the true identity of the church.

“Though the church is the mystical body of Christ, it belongs to each of us. It is, therefore, our collective responsibility to lift its image and meet the needs of the people,” he advised.

The church was established in 1983 and had Rev Fathers Duncan and Francis Mulders, Jacque Smeele as some of the pioneer priests.

By Raymond Kyekye

Fruitful Living

Qur’anic Evidence on Environmental Responsibility (Part 2)

Allah draws our attention to the divine wisdom in creating the earth and subjugating its resources for human benefit:

“It is He Who created for you all that is on the earth.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:29).

“And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth. Behold, in that are signs indeed for those who reflect.” (Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:13).

These verses affirm that the natural world is a divine gift created for human benefit, but not for reckless exploitation.

The trust (Amaanah) placed upon mankind requires careful and sustainable use, respecting the rights of future generations and all other creatures.

Islam and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6 – Clean Water

and Sanitation

Clean water and hygiene are essential for life and spiritual purity. Islam obliges ablution (wudu) and cleanliness as part of daily worship.

The preservation of life (Hifz al- Nafs) is one of the five objectives of Shariah, and access to clean water and sanitation plays a key role in achieving it.

SDG 13 – Climate Action

Islam calls for moderation in consumption and energy use. Wastefulness (Israf) is condemned:

“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and the devil is ever ungrateful to his Lord.”

(Surah Al-Isra, 17:27).

Climate change, driven by overuse of fossil fuels and deforestation, threatens life on earth.

Muslims are taught to protect air quality, plant trees, and reduce carbon emissions—principles that resonate with SDG 13.

SDG 14 – Life below water

Oceans and marine ecosystems are under threat from pollution and overfishing. The Prophet warned against contaminating water:

“Do not urinate in stagnant water which people use.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 282).

This Hadith underscores early Islamic environmental regulations aimed at preserving clean water and marine life.

SDG 15 – Life on Land

Islamic teachings are rich in directives for land preservation. Allah warns: “And the earth we have spread out, and placed therein firm mountains and caused to grow therein all kinds of things in due proportion.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:19).

Tree felling without cause, soil erosion, and habitat destruction are all contrary to Islamic ethics.

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author

Fruitful Living

Why Should I forgive others? (Final)

Forgiveness is thenhigher way

Paul acknowledges the gravity of Onesimus’ offense. Legally and ethically, Onesimus had done wrong. Under Roman law, Philemon had every right to punish him. Yet Paul calls him to choose a higher path—grace.

“For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever” (v. 15). Paul reframes the pain of separation as a providential opportunity for lasting unity.

As Christians, we’re invited to see beyond the offense and choose the eternal perspective. Forgiveness isn’t minimising the pain—it’s maximising the grace of God. It’s choosing to imitate Christ, who bore our sin without bitterness.

We are a forgiven people

Years in ministry often reveal a painful pattern: unresolved conflict and an unwillingness to forgive can cripple individuals and entire communities. Families drift. Churches divide. And the gospel is obscured by pride and pain.

Someone said something. Someone got offended. Someone refused to forgive. And so, healing never happened. Every time forgiveness is withheld, the Body of Christ suffers. But when we take steps to reconcile, we bear witness to the redemptive power of the gospel.

Forgiveness is more than an emotional release—it is a spiritual act of obedience. It puts God’s grace on display. It makes visible the invisible love of Christ.

Are you struggling

to forgive ?

Here are five helpful questions to evaluate your heart:

1. Do I feel anger or anxiety when I think about this person?

2. Do I secretly wish for them to suffer as I did?

3. Would I serve or help them if they needed it?

4. Can I sincerely pray for their well-being?

5. Would I be upset if God blessed them?

These questions don’t condemn us—they guide us. They help us identify areas where grace is still needed, where healing is still possible.

CONCLUSION

Forgiveness is one of the most Christlike things we can do. It doesn’t ignore justice—it entrusts it to God. It doesn’t excuse the offense—it acknowledges the cost and chooses love anyway.

Is there a Philemon in your life? Someone you need to forgive? Or are you more like Onesimus—longing to return but unsure if you’ll be received?

Today is a good day to choose grace. For the sake of the gospel, the Church, and your own soul, why not begin the process of forgiveness?

Let’s make this commitment together: By the grace of Christ, I will pursue unity, forgive freely, and live in the freedom that only forgiveness brings.