The new Catholic Bishop of Sekondi -Takoradi, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh,  has reminded Catholics  that “the call to serve is a gift from God.”

“My happiness will be to discover that every day, I am there serving your needs.” he assured.

Bishop Attakruh made the call, when he delivered the Homily at his maiden mass  at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi,following  his Episcopal  Ordination and Installation, as the fifth Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi, recently.

He called on the Catholicsto open their hearts to serve, their brothers and sisters “because Christ loves those who serve, not those who are served.”

“My  call to service  includeproclaiming the Gospel of Christ, celebrating the sacraments, loving  the faithful, learning from you and caring for those in need.”  he stressed.

He, however, asked the faithful  not to sit on the fence and be mere observers but they should fully engage as they seek to lay the foundation for the next jubilee celebration of the diocese.

Bishop Attakruh  promised to be a brother and father because “together we all share the great task of spreading the good news of God’s love.”

He   explained his episcopal motto, ‘Strengthen Your Brethren’, saying he wanted  to be seen as someone who empowered others, rekindled  apostolic joy in order to overcome all types of apathy and paralysis.

He continued “The joy of the gospel that never fades in the face of adversity is known as apostolic joy. The apostolic joy is a sign of the Church’s love and unity. It’s also an indication that the Church is becoming more powerful. God isn’t a sad God. We are Easter people, and our song is Alleluia.”

He said that as the body of Christ, Catholics could not  allow apathy to fester as  God’s word encouraged Christians   to retain an open mind and accept unity in diversity.

“Let our differences not divide us. God’s gifts aren’t intended for specific people and Numbers 11:25-29 clearly shows that God’s gifts are not limited to a single group of people.

“The sin of jealousychokes out Prophetic words. It only succeeds in causing dissatisfaction and dividing people. Jesus teaches his disciples tolerance and acceptance . As a result, Jesus advised us to seek out those who had God’s spirit and talent.”Most Rev.Attakruh said.

Quoting from Revelations, he  admonished  the religious  to always remember their first love for their vocation, with  the energy  and   motivation   to respond to the call of God.

To the faithful, he said, “In this era,you  cannot be lukewarm because being lukewarm is the opposite of bearing witness which is the core mandate of all Christians.

“You, therefore, need to be committed to your married life, family life and workplace. Again, you should be committed to the values of the Kingdom of God, selfless sacrifice, love, peace and charity.”

Present at the thanksgiving mass were Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, Archbishop  of Accra,  Most Rev. Dominic Nyarko Yeboah,Bishop of Techiman, Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, Bishop of Sefwi Wiawso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso  and Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop  of Sunyani,  as well as other dignitaries.

FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, TAKORADI