The Catholic Church has renewed its call for a priesthood rooted in compassion and service following the ordination of two missionary priests at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church, New Achimota, Accra.

Presiding over the ordination Mass, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, charged the newly ordained priests, Rev. Fr. Mamertus Adaklumegah, MCCJ, and Rev. Fr. Godwin Kwasi Kudzi, CSJ, to cultivate hearts that are attentive to the struggles of the poor and marginalised.

In his homily, Archbishop Kwofie emphasised that the priesthood must always reflect the life and mission of Christ, who walked closely with the suffering, the excluded, and the forgotten.

“The credibility of the Church is seen in how it responds to human pain,” he said, urging the priests to embrace a pastoral ministry that is approachable, compassionate, and courageous.

The ordination ceremony brought together priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful in a powerful expression of support, unity, and shared faith. The atmosphere was marked by solemn prayer and joyful thanksgiving as the ordinandi committed their lives fully to the service of God and His people.

Archbishop Kwofie also reminded the congregation that priestly vocations flourish in communities that nurture faith through prayer, family support, and active parish life.

For many present, the Archbishop’s message resonated strongly in the context of current social and economic challenges, reinforcing the Church’s responsibility to remain close to the realities of ordinary people.

As they begin their priestly journey, Rev. Fr. Adaklumegah of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) and Rev. Fr. Kudzi of the Congregation of St. Joseph (SCJ) carry with them the prayers of the Church and the hope that their ministry will be a source of healing, hope, and renewal wherever they are sent.