INTRODUCTION
On the eve of Ghana’s Independence in 1957, the then Bishops of the Catholic Church in Ghana, consecrated Ghana to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference therefore deems it appropriate for the Church to renew this consecration this year when Ghana is 50 and as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our independence. In addition to this, the Conference has drawn a year-long programme of activities as the Catholic Church’s spiritual and social participation in the celebration of Ghana’s Golden Jubilee year.
Part of this year-long programme is given below:
SUNDAYS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR
Mass must be offered for the country on every Sunday in every parish throughout the country. and special prayers to be said for the nation during Mass.
Various needs of the country should be included in the prayer of the faithful.
MARCH
MONTH SPIRITUAL INTENTION GROUP TO LEAD
ACTIVITIES
March Lent Pray for atonement of our sins All societies and Parish Communities
4th March: All Catholics are to join in the Inter-denominational Services by the Ghana @ 50 Secretariat at all the regional and
district capitals. Various societies in the Church will be in their uniforms or parish attire.
6th March: Mass must be celebrated in all parishes throughout the country for our nation.
The Consecration prayer of Ghana to the Sacred Heart would be prayed at Mass on that day.
The consecration prayer is provided below:
RENEWAL OF CONSECRATION OF GHANA TO SACRED HEART
OF JESUS AND IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY
O Sacred Heart of Christ, our King, behold we acknowledge your supreme dominion over us. In proof therefore, we desire to consecrate ourselves today entirely to you forever, as loyal citizens of our beloved country. We dedicate to you our individual homes and families. We entrust to your loving guidance our Institutions of learning and of social and political welfare. Safeguard for us the natural resources and wealth of our country to ensure its peace and prosperity amongst all nations of the world.
For the attainment of these benefits, we beg you to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal and sanctity of life, those appointed and elected to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and of the government, so as to conduct your people in the ways of peace and salvation, at all time.
Assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude, our rulers and the members of the government, so that their administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to this your people, by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion, and by restraining vice and immorality, let the light of your Divine wisdom direct the deliberations of the government, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge and of equal liberty and justice for all.
Arouse in the hearts of all, a hunger and thirst for social justice and fraternal charity. May the rainbow of your peace cover with the sweep of its serene light this land, consecrated to your Sacred Heart; conscious of our unworthiness and past sins, we lovingly place our lot in your hand through the intercession of your Virgin Mother, Mary. Grant to the sick, resignation and health; to young men, strength born of faith; to young girls, the gift of purity; to fathers, prosperity and holiness for their families; to mothers, success in their mission of rearing their children and may all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout Ghana be blessed in the knowledge of your most holy laws, and be sanctified by their observance.
Preserve all the citizens of this country in that Peace which the world cannot give so that after enjoying blessings in this Land, we may merit those of our heavenly homeland.
That we may be worthy of your eternal rewards, we pledge ourselves to live a life of unwavering faith, purity of conduct, and of perfect observance of the precepts of the gospel, especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our ability, to prevent others from offending you and, to bring all the members of this nation to follow you, so that in all places of this country, now especially dedicated to your Sacred Heart, may resound the cry; “Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation! To it be glory and honour forever!” Amen.
This Consecration Prayer must be prayed at the parish level at all the Masses on 6th March, 2007.
The various Pastoral Councils should please make copies of this Consecration Prayer for their parishioners.
The full details of the remaining part of this year-long programme will be published in subsequent editions of The Standard.
Long Live Ghana!!!
Long Live the Catholic Church of Ghana
MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS! THY KINGDOM COME!!!
& IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY!! PRAY FOR US!!!
ISSUED BY: GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
SIGNED: MOST REV. CHARLES PALMER-BUCKLE
VICE PRESIDENT OF THE GHANA CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE
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