Called to Shepherd God’s People: Two Ghanaian Jesuits Ordained Priests
The ordination Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah, Bishop of the Jasikan Diocese, and brought together Jesuits, clergy, religious, family members, friends, benefactors, collaborators, and faithful from across Ghana and beyond to witness the culmination of years of discernment, formation, and preparation for priestly ministry.
In his homily, Bishop Simon Kofi Appiah reflected on one of the pressing needs of the Church today—the need for shepherds after the heart of Christ. Drawing from the Gospel, he reminded the congregation that Jesus continues to look upon the crowds with compassion because they are “like sheep without a shepherd.” The bishop emphasized that Christ is still calling men to become shepherds who will generously dedicate their lives to proclaiming the Gospel, celebrating the sacraments, and accompanying God’s people with love and fidelity.
The celebration also highlighted the rich journey of Jesuit formation that prepares candidates for priesthood. Becoming a Jesuit priest is the fruit of years of prayerful discernment, rigorous academic studies, pastoral experiences, community life, spiritual formation, and apostolic service. Throughout this journey, Jesuits are formed not only intellectually but also spiritually, emotionally, and pastorally so that they may become companions of Jesus, ready to serve wherever the needs of the Church are greatest.
For Fathers Gabriel Owusu Adjei and Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, their ordination represents an important stage of their long Jesuit formation and the beginning of a new mission. Having faithfully responded to God’s invitation through years of formation, they now enter priestly ministry as servants of the Gospel within the Society of Jesus, prepared to collaborate in the universal mission of the Church through education, pastoral ministry, spiritual accompaniment, social justice, and service to those on the margins.
At the conclusion of the Eucharistic celebration, the Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Archbishop of Cape Coast, warmly welcomed the newly ordained priests and offered words of fatherly encouragement. Quoting the timeless words of St. Augustine of Hippo, he challenged both the faithful and the newly ordained to “celebrate what you become and become what you celebrate.” His exhortation reminded everyone that the Eucharist is both the source and summit of Christian life, calling priests and laity alike to allow the mystery they celebrate to transform their daily lives into authentic witnesses of Christ.
The Provincial of the Africa North West Province, Rev. Fr. John Ghansah, SJ, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing profound gratitude to God for the gift of the two new priests. He thanked Bishop Simon Kofi Appiah for presiding over the ordination, Archbishop Charles G. Palmer-Buckle for his generous hospitality and encouragement, priests, religious communities, benefactors, families, friends, and all who contributed to making the celebration a memorable occasion.
The ordination of Fathers Gabriel and Bonosa is not only a moment of celebration for their families and the Society of Jesus but also a hopeful sign for the Church in Ghana and the wider Africa North West Province. Their generous “yes” to Christ stands as a testimony that God continues to call young people to dedicate their lives completely to His service.
In a world often marked by uncertainty and competing voices, their witness reminds young men that the call to religious life and priesthood remains alive. Jesuit vocation begins with a simple openness to God’s invitation and grows through prayer, accompaniment, discernment, and the courage to respond generously. The Society of Jesus continues to invite young men who desire to know Christ more intimately and serve His people to begin that journey of discernment.
As the Church gives thanks for these two newly ordained Jesuit priests, it also renews its prayer for more labourers for the Lord’s harvest. May the witness of Fathers Gabriel Owusu Adjei, SJ, and Bonosa Kwadwo Fosu, SJ, inspire many young people to listen attentively to God’s call and to discover the joy of giving their lives completely in the service of Christ and His Church.
