The First Delegates Conference of the Friends of SVD was held at Christ the King Parish in Accra on May 25, 2019 under the theme, “Our Vocation as SVD Lay Partners". The Parish Priest of Christ the King, Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, SVD in his welcome address stressed on the indispensable role of the laity in the evangelization mission of the Church.
A talk on the theme was delivered by Rev. Fr. Stanislaus Thanuzraj Lazar, SVD, Generalate Mission Secretary. He gave insights on the different aspects of the role of the laity and stressed on the importance of adequate formation before one is initiated as an SVD lay partner and continuous formation afterwards. This, he said, will enhance the understanding and commitment that is needed to collaborate with the SVDs. He encouraged Ghana’s participation in the next International SVD Lay Partners Workshop to be held in Italy in 2020.
The chairman of the event and a lay partner, Mr Augustine Deguenon commended the delegates for their readiness to support the SVD in their missionary activities. He was hopeful that the Delegates Conference would help to reinforce their commitment and zeal.
In attendance were the Provincial Superior of the Ghana Liberia Province (Rev. Fr. George Angmor, SVD), the mission secretary of the province (Rev. Fr. Stephen Dogodzi, SVD), the mission coordinator for Koforidua district (Rev. Br. Stephen Bonsu, SVD), SVD Confreres and the mission secretary of the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (Rev Sister Mary Nyarko, SSpS). The conference was attended by 60 delegates from the following parishes and communities; Christ the King, St Charles Lwanga, St Luke the Evangelist, St Margaret Mary, Saints Peter & Paul, St Arnold Janssen House and the SVD Retirement Home (all in the Archdiocese of Accra), St Augustine and Holy Trinity Parishes in the Diocese of Koforidua.
On Sunday, May 26, the General mission Secretary, Fr Thanuzraj, SVD, joined St Margaret Mary Parish, Dansoman-Accra for the launch of the 10th anniversary of the existence of Friends of SVD in the Parish. The group was inaugurated during an SVD priestly ordination at the Parish on August 9, 2009. Over the years, many activities have been carried out to promote the propagation of the Divine Word in different ways; prayer for Missions, support to formation houses and others. The climax and thanksgiving Mass of the 10th anniversary is scheduled for September 2019.
By Harriet A. Dzikunoo