Most Reverend Julien Kaboré, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, has urged Catholic priests and recipients of papal honours to wear their titles with humility and renewed commitment to service devoid of pride and spiritual complacency.

He said honours in the Catholic Church should draw recipients closer to God and humanity especially the poor and vulnerable rather than create barriers between them and the faithful.

Most Rev Kaboré made the remarks during a solemn eucharistic celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ho, which saw the elevation of two priests to the rank of Monsignor and four lay faithful as recipients of papal honours in recognition of their dedicated service to the Church.

He noted that prayer was an invitation to cultivate a sincere and authentic relationship with God urging Christians to approach God with confidence despite life’s disappointments and uncertainties.

Most Rev Kaboré encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in prayer because God was never distant and understood the burdens and struggles of humanity.

He challenged priests to reflect the image of God through compassion, humility and closeness to the people entrusted to their pastoral care adding that “the Church today does not need Christians of appearance. She needs Christians and priests whose lives radiate fidelity, prayer, charity, integrity and peace.”

Most Rev Kaboré admonished the honourees not to allow the ecclesiastical titles and recognition to create distance between them and the faithful but approachable, attentive and dedicated to service, particularly to the poor and vulnerable in society.

He also called for a deeper devotion to the Eucharist and silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament since prayer was the foundation of authentic Christian witness and effective ministry.

Very Rev Father Walter Agbetoh and Very Rev Father Clemence Ashiara were elevated to the rank of Monsignor while the papal honours were received by Dame Florence Ofori, Sir Bernard Wisdom Quarshie, Sir Jonathan Kofi Torku and Sir Ernest Kwame Afla.

The event formed part of the Apostolic Nuncio’s pastoral visit to the Ho Diocese and was attended by priests, religious, traditional leaders and lay faithful across the Diocese.