“Priests Are Real Men with Silent Wounds” – Archbishop Kwofie
Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., has underscored the often-overlooked challenges faced by priests in their ministry.
Speaking at the ordination Mass of twelve men into the priesthood, Archbishop Kwofie drew attention to the emotional and spiritual burdens that priests carry as they serve the people of God.
Acknowledging Humanity in Ministry
Archbishop Kwofie emphasized the importance of recognizing the humanity of priests, who like all people, experience struggles and vulnerabilities. “We are real men with real struggles.
We are real men with silent wounds even to the point where they fester as if it has no cure,” he stated.
This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that priests, despite their spiritual calling, are not immune to human frailties.
Quoting the Letter to the Hebrews, Archbishop Kwofie reminded the faithful that God’s call to priesthood does not require perfection but rather a willingness to serve despite human weakness.
“Christ in selecting us did not consider us a macho or superhuman but because we are humans who are a subject to weakness (Heb 5:2).”
This perspective highlights the compassionate nature of God’s call to ministry.
Archbishop Kwofie noted that priests offer sacrifices not only for the sins of others but also for their own brokenness.
“When we are offering sacrifice, we offer it first for our sins and then for the sins of the world (Heb 5:3),” he said.
This dual aspect of priestly sacrifice underscores the complexity of the priestly life.
Referencing Pope Leo’s observation, Archbishop Kwofie noted that priests often wear “unblemished cassock and vestments but they are covering a weak body.
” This image serves as a poignant reminder of the contrast between the outward appearance of priestly dignity and the inner human struggles that priests may face.
Archbishop Kwofie urged the newly ordained priests to approach their ministry not with illusions of perfection but with a sincere heart open to God’s grace.
“This is our weakness, the weakness of the human person who becomes a priest,” he said. By acknowledging this vulnerability, priests can more authentically live out their calling.
In his address, Archbishop Kwofie highlighted the sacred yet fragile nature of the priestly life.
By recognizing the humanity of priests and the challenges they face, the faithful can better support and understand those who serve in this vital ministry.
