Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Accra (Agenzia Fides)- “On the eve of Ghana’s independence in 1957, the then Bishops consecrated Ghana to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference deemed it appropriate to renew this consecration this year when Ghana is 50 and as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of our Independence” the Bishops write in the introduction to a Message and prayer of re-consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus composed on the occasion of the anniversary of independence on 6 March (see Fides 6 March 2007). The prayer was read on Sunday at all Masses throughout Ghana. The initiative is part of Christian interdenominational Jubilee celebrations in the country.
The prayer reads: “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 for ever 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”.
The Bishops pray especially for the civil and religious leaders of Ghana. “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…assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude our rulers and members of the government, so that their administration may be conducted with righteousness and be eminently useful to this your people, encouraging due respect for virtue and religion and restraining vice and immorality” .
“Conscious of our unworthiness and past sins we lovingly place our lot in your hands through the intercession of your Virgin Mother Mary.”
The prayer concludes “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 God, all glory and honour forever!’”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 7/3/2007 righe 30 parole 390)
