Saturday, June 11, 2016, will forever remain a significant milestone in the history of the SMA Ghana Region as three members of the Society of African Missions (SMA) — Rev. Frs. Mark Gebe, Divine Cyril Ahorsu, and Francis Xavier Dzakpazu — were ordained to the priesthood at the Queen of Peace Parish, Madina, Accra.

The event, aptly referred to as the “SMA Ordination,” was presided over by Most Rev. Dennis Kofi Agbenyadzi, SMA, Bishop of Berbérati (Central African Republic). The ceremony was graced by the presence of participants in the 2016 SMA Plenary Council, numerous SMA confreres, diocesan and religious priests, family members of the ordinands, and a large gathering of the lay faithful.

In his homily, Bishop Agbenyadzi reminded the ordinands that their calling as priests in the SMA family was for the service of God’s people and not for personal gain. He urged them to embrace their new roles with humility and a genuine commitment to the mission of the Church.

Later, the Superior General of the SMA, Very Rev. Fr. Fachtna O’Driscoll, further encouraged the newly ordained priests to remain steadfast and dedicated to the mission of the Society, which they now fully belonged to.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the Superior of the District-in-Formation Ghana-Gambia (DFGG), Very Rev. Fr. Fabien, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. He then announced the first missionary appointments for the new priests:

• Rev. Frs. Mark Gebe and Francis Xavier Dzakpasu were assigned to Togo.
• Rev. Fr. Divine Cyril Ahorsu was appointed to serve in Côte d’Ivoire.

The ordination marked a day of great joy and inspiration for the SMA Ghana Region and all who were present to witness this significant event.

By Dennis Senyo Etti, SMA