Former Theology Professor Installed as Bishop in Ghanaian Ceremony

The Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., a Spiritan who taught an undergraduate theology class examining biblical and historical perspectives, became Bishop of Ghana’s Sekondi-Takoradi diocese, an area of 408,650 Catholics amid a population of 2 million, on Sept. 13.

Kwofie’s ordination ceremony included his presentation by the Rev. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp., superior general of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, a former missionary and rector in Ghana and director of Duquesne’s Spiritan Center from 2005 to 2010. Before more than 5,000 in attendance, Fogarty, presented Kwofie to Cardinal Peter Turkson for ordination.

Turkson, president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the first Ghanaian cardinal and recipient of an honorary degree from Duquesne in 2012, presided over the six-hour ceremony that included 21 other cardinals and bishops, said Theology Professor Dr. George Worgul, who attended the event. The Rev. James Chukwuma Okoye, C.S.Sp., director of the Center for Spiritan Studies at Duquesne, also attended the ceremonies, along with political leaders, church leaders of numerous religions and traditional leaders. Archbishop Emeritus Peter Kwasi Sarpong also presented remarks.

The ceremonies were delivered in Twi, Fante and English languages, and included Latin as well as traditional celebratory Ghanaian singing, drumming and dancing. All participants joined the singing and dancing at offertory, which lasted well over an hour, according to Worgul, who is the University’s coordinator of Africa programs. “That’s when you really sense that the people are participating, expressing their emotions and spirituality,” said Worgul. “It is their way of expressing their connection with God.”

The ceremonies also included a Thanksgiving procession.

During the events, Kwofie thanked Duquesne, his colleagues in theology, students, staff and administration. He will apply the experiences and leadership skills refined on campus and hopes to find ways that Duquesne can continue to serve as a resource for himself and the church in Ghana, Worgul said.