Most Rev. Francis Kofi Anani Lodonu, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Ho, on the 29th of June, 2021, marked his 48th Episcopal Anniversary. This day was marked with Solemn Holy Mass in commemoration of Ss. Peter and Paul the two strong pillars of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
The Bishop Emeritus, before the mass, as his introduction, refreshed the minds of those present about how he had to hurriedly leave his post as the then headmaster of St. Mary Seminary Secondary School to Rome to be ordained a bishop by Pope Paul VI.
The homilist Rev. Fr. Raphael Azarias Benuyenah used the opportunity to explain into detail the understanding of the catholic priesthood which he said was at the request of the Bishop Emeritus. He said, priestly functions of prayer and sacrifices can and may be performed by any believer but priesthood and priestly life and ritual functions either on altars or within the family household are reserved for household heads and their successors. He added further that, priesthood as an institution, is by the choice and call of God. The Catholic Priesthood is instituted therefore by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, the Priest of non-Israelite source, head of the Christian household and established by the faith community after him.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate the Bishop Emeritus for his remarkable achievements amidst all the difficulties he had to undergo as a shepherd of the flock of Ho Diocese.
In attendance were some priests, religious and lay faithful.
We continue to pray for him, most especially, we ask God to bless him with good health.