Seminary Rectors in West Africa Urged to Uphold Liturgy Standards, Cautioned against “performance-style” Mass

“When a Priest or a Seminarian is praying, he is praying according to the mind of the Church. Reverence and preparation are essential. Celebration without preparation becomes mere performance,” he warned.

He added, “We can’t celebrate the sacraments without reverence. We can’t celebrate the sacraments without preparation. You just don’t get up and stand behind the altar and celebrate the Mass; otherwise, it becomes like a performance.”

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Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum further cautioned against liturgical abuses, highlighting the rise of improvised practices and commercialized sacramental items, such as low-quality hosts and unauthorized wine, which undermine the integrity of the Church’s celebrations. 

“We see Priests performing liturgy in ways that resemble concerts or theatrical performances. These practices must be corrected, and the proper guidelines must be taught from the seminary,” he said.

The Catholic Church leader also called on Rectors to instill in Seminarians a deep respect for Church authority, noting that decisions on liturgical questions ultimately rest with the Bishops. 

Bishop Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum of Ghana’s Catholic Diocese of Koforidua. Credit: Catholic Trends

He encouraged seminaries to employ qualified liturgists and ensure that all celebrations align with Church norms, including translations and approvals.

Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum emphasized the seminaries’ responsibility in forming Priests who are faithful to the Church’s tradition and liturgical principles.

“Let us continue to impress upon our young people the importance of celebrating the liturgy correctly so that they become genuine Priests who respect the mind of the Church,” he said.

Bishop Joseph Kwaku Afrifah-Agyekum of Ghana’s Catholic Diocese of Koforidua. Credit: Catholic Trends

The conference, which runs through Saturday, January 17, brings together Rectors and seminary Formators from across West Africa to discuss best practices in seminary formation under the theme “Building on a Rock: A Solid and Holistic Formation.”

Also speaking during the January 14 event, the Chairman of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) Seminaries Commission, Bishop John Opoku-Agyemang of Konongo-Mampong Diocese, recognized and appreciated the onerous task and sacrifices rectors make to ensure the good of the Church. 

Bishop John Opoku-Agyemang of Konongo-Mampong Diocese. Credit: Catholic Trends

He encouraged the rectors not be discouraged in the face of daunting challenges and difficulties.

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“You have been given the right and authority to test the authenticity of the Seminarians desire to be Priests and recommend them to their Bishops for ordination. Sometimes external pressures may mount after a decision on the fate of a Seminarian,” Bishop Agyemang said.

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He added, “Stand firm against external pressures which may distract your right judgement. In such situation just pray and pray for more light to discern rightly. Remember it is always better to obey God than obey men.”

The Catholic Church leader emphasized that Seminarians must understand that the seminary seeks to build his future priestly formation on the solid rock of Jesus Christ. 

He emphasized that “the Priest must end up becoming like Jesus Christ in his Character, in his nature and in his ministry.” 

Bishop John Opoku-Agyemang of Konongo-Mampong Diocese. Credit: Catholic Trends

Bishop Agyemang further noted that, formators pay particular attention to the integration of the four pillars of formation which are the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation in the life of the Seminarian.

On his part, the fourth rector of the St. Paul’s Catholic Seminary, Sowutuom, Fr. Joseph Okine Quartey, reiterated the words of Pope Leo XIV to seminary formators in Rome on 25th July, 2025 saying “Seminary formation is to be an integral formation; which is not limited to specialized knowledge. 

Fr. Joseph Okine Quartey. Credit: Catholic Trends

“Formation must aim at transforming our humanity and spirituality so that, they reflect the same mind as Jesus,” Fr. Okine Quartey said.

He invited the participants to reflect deeply on the four essential pillars of seminary formation as the foundations for true conversion. 

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Fr. Okine Quartey intimated that this meeting becomes a source of grace and revitalization to enable participant make great impact in the various seminaries in their respective regions. 

He implored, “I pray that by the time we leave here we will be reenergized to go back to our various seminaries with strength, vigor and enough graces to form Priests.”

Fr. Francis Madonna Ayaric of Cape Coast Catholic Archdiocese contributed to this story