Togolese Prelate Awarded Literature Prize, Says He Uses Art as “means of evangelization”

The 57-year-old Prelate went on to describe art as “a way of being, of feeling, of living. It is a predisposition that one discovers and patiently cultivates.”

“The aim of art is not primarily to produce commercial works but to transmit what we feel or grasp about life. Art expresses an inner reality,” he further said October 29.

The Local Ordinary of Togo’s Lomé Archdiocese since January is the writer of 100 songs gathered in six albums. He is a vocalist and plays the guitar. 

Admitting that composing songs and writing plays takes time, the Archbishop said that it does not limit him from actualizing his episcopal ministry.

“Of course, it takes time to write and compose, but it's all a question of organization,” he said adding in reference to art, “It is inseparable from my activities… (it) is inseparable from my responsibilities; it is part of the way I carry out the tasks entrusted to me”

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The inspiration to compose and write songs comes from prayer and meditation, Archbishop Barrigah disclosed. 

The Togolese Prelate who doubles as the Apostolic Administrator of Atakpamé Diocese also noted that there are some members of the Laity who “have the soul of an artist but face great difficulties that prevent them from developing their art hence they cannot use their gifts to serve the Church.”

“When one is sorely lacking the vital minimum, one does not have the time to devote oneself to art. Similarly, when one has no one to learn from to cultivate one's natural dispositions, one often remains at a nascent stage because works of art require a lot of exercise,” he observed. 

He acknowledged the fact that “so many young people need help to develop their potential,” adding that the Church “must try to create frameworks that are conducive to the blossoming and development of artists.”

Started in 2013 by the Togolese government, the Literature Awards aims at supporting Togolese artists in their artistic endeavors so that they can contribute to the development of the cultures in the West African nation.