Humility, a True Christian Virtue

Humility is one of the most important Christian virtues. Christ himself, lived as a pinnacle of Humility and, as His followers, we are expected to do same.

Here is a little prayer to get you started.
The Litany of Humility not only works as a prayer, but also serves as a good reminder of what one must do, as well as give up, in order to to walk the path of Christ our Lord.
O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

Litany of Humility

From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being loved, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being extolled, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being honored, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being praised, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being consulted, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the desire of being approved, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being humiliated, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being despised, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of suffering rebukes, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being calumniated, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being forgotten, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being ridiculed, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being wronged, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

From the fear of being suspected, Deliver me, O Jesus. 

That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That others may be praised and I go unnoticed, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That others may be preferred to me in everything, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. 

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

A BRIEF ABOUT TRIDUUM

The Easter TRIDUUM begins with the Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

Triduum is a period of three days. It is from the Latin words “tri" which means three and “duum" which means therefore or while, or day.  Triduum represent the three days of celebration within the fasting and thanks giving and the suffering, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.


First part of Triduum is the washing of feet and institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday evening.  Holy Thursday is usually called as Maundy Thursday. The word "Maundy" is derived from the Latin word mandatum  or "mandate."

This word is used in the Latin text for John 13:34: "Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos" meaning “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you." Maundy Thursday is the day that Christ gave us the new commandment, the new mandate, to love one another as He loves you.


The Mass of the Lord's Supper is significant because these mysteries are commemorated during the Mass: the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood, and Christ's command of brotherly love.

The second part of the Triduum is the Good Friday. The day marks the death of our Lord Jesus Christ. So therefore we reflect on the suffering of Christ, his passion and death.


The third and final event in the Triduum is the resurrection of the Lord. That is the dawn of Saturday. At the Easter vigil on Saturday, it is important to note that we are already in the third day, Sunday according to the Jewish way of calculating hours and days.  The activities begin with the liturgy of the fire signifying our entry into the New Jerusalem which is heaven from this world of darkness.


THE TRIDUUM IS CELEBRATED AS THREE EVENTS IN ONE AND MISSING ANYONE OF THESE EVENTS MEANS THAT YOU HAVE NOT CELEBRATED ANY AT ALL.

MAY OUR PREPARATION AND SACRIFICE OF FASTING AND PRAYERS DURING THIS PERIOD OF LENT WIN US ETERNAL HAPPINES IN THE HEAVENLY HOME OF GOD.

IMCS PAX ROMANA – UCC LOCAL

OUR LADY SEAT OF WISDOM CATHOLIC CAHAPLAINCY

Pax Romana UCC Electoral Commision

Present

Pax Elections 2017

Aspirants’ Profiles

President

Bridget  Agbesi

Level 300

B. Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Aspiring for Pax President.

Offering a helping hand to others is of one my policies in life and the hardship of life is one the things that inspire me to put in my maximum effort in working towards a bright future.

I applied for the position of the president to see to the general wellbeing and happiness of Pax members and also to make Pax Romana UCC Local a better movement.

One of the policies I would work on, when I become the Pax president, is to foster good senior member-junior member relationship.

With everyone’s little effort, we all can make Pax Romana UCC Local a better movement. I need your support to make this a reality.

Louis Kwame Yeboah

 

Level 300

B. Sc. Nursing student

I am aspiring for the office of Pax President UCC Local for 2018/2019 academic year.

I am I am the easy going type, a motivator and I love to sing and play football as well.

Personally, I believe in service and one thing that keeps me moving in life is that "without a challenge, one can never be promoted in life. And until you start doing what you can't do, you can never do them." And with Jesus on my side" I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me." Philippians 4:13.

Encouraging and developing Catholic student Leadership has being one of my inspirations for aspiring for this portfolio. And also fostering good relationship among catholic students and with our religious leaders in our chaplaincy.

I humbly seek for your support so that together we can spread the Peace of Christ abroad that HE may be in all. 

Vice president

 Celestine Glitse

 Level 300

B. Sc. Mathematics and Statistics

I am aspiring for the position of PAX vice president for the 2018-2019 academic year.

I like Challenges, music and I enjoy team work.

I am an open-minded, generous, friendly, confident person who challenges and I can work under pressure. I enjoy learning new things and I possess an ability to motivate others therefore ensuring a good working environment.

 I am mostly inspired by people who try to live the best life they can with the situation and mind-set that things will get better one day. I applied for this position to put my skills into God’s works, serve the Chaplaincy and acquire new ones. My policy is purposely based on our academic performance where “the higher helps the lower” method will be introduced.

I wish to acquire new skills by serving you and I will do my best to keep the standard of the current executives by keeping the good name of our Chaplaincy.

Christiana Sunbabaara

Level 200

B. Ed. Social Studies

I love making friends and sharing my knowledge and skills with others.

I wish to serve Pax as the next Pax Vice President.

I am 23 years of age. I come from the Upper West region. I have always loved the idea of serving others in various ways that I can. In view of this, I have held various positions including the ladies commissioner of the Upper West Students’ Union, organizer of the Nadowli Students’ Union, Course rep in various courses among others.

My motivation comes from the conviction that I am privileged and so need to avail myself for others for the Glory of God.

I applied for this position because it is my desire to work together with my colleagues to continue the good work of our Predecessors in providing a better Pax administration.

Secretaries

Joana Edwin Yorke

Level 200

B. A Social Science majoring in Economics and Mathematics

 I have interest in unity and team work to achieve a common goal.

Based on my interests, I aspire to serve the movement through the position of the Pax Secretary.

As a team player, I plan to engage the other executives in ensuring that all your concerns are addressed.  In addition to this, I desire to carry out all my secretarial duties with fairness and diligence. With the experience I have as a secretary to some pax committees, I believe that carrying out my duties will come easy. If given the mantle to serve as Pax secretary, I would be of a tremendous asset to our movement. Make your decision count and vote for me as the next pax secretary.

Michaela Acquah

Level 300

B.Sc. Nursing

I am aspiring to serve as the secretary for Pax Romana UCC local community for 2018/2019 academic year.

 I love to sing, listen to music, and motivate people with my little experience I have.

Michaela is an open person who likes to smile a lot and also has the desire to help others.

One thing that inspires me a lot is patience and perseverance. In life many are the obstacles that may come your way, but when you are patient and able to persevere, you will overcome all these obstacles.

I aspired for this position after realizing the Joshua in me. I decided to use this God gifted potential to serve in His temple.

As for policies, I intend to continue with the policies being executed by the current executives, and introduce new policies if the need be in the course of my service.

One thing l believe in is that, commitment, readiness to serve and to accept criticism are all key to successful leadership. One cannot be perfect when leading, but with the help, corrections and directions from those in higher positions, pax members and past executives, I can with no doubt execute my duties well to the community and to the greater glory of God.    

Josephine Owusu – Peprah

 Level 300

B. Ed. Mathematics

My favourite pastimes include listening to music, reading and sharing information.

I aspire to be the Pax secretary.

I was born and bred in Obuasi, in the Ashanti Region but currently live at Kumasi. I had my Senior High School education at Afua Kobi Ampem Girls' Senior High School.

The success story and the experiences of others inspire me to push harder in life.

I believe that easy access to information makes life simple and being the link between the executives and members of Pax is the service I want to give.

I will make it possible for members who do not use smart phones and also members who are not in any society in the church also get access to information about Pax activities.

I hope to be your choice in this year's elections, because I'm the right person for this position. Thank you.

Sheila Akadirima

Level 300

B. SC. Psychology

I am aspiring for the position of Pax secretary.

I am a devoted, hardworking and self-motivated individual who is very passionate about achieving academic excellence and impacting society positively through research and learning. Also, providing accurate and workable solutions to every problem identified. I am confident, punctual humble and respectful to every person.

I have interest in research, studying, teamwork and above all serving God.

What inspires me in life is a desire to achieve academic excellence and making positive impact to humanity.

I love working within a team to affect others positively, and help in promoting the growth of the church. My policies are to:

Provide an effective stewardship as a secretary through proper dissemination of information.

Provide an appropriate means of accurate documentation of record.

To conclude, I would like to add that I believe in competencies, hardworking and teamwork. It is in my interest to ensure that every task and responsibilities are efficiently and effectively accomplished with time through dedication and I can assure you that when elected as the secretary, I would be able to uniquely fulfil the duties of the position to the satisfaction of all. 

wocom

Susana Oppong

Level 200

B. Sc. Physician Assistant Studies

Aspiring for Pax ladies’ commissioner

Love and charity are two things that inspire me. The support and respect that they provide never fails.

I applied for the position of a ladies’ commissioner to help me carry out the ideas and plans I want to serve the chaplaincy with.

I wish to introduce a number of policies, one of which would be a monthly gathering of ladies within the chaplaincy, where we can learn from each other and also voice out our grievances.

I seek your support, to bring out the best in pax ladies.

Pax ladies…..fearfully and wonderfully made.

PRO 

Selasi Kwame Yegbe

Level 300

BSc. Computer Science

 Some of my interests are listening to audiobooks and reading story books.

I am aspiring for the position of Pax Public Relations Officer PRO. I am a hardworking student and I love helping my fellow students. What inspires me in life is the notion that success does not come to the idle and the lazy but to the hardworking.

I applied for the position of Pax P.R.O because I have always wanted to serve my colleague Pax members and I believe the position of the Pax P.R.O can help me do just that. Some of my policies if chosen is to ensure that the database registration for Pax is placed online to make it easier to access and to ensure that Pax has a fully functioning website.

To conclude, I hope you will all help me make Pax a place we can all call our home away from home. Pax Peace.  

 Papa Kobina Amankwah

 Level 200

B. A Population and Health

 I am an avid reader and a very passionate writer who is contesting for the position of PAX PRO.

I am an affiliate and a current resident of Valco Hall who is a staunch catholic and a very hardworking and ardent servant of the Lectors Society of the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church PAX community.

My greatest inspiration in life is God and I am contesting for the position of PAX PRO due to my great interest for public relations which is highly noticed among many who know me very well. I wish to implement as part of my policies as PAX PRO, credible and early delivery of information to the PAX community and a strong bond between the PAX community and its publicity committee by creating reliable platforms to welcome all ideas as regards to improving the publicity committee of the chaplaincy. I also wish to continue with all the good works that have been done so far by the current publicity committee of the chaplaincy if given the nod to serve as PAX PRO for the 2018/2019 academic year.

In this regard, I humbly implore the whole PAX community of the university to rally their support behind me by means of granting me their votes for the upcoming PAX general elections for the position of PAX PRO for a selfless service in public relations to PAX Romanna UCC to enhance a very well informed church community.

Perpetua Aboagye Dansoaa

Level 200

  B.Ed. Mathematics

I am aspiring for the position of PAX P.R.O

What inspires me most in life is determination and perseverance.  

I applied for the position of PAX P.R.O in order to help work for this chaplaincy when it comes to dissemination of information.

If I am given the chance to this portfolio, I will put out my maximum best to help this chaplaincy. 

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

 Adukpoh, Richard Kofi

   Level 200

                                           B. Ed. Mathematics

My activities of interest include music and sports

I am aspiring for the position of Financial Secretary

I am a staunch catholic, a member of Pax Choir and the Noble Order of Knight and Ladies of Marshall.
I’m always ready for a new challenge and learn new things.

I applied for the above portfolio primarily to serve and learn more about the movement. I intend to
work with my team to move the movement to a greater height.
I’ll be glad if voted for, to serve.

Let us come together and offer our services in any capacity we find ourselves to  God and Pax Ucc local. Until you try, don’t condemn yourself for the first man to write first book had no book for reference.

EVANS APAAH

Level 300

B.ED. ACCOUNTING

Being a member of the current finance committee of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom offers me the opportunity to know much of the financial challenges and grievances of our Pax members. With such experience I deem it a great platform to aspire for the position of the Financial Secretary to help address, as much as possible, the financial challenges and grievances we face everyday.

It our prerogative right to offer our service to God and humanity in all aspect of life, as far as Pax UCC Local is concerned. I therefore find it very important to make people know, understand and appreciate the need to contribute their quota to develop the movement.

I’m always motivated to accomplish targets set and that pushes me harder to work diligently with people by encouraging ourselves to achieve our objectives.

TREASURER

Ewuah Howard Philemon

Level 200

B. Com. Accounting

 I am aspiring for the position of Pax treasurer for the 2018/2019 academic year

Howard is a humble servant who is really interested in making people get the reason to smile.

 I am a dedicated when it comes to service for God and man. This kind of commitment has built me up in various ways including working together with other people as a team. I am a quiet and shy person which, in a way, helps me tolerate people, no matter the circumstance. There is this quote which inspires me the most and causes me to have a reason to live to do something: “There is a light at the end of every tunnel”.

I applied for this position because as a committed member of the finance committee, and having some experience in accounting, I believe I can handle the task very well.

There are many will be the policies I intend to implement. One of theses is the 50:40 payment policy, where members who come for mass on Sunday but are unable to pay their dues in full will have the opportunity to pay in instalments.

I hope to give my best to serve the movement when God, through you, gives me the chance to work as the treasurer of Pax.

ORGANIZERS

 James Kwame Appeaning

Level 200

B. A. Social Sciences

My hobbies are Singing and swimming.

Inspiration: The will to do and achieve greatness

I applied for this position in order to bring all societies within the church under one united umbrella. This I believe will help in better organizational practices for all activities in the Chaplaincy.

In terms of innovation, I intend to make programs and events of the movement livelier by encouraging IT based technologies in the organization of programs.

Ayittah Randy Selasi

Level 200

B. Sc. Computer Science.

One of my philosophies in life is that what needs to be done must be well.

I am aspiring for the position of Pax Organizer.

One of the policies which I would like to work on is to ensure that all activities within Pax are well coordinated and organized.

Election date: Sunday, 17^th December, 2017

Venue: our lady seat of wisdom catholic church (during both masses)

Come support your favourite candidate

Pax..peace! thumbs up…for jesus!

Compiled by: Pax Publicity Committee

PURSUIT OF LOVE FOR THE WORD OF GOD (THE HOLY BIBLE).

In recent times, Catholics do not use the Holy Bible. The doctrines of our church have it bases in the word of God . A fortified Catholic Christian is the person who dwells on the word of God day and night. 

This article is base on an earlier post by Rev.Fr.Ed Broom,OMV in http://catholicexchange.com. Rev.Fr.Ed is an Oblate of the Virgin Mary and author of From Humdrum to Holy. He blogs regularly at Fr.Broom's Blog.

At the end of September, the very last day, the Church always celebrates the memory of Saint Jerome. Born a saint, he was not: he had a fiery and explosive temper that brought him many enemies, fierce and long temptations against chastity that he battled with prayer and prolonged fasting, and long prayer vigils—this was Saint Jerome.

Despite his temperamental defects and frequent assaults from the enemy, Jerome had a keen intellect, a love for study, but especially a love for the Bible, the Word of God.

The Church owes a huge debt of gratitude to Saint Jerome especially for his great love for the Word of God and his work in studying it. However, most important is that Saint Jerome, after many years, finished translating the Bible from Greek into the Latin—which we call the “Vulgate” and from the Latin Vulgate the Bible would eventually be translated into our own languages—English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, etc.  All thanks to the strenuous work of Saint Jerome.

The Second Vatican Council published four famous Dogmatic Constitutions, the pillars of the Church in the Modern world: Sacrosanctum Concilium, Gaudium Spes, Lumen Gentium and Dei Verbum.  In the later, Dei Verbum, which deals with Divine Revelation and the Word of God, Saint Jerome, is cited.  This has become one of the key citations in this document and a key for appreciating the importance of the Bible, the Word of God. Here it is:  “Ignorance of Sacred Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”

How true!  If we do not read the Bible, especially the Gospels, then we cannot know who Jesus is; then we cannot really love Him; then consequently it will be hard to follow Him as His friend and disciple.  With this being said, let us offer our Lord homage, love and respect for His Word the Bible, by carrying out and implementing at least some of the following.

1. Purchase A Catholic Bible.  There are many Bibles, but you should try to purchase a good Catholic Bible. A suggestion: The Navarre Bible or the Jerusalem Bible are two Bibles with excellent translations. Check them out and buy one of them; maybe buy two!

2. Give A Catholic Bible Away. Weddings, Birthday parties, anniversaries, Confirmations, family gatherings—why not give a Bible, the Word of God? What could be better?

3. Blessings.  Take the Bible to the priest and let the priest, who represents Jesus, to bless it. This will be your friend and companion the rest of your life. Your Light, your shield, your Rock—good names for the Word of God.

4. Reverence and Respect. Enthrone your Bible in a special place. Never treat it irreverently. This means, never throw it, place it on the floor, or place a beer mug on top of it. Remember!  This is the Word of God and should be respected with the greatest of reverence.

5.  Read and Meditate.  The Bible is not a Christmas decoration or a collector’s item, or a souvenir.  Quite the contrary: the Bible is meant to be read, meditated, day and night. Remember Psalm 1:  “Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in the company of scoffers. Rather, the law of the Lord is their joy; God’s law (Bible, Word of God— my own interpretation) they study day and night.” (Psalm 1: 1-2). May we cherish reading and meditating on the Word of God day and night!

6. Memorize Key Verses.  Jesus is our example!  Fasting for forty days and nights, the devil tempts Jesus. The first of the temptations of the devil was to turn stones into bread. Jesus responded with these words: “It is written: One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Mt. 4:4).

7. Defend Your Faith With the Word of God.  Saint Paul says that the Word of God is like a two-edged sword separating bone from marrow. Obviously, Saint Paul means that the Word of God, the Bible, is powerful and should be used for spiritual warfare to fight the enemies of the truth- Satan and his minions and those who promote lies. Read Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Summa Theologica and how this great saint defended doctrine relying heavily on the Word of God.

For more wisdom, pick up Fr Broom’s latest book: From Humdrum to Holy.

8.  Holy Mass and the Word of God.   Attend Daily Mass—the greatest prayer underneath the heavens! The Dogmatic Constitution, Sacrosanctum Concilium—which explains the Mass and the Liturgy, states that there are two tables that nourish us at Mass: the table of the Word of God and the Table of the Body of the Lord—namely, the Eucharist. Go for this double nourishment—indeed a heavenly banquet!

9.   Spiritual Exercises and the Word of God.  When you have the chance, try to make the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This might be the retreat lasting a month, or eight days, or a weekend, or what is common today, retreat in daily life which can last from six months up to a year, done with an able Director. The bulk of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola is the meditation or the contemplation of the Word of God.  Try it! You will never regret it!

10. Mary and the Word of God. Finally in your growing pursuit of love for the Word of God never forget to turn to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary carried the Word made flesh within her sacred womb for nine months. But the New Testament teaches us that Mary meditated upon the Word of God in her Immaculate Heart. After the Shepherds came to visit her Infant Child, the Evangelist points to a key activity of Mary: “And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” (Lk. 2:19). May Our Lady encourage us to do the same—to daily meditate upon the Word of God in our hearts by reading the Bible, praying over the Bible, assimilating the Bible and like Mary living out the Word of God!

NOMINATION FOR 2018/2019 ELECTIONS IS OPENED. ALL ARE INVITED TO SERVE THE LORD THROUGH LEADERSHIP

Just click HERE to fill out a nomination form

MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY

The world is a busy place like athletes undertaking a cross-country race. And everyone is as a wonder person searching for greener pastures. Dreams and aspirations might be easy to set but realizing those dreams is as difficult as the igneous rock. Scriptures say, faith without deeds is dead faith and so dreams without putting it into action is a dead dream. But just as every challenge has a solution so as every dream can be made a reality.

Reality is real and achievable as the name suggests. One therefore ought to mold oneself for this great task. Putting your words and thoughts into action is the secret in accomplishing these dreams. The question of reality is "how?". The answer lies in yourself and the people you associate.  Many of us fail because we know little of ourselves. Aldous Huxley said "there is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that is yourself." Most of us strives to be shadows of others neglecting our own beings. Until you discover that you are unique and not a "tabula rasa”, your life will remain a sad mystery.

"Men go abroad at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the courses of the river, at the vast of the stars and they pass by themselves without wondering", says Saint Augustine.  And as the song writer says, "I am walking in power, I’m walking in miracles, I live a life of favour because I know who I am", so we must pause to check ourselves and all that is within us. But the secret is that, the more you use the little you know about yourself, the better you discover yourself. I may not have gone where I intended to go but -I think I have ended up where I intended to be.  It is worth pursuing and failing than never giving it a try.  I am great because people recommended me, people recommended me because I portrayed it.  I did so because I believed in myself. I believed in myself because I have seen my uniqueness.  I have seen these because I was determined to do so. Your identity therefore will reveal the kind of persons you invite into your world just like how sweet-scented flowers welcome insects. Take a bold step to make a difference.  Be a reality creator and not just a dreamer.

- Comfort Azuuga

WHY FAIL IN LIFE?

Centuries upon centuries and generation upon generation always experience failure. Today, a world full of discoveries and revelation of mysteries still experience failure. Government agencies, businesses, and intellectuals all encounter failure. Why fail in life? It is usual to fall but it is unusual to fall and not rise. A child chasing a colleague to beat fell in the process and eventually rose from the ground with a stone in the hand to assist his mission. Many of us fall a numerous times as the child but has failed to rise with the positive consciousness of overcoming

My mistakes are truly mistakes if I don’t learn from them to transform my situations. To make your long waiting dream a reality, you must learn to learn from your mistakes. Turn your past errors into perfection to see the uniqueness of your ideas. I cheated on my ex- partner, I failed for not studying and my business is not flourishing because I failed to listen to good counsel. To all these, I will turn a new leaf. Learning from mistakes is like the joy of a barren woman giving birth. Many are victims of plans setters and not plan achievers. It is a virus which can be cure   by all positive possible means.

We live in a world of two dimensions. Dreamers’ world and achievers’ world. Being able to fulfill your plans is the best option to answer the question of why I need to succeed in life and not fail. We overcome failure by eliminating fear and timidity.” I can do it” is my song for which I will sing daily. It is joyous achieving your dreams and frustrating just being a dreamer. Be inspired by what makes you happy and do it because others have done it.

There is always a beginning and an end. No one gets to the finishing point without seeing the initial point. I failed for refusing to take a bold step and doing the unimaginable. Fear is ignorance, boldness is for the wise. I succeed by choosing to be different, rising from the crows and making a difference. A journey without ups and downs is not worth it. It is not always easy to start nor easy to execute your plans but with determination, boldness and pursuing your dreams, you will surely reach there. I can’t fail. I have the secrets of success.

- Comfort Azuuga