The Catholic Vacation Directors and Directoress Association of Ghana (CAVDAG) has held its 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Tamale under the theme “Divine Call and Ecclesial Mediation: Discerning Authentic Vocations in the Contemporary Church.”
The meeting brought together vocation directors from across the country to deepen reflection on vocation promotion and formation in the Catholic Church.
A welcome address delivered by Very Reverend Father Hilary Pogbeyir, the Vicar General on behalf of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale, Most Rev. Philip Naameh, underscored the critical role vocation directors play in identifying and nurturing young men and women who express interest in the priesthood and religious life.
He reminded the participants that they serve as the first point of contact in the formation journey and must therefore recommend only well-disposed candidates.
“Your role, therefore, is to get people who are well-disposed for this training. You are the first contact of those to be trained as priests and religious. Recommend good people for formation so the Church can get suitable priests and religious. No other consideration should guide your vocation drive apart from helping the Church to get the right people for training”, he Archbishop stated.
He further urged them to carefully assess the intentions of individuals who express the desire to become priests or religious.
“Take time to critically assess the young men and women who express the desire to be priests or religious, so you can get those who have the right motives”, he urged.
The President of CAVDAG, Very Reverend Father Francis Fynn, said vocation directors are called to guide, accompany, and journey with young people in their spiritual discernment.
Drawing from Scripture, he explained that the image of casting nets into deep waters reflect the Church’s mission to reach out and lead people to Christ.
He said ecclesial mediation involves supporting individuals through their vocation journey and helping resolve spiritual or personal conflicts that may arise during discernment.
“The work of salvation must continue as Jesus Christ mandated us. Casting the net into deep waters does not only mean seeking a catch, but also calling others to partake in the ministry of bringing human beings to Christ. The vocation director is a mediator who walks side by side with the young ones to help them discern God’s call”, he noted.
He emphasised that the theme of the meeting was timely, as authentic discernment is essential in today’s complex world.
The keynote speaker, Very Reverend Father Mathias Mornah, a Lecturer and Formator at St. Victor’s Major Seminary in Tamale, noted that every human being possesses a deep inner hunger — a longing for happiness and connection with God.
Referencing Matthew Kelly’s book “Perfectly Yourself,” he said people often try to satisfy this yearning through money, power, relationships, or career pursuits, yet true fulfillment lies in understanding God’s purpose for one’s life.
He said vocation directors have a crucial responsibility in helping individuals discover their true calling, not merely recruiting candidates for religious life.
Father Mornah explained that from baptism onward, every Christian becomes a “branch of the vine,” though many only later recognise the depth of this calling. He stressed that family and educational environments play significant roles in shaping vocation.
He highlighted the four main vocations within the Church, namely the priesthood, religious life, marriage, and single life — describing each as a legitimate and equal vocation.
Ultimately, he stressed that vocation ministry must help people discern God’s unique plan for their lives so they can become the best versions of themselves.
Most Reverend John Opoku-Agyemang, the Episcopal Chairman of Vocations, Seminaries and Chaplaincies, who is also the Bishop of Konongo-Mampong Diocese, delivered a goodwill message during the opening ceremony.
Similar messages were delivered on behalf of the Tamale Archdiocesan Priests’ Association, St. Victor’s Major Seminary, and Conference of Consecrated Men and Women of Tamale Archdiocese.
The opening ceremony of the AGM which had several other guests in attendance, was chaired by Mr. Joseph S. Atiah, Assistant Registrar of the University for Development Studies.
Source:Fiilafmonline/Walkiyatu Issahaku
