Tamale: Most Reverend Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, Bishop of the Damongo Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, has underscored the significant role of philosophical formation in the comprehensive development of priests. He emphasized the need for this formation to navigate the complexities of today’s rapidly advancing technological world.
According to Ghana News Agency, Most Reverend Angkyier stated that the Church of Christ is called to a mission in a highly technological age, and thus, the formation of priests as pastors and leaders must be carefully structured to maintain the relevance and mission of the Church. He made these remarks during an inaugural lecture in Tamale, which was part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Saint Augustine Millennium Major Seminary (SAMS).
Most Reverend Angkyier highlighted that while philosophy may not directly solve everyday problems, it serves as a guiding light, helping to make sense of situations. He reiterated that the Church, established by Christ and entrusted with spreading the gospel, requires well-formed priests to faithfully execute that mission. Philosophy, he noted, is crucial for ongoing, authentic dialogue with various approaches to finding meaning and for effectively addressing errors in contemporary philosophical debates.
The lecture, attended by Catholic Church stakeholders, including seminarians from SAMS, was themed ‘SAMS @25: Forming Priests for the World Today – The Role of Philosophical Formation’. Most Reverend Angkyier emphasized that philosophical studies empower priests to communicate rationally and clearly, facilitating evangelization in today’s world.
Professor Hamdiyah Alhassan, Director of the Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience at the University for Development Studies, chaired the event. She supported the bishop’s perspective, stating that in a world characterized by uncertainty and rapid change, it is critical to form priests who are both spiritually grounded and intellectually capable. Philosophical formation, she noted, enhances meaningful dialogue with the modern world and fortifies the Church’s faith through clear and effective reasoning.
Professor Alhassan further remarked that philosophical formation equips priests not only as preachers but as thoughtful shepherds who engage the minds and spirits of their congregations. The anniversary celebrations include additional lectures scheduled for September and October, with the culmination of the festivities set for November 22, 2025.
