On Sunday, March 30th, 2025, Most Rev. Peter K. Atuahene made a spiritually enriching pastoral visit to St. John of God College of Health in Duayaw Nkwanta. His visit coincided with the climax of the week-long Student Representative Council (SRC) celebration and also the Confirmation of nineteen students, making the occasion even more significant for the college community. The Holy Mass was concelebrated by the school chaplain, Rev. Fr. Israel Boadi and Rev. Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi.In his homily, he explained that the sacrament of confirmation has two main aspects: the imposition of hands, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, and the anointing with sacred oil, which seals the confirmandi with the Holy Spirit.
“Through the imposition of hands, the Holy Spirit is invoked to empower and strengthen you in your faith. The anointing with oil signifies that you have been set apart as full members of the Church, called to live out your faith boldly,” he said.
The Bishop further reflected on the three pillars of lent: prayer, penance, and charity. He encouraged the students to cultivate a strong prayer life, emphasizing that prayer is the foundation of a Christian’s relationship with God. He also spoke about the importance of penance, reminding them that repentance and humility bring them closer to God.
On charity, the Bishop gave a strong and timely reminder: “Charity is not just about giving to the poor; it is about living a life of integrity, love, and service to others. In our society today, corruption has sadly become the order of the day, and I urge you, as future healthcare professionals, to desist from all forms of corruption. Let honesty, transparency, and service to others be the guiding principles of your lives.” He encouraged them to always act with compassion and uphold the dignity of those they will serve, especially in their future roles in healthcare.
The chaplain on behalf of the school thanked the bishop for his swift response to thier invitation and for confirming some of the students
Following the Mass, the Bishop toured the college facilities, praising the faculty and staff for their dedication to shaping future healthcare professionals. He assured them of the Diocese's ongoing support for the college and its mission to provide quality education in the health sector.
The Bishop’s presence provided an opportunity for spiritual renewal and engagement with students and staff.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. JOHN OF GOD COLLEGE OF HEALTH
St. John of God College of Health, located in Duayaw-Nkwanta in the Tano North District of the Ahafo Region, Ghana, is a member of the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG). Established in 2009, the college was founded with the vision of providing quality healthcare education while promoting Christian values in the health sector.
Over the years, it has grown into a leading institution in the region, offering a range of academic programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, integrity, and compassion needed to serve society, particularly the underprivileged. With a strong focus on both academic excellence and moral formation, the college remains committed to training healthcare professionals who contribute meaningfully to community and national development.
Source: Depsocom Goaso