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Rawlings among 1st Tarcisians of Accra Archdiocese

The League of Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the youth wing of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Confraternity of the Catholic Church, grouped into a band of apostles for the Social Reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus especially by means of the Enthronement of his Sacred Heart in the families and in Catholic Institutions.

Like St. Tarcisius, the Taricisians bring the knowledge and love of Jesus to the home and the homes and families of others, through three gold pennies; of Prayer to Jesus, little sacrifices especially obedience, Mass and reception of Holy Communion. The main aim of Tarcisians is; A Spirit of Love, A Spirit of Reparation, A Spirit of Apostolate and A Spirit of Consecration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Young Tarcicians are grouped together from all ages into a band of youthful apostles for early moral and spiritual development. Rev. Fr. Joseph Harold Lauck, SVD founded the League of Tarcisians at St. Joseph’s School at Adabraka in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra in the early 50’s and kept the members of the League together by having Holy Hour with them every Friday.

 

The Tarcisians enjoyed attending the Sacred Heart Mass on the first Fridays of the month. A group picture was taken of all the Tarcisians after a First Friday Mass, and among those in the picture could be seen Fr. Lauck, Fr. Wilson, S.V.D., Mrs. C. Hagan and Mrs. Addai, prominent teachers of the school.

The students were Jerry John Rawlings, Peter Agbenu, Victor Selormey, Vincentia Mensah and William Addo. Providentially, Rev. Fr. Lauck enabled as many students as possible to have copies of this picture which became famous when one of the Tarcisians many years later became the Head of State of Ghana, namely: President Jerry John Rawlings.

Other Tarcisians became Rev. Msgr. Peter Agbenu, former Secretary to the Archbishop Dominic Andoh of Accra, Sr. Vincentia Mensah, former Superior General of Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer and late Hon. Victor Selormey, a former Deputy Minister of Finance of Ghana.

Other names of the first Tarcisians were: Mrs. Regina Ansah (nee Hagan), Mrs. Cecilia Jiaggey, Mrs. Justina Jiaggey, Dr. Joe Hagan, Madam Frances Hagan, Sr. Clare (Nora Spencer) Joseph Diego, Pepertua Fiadzigbe, Joseph Lamptey, Rev. Fr. Bannerman, Rev. Fr. Sosu.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart was extended to St. Pope John’s Minor Seminary and SHS, Koforidua, where the League was established with many seminarians as members.

The Friday, Holy Hour Prayers became a favourite devotion among the seminarians, and as the Sacred Heart blessed them, many of them were ordained to the priesthood in the persons of Rev. Fr. Ted Nelson-Adjakpey, Rev. Fr. Patrick Charkitey, Rev. Fr. Samuel Batsa and Rev. Fr. Dominic Okletey.

It will be noticed that from the above, some priests and a Bishop originated from homes and families consecrated to the Sacred Heart. Indeed the Sacred Heart of Jesus has showered many blessings on these priests who were ordained by Most Rev. Dominic K. Andoh, a devout patron of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Presently the League of Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart is formed in several Senior High and Junior High Schools, and some tertiary institutions throughout the Archdiocese.

We are proud Tarcisians, J.J. RAWLINGS forever in our hearts. We leave you with this prayer for a peaceful rest of your soul.

O Gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory have mercy on the soul of Your departed servant H.E. FLT. LT. JERRY JOHN RAWLINGS. Be not severe in Your judgment, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do thou O merciful Saviour send Your angels to conduct Your departed servant to a Place of refreshment, light and peace, Amen. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace, Amen.

 

Source: Newswatchgh.com




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