Rev. Fr. Lawrence Azure marks 25 years in priesthood with all for peace in Bawku

Very Reverend Fr. Lawrence Azure, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga, celebrated 25 years as a priest with a fervent prayer for an end to the prolonged chieftaincy conflict in Bawku, Upper East Region.

During a Holy Mass in Bolgatanga commemorating his Silver Jubilee, Fr. Azure called upon the factions involved in the Bawku conflict to embrace peace, fostering hope for the affected communities.

Fr. Azure, also the Parish Priest of Our Lady, Queen of Africa (OLA) Parish in Bolgatanga, was born on February 12, 1969, in Zebilla, Bawku West District, and was ordained a priest on July 25, 1998, at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Bawku.

Throughout his 25-year journey in priesthood, Fr. Azure served in various capacities and locations, including Parish Priest of St. Paul's Parish in Walewale, Dean of Bolgatanga Deanery, Moderator of Bishops Curia, Vice Priest President of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocesan Priest's Association, and Secretary to Bishop's Consultors.

He also worked as Master of Ceremonies and Liturgy Director for the Diocese and served as a resident priest at Holy Angels Parish in Garu.

In a homily delivered on his behalf by Rev. Fr. Aloysius Kpiebaya, Parish Priest of Queen of Peace, Nadowli in the Wa Diocese, Fr. Azure expressed gratitude for the gift of life and the calling to serve humanity.

He noted that his joy would have been complete if there were absolute peace, especially in conflict areas like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Bawku. The congregation was urged to pray for the return of peace to these troubled regions.

Rev. Fr. Kpiebaya conveyed Fr. Azure's special prayer request, saying, “Fr. Lawrence's special prayer request for all of us is to pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of all perpetrators and factions in the Bawku conflict to lay down their arms in exchange for amicable solutions to end this conflict.”

Fr. Azure also prayed for the peaceful repose of those who lost their lives in the conflicts, particularly in the Bawku conflict.

As part of the celebration, the Vicar General initiated the construction of a mission house (accommodation for priests) at the OLA Parish and appealed for assistance.

Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, the Catholic Bishop of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, commended Fr. Azure for his selfless commitment to the work of God and the service of humanity. He secured Pope Francis' blessing for the Vicar General and acknowledged his dedication over the years.