Tamale Residents Will Not Forget Cardinal Dery
Apr 05, 2008
Residents of the Tamale metropolis, particularly Catholics will forever have fond memories of the late Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery.
(Daily Graphic, 04 Apr 2008) To some residents it was too early for him to go to his creator while others saw his home calling as approved by God.
The mortal remains of His Eminence was laid to rest at the OLA Cathedral in Tamale last Tuesday. Cardinal Dery died on March 6, 2008 two months to his 90th birthday.
He was born in Zemuopare,a village five miles from Nandom in the Upper West Region on May 10,1918.
His death had caused heartache among a cross section of people whose lives he had touched in many ways when he was alive, both within the metropolis and the entire world.
Due to this his final funeral rites was ceremoniously attended by a good number of people to pay their last respects to their grand father, father and friend. Among those who attended the burial were President John Agyekum Kufuor and his Vice, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, ministers of state and members of the diplomatic corps.
Some residents told this reporter during the State Burial that they would forever miss the old man.
Two cameramen from the Eastern and Central regions indicated, “my friend, you have no idea the sort of things the Cardinal whom we call our friend had done to us; he was like a father and friend to some of us and that is why we have abandoned our work to witness this memorable occasion”.
During the rites some of the residents who filed past the body that was laid in state could not control their emotions as most of them wept bitterly. what a great loss!
However as expected, the Catholic Bishop of Damongo, Philip Naameh, during a vigil mass held for the late Cardinal entreated residents to endeavour to know the full meaning of death.
“We are here to thank God for everything and to deepen our understanding of what death meant; this should be a wake-up call on all of us to lead lives worthy of emulation” he pointed out.
The former Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, the Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong also in a sermon during the funeral rites hoped that “this public recognition being given to this illustrious son of Ghana will ultimately help unite the people of the three northern regions.
Two journalists working with the Daily Guide newspaper and Diamond FM in Tamale were emotional when they told this reporter that “people must read the late Cardinal’s book on his memoirs”.
To them the Cardinal’s book was a reflection of who a true man of God was since he was virtually candid in his opinion about leaders who abused their office by engaging in all manner of vices.
No wonder the late Cardinal has a lot of achievements to his credit. These include the State Award of Grand Medal (civil division) from the Head of State of the Republic of Ghana on January 13,1974.
He was also a Council of State Member in 1972 and a member of the Ghana Education Service Council for seven years.
From 1994 until his death he organised a very active ministry from within his residence as he continued to receive visitors and celebrated many marriages and baptisms. His zeal and love for people did not go unnoticed by the authorities.
It is on record that he went to Rome in a wheel chair to receive the red bieratta from the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
Cardinal Dery laid to rest
Apr 02, 2008
The mortal remains of Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery were on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, laid to rest at the OLA Catholic Cathedral in Tamale.
(GNA, 1 April 2008) Born on May 10, 1918, at Zemuopare near Nandom in the Upper West Region, the celebrated Catholic priest was ordained on February 11, 1951.
He was appointed Bishop of Wa in 1960 and made Cardinal in March by Pope Benedict XVI.
President John Agyekum and Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama joined the huge crowd of Catholic faithfuls from across the country, Rome and Burkina Faso at the pre-burial state funeral service held for him at the Tamale Sports Stadium.
Also present were Ministers of State, members of the Council of State and Parliamentarians.
Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson was delegated by the Pope to officiate at the burial service in line with the tradition of the Catholic Church.
The government, the Pope and the Catholic Bishops Conference read tributes to his memory.
The common theme that ran through all of them was the acknowledgement of his pacesetter role, zeal for promoting human dignity, discipline, forthrightness and integrity.
The Most Reverend Peter Akwasi Sarpong, the retired Metropolitan Archbishop of Kumasi in a homily, appealed to Christians to let the life of the late Cardinal to influence them to resist evil and proclaim goodness.
He said the Christian community should join other faiths to fight against all ills and inhumanities in the society.
He called for unity and an end to ethnicism, hatred, acrimony and what he termed "interminable Chieftaincy disputes" in all parts of the country.
Mr. Felix Owusu Adjepong, Minister-designate for Energy, read a tribute on behalf of the government and said the late Cardinal Dery was a true partner in the development of the country.
He said his commitment to education and health knew no bounds adding he laid a solid foundation for the development of the north and the country in general.
He said during certain turbulent periods in the country's history the late Cardinal Dery served as a "Voice of conscience".
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government, the Pope, the Catholic Bishops Conference and family members.
Cardinal Dery passes away
Mar 11, 2008
The retired Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Poreku Dery, is dead. He passed away at the age of 89 at his residence in Tamale on March 6, 2008, Ghana’s 51st Independence anniversary.
(GNA, March 11, 2008) Born in Nandom Ko in the Upper West region on May 10, 1918, Cardinal Emeritus Dery was ordained into the priesthood on February 11, 1951. He became the Bishop of Wa on May 8 1960 and was enthroned Archbishop of Tamale on November 27, 1977. He retired in 1994.
Cardinal Dery who held a Doctorate in Divinity, was one time President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference for two terms, from 1982 to 1988. He was made a Cardinal in March last year by Pope Benedict XVI in honour of the invaluable services he rendered to the Church with exemplary faithfulness and admirable dedication. Cardinal Dery did mentor many a youth within and outside the church.
In 3006, Cardinal Dery received a State honour as member of the Order of the Star of Ghana, OSG, for his immense contribution to the development of the Republic of Ghana.
Pope Benedict XVI has sent a message of condolence to Most Rev. Gregory Kpiebaya, Archbishop of Tamale and the head of family of the late Cardinal Dery. He paid homage to Cardinal Dery for his dedicated work for the growth of the Church in Ghana even at times when conditions were very difficult.
Cardinal Dery’s funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Pope Mourns Late Cardinal Dery, "A Prayerful, Devoted Pastor"
Mar 11, 2008
Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, the retired archbishop of Tamale, who died Thursday, was a "devoted pastor" who left behind a "shining legacy of prayer," Pope Benedict said.
Catholic Information Service for Africa (Nairobi, 11 March 2008) "I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and to the priests, religious and lay faithful of the archdiocese," ZENIT reported the pontiff as saying in a telegram to Archbishop Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya of Tamale. Cardinal Dery was 89.
"This devoted pastor has left behind a shining legacy of prayer, humble obedience to the will of God and love of neighbour.
"He gave himself with generous heart to his priestly and episcopal ministry at the service of the faithful of the Diocese of Wa and the Archdiocese of Tamale for many years, preaching the Gospel in difficult conditions with the love of a father, great zeal and simplicity of heart, constantly attentive to the needs of the poor."
"As I commend his soul to the loving mercy of our heavenly Father, and as a pledge of consolation and strength to those who mourn," added the Holy Father, "I cordially impart my apostolic blessing to all present at the solemn liturgical celebration."
Benedict XVI also sent his condolences to Alipo Poreku, the brother of the cardinal saying, "Saddened to learn of the death of your dear brother, I express to you my deep sympathy and assure you of my closeness in prayer. As a pledge of peace and strength in our Lord, I cordially impart my apostolic blessing."
Peter Poreku Dery was born May 10, 1918, in Zemuopare, Ghana. He was ordained a priest in 1951. He was appointed the first bishop of the Diocese of Wa in 1959, and in 1972 was appointed apostolic administrator of Tamale. He carried out his duties in both dioceses until he was appointed bishop of Tamale in 1974.
When Tamale was raised to an archdiocese in 1997, he was named its first archbishop. The prelate also served as a member of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the president of the episcopal conference of Ghana and coordinator of the Pan-African Council of the Laity. The archbishop retired in 1994 and Benedict named him a cardinal in 2006 at age 87.
Hommage de Benoît XVI au défunt cardinal Peter Poreku Dery
Mar 10, 2008
Un cardinal engagé pour la formation des laïcs.
ROME, Dimanche 9 mars 2008 (ZENIT.org) - Le cardinal ghanéen Peter Poreku Dery, archevêque émérite de Tamale, s'est éteint le 6 mars à l'âge de 89 ans : Benoît XVI lui a rendu hommage pour sa « prédication de l'Evangile dans des conditions difficiles », son « amour de père », son « zèle » et sa « simplicité de cśur ».
Le pape a adressé deux télégrammes de condoléances à Mgr Gregory Ebo Kpiebaya, archevêque de Tamale, et à M. Alipo Poreku, frère du défunt cardinal.
Le pape salue également son « héritage lumineux de prière, d'humble obéissance à la volonté de Dieu et d'amour du prochain ».
Le cardinal Peter Poreku Dery était le quatrième enfant d'une famille qui en comptait dix et qui vivait dans la religion traditionnelle des Dagaaba.
Il avait embrassé le christianisme après avoir rencontré les Missionnaires d'Afrique, et devint, à 32 ans, le premier prêtre catholique de son ethnie.
Il avait ensuite été consacré évêque par le bienheureux pape Jean XXIII, en 1960, et, rappelle Radio Vatican, il fut le premier à introduire l'inculturation dans la liturgie de son diocèse : il composa lui-même des chants liturgiques accompagnés par des instruments traditionnels.
Radio Vatican souligne aussi qu'il se montra soucieux de la formation des laïcs : à Rome, il était membre du Conseil pontifical pour les Laïcs, et en Afrique, coordinateur du Conseil panafricain des Laïcs. Il avait aussi été responsable de l'Apostolat des Laïcs dans 9 régions d'Afrique, et il avait exercé deux mandats de président de la conférence épiscopale du Ghana.
Il fonda de nombreuses écoles, et promut ainsi l'instruction. Pour son engagement au service du développement intégral de la personne humaine, il reçut différents prix et des reconnaissances internationales.
Dans son pays, il devint aussi membre du Conseil d'Etat et du Conseil du Ghana pour le service de l'Education.
C'est en 2006 que Benoît XVI l'avait « créé » cardinal, non électeur : il avait dépassé 80 ans. Mais le pape saluait les services qu'il avait rendus à l'Eglise « avec une fidélité exemplaire et un dévouement admirable ».
E' morto il cardinale ghanese Peter Poreku Dery: aveva 89 anni.
Mar 10, 2008
Il cordoglio del Papa.
(Radio Vaticana, 08/03/2008) Il Papa ha espresso in due diversi telegrammi il suo profondo cordoglio per la morte, giovedì scorso a Tamale, in Ghana, del cardinale Peter Poreku Dery, arcivescovo emerito di Tamale. Il 10 maggio prossimo avrebbe compiuto 90 anni. Benedetto XVI ha ricordato come il porporato abbia svolto "la predicazione del Vangelo in condizioni difficili, con l'amore di un padre, grande zelo e semplicità di cuore, sempre attento alle esigenze dei poveri". Il cardinale Poreku - ha sottolineato il Papa - lascia "una luminosa eredità di preghiera, umile obbedienza alla volontà di Dio e amore del prossimo".
Quarto di dieci figli, il cardinale Poreku apparteneva alla religione tradizionale dei Dagaaba. Convertito al cristianesimo dopo aver incontrato i Missionari d'Africa, è diventato a 32 anni il primo sacerdote del suo gruppo etnico. Consacrato vescovo nel 1960 da Giovanni XXIII, fu il primo a introdurre l'inculturazione liturgica nella propria diocesi componendo anche canti liturgici accompagnati da strumenti tradizionali. Impegnato nella formazione dei laici, ha fondato numerose scuole promuovendo l’istruzione. Per il suo contributo alla promozione dello sviluppo integrale della persona umana ha ricevuto premi e riconoscimenti ed ha ricoperto prestigiosi incarichi civili: è stato infatti membro del Consiglio di Stato e del «Ghana Education Service Council». È stato anche membro del Pontificio Consiglio per i Laici, coordinatore del Consiglio panafricano dei Laici, rresponsabile dell'organizzazione dell'apostolato laico in 9 aree africane e per due mandati presidente della Conferenza episcopale del Ghana. Nel 2006 Benedetto XVI lo aveva creato cardinale non elettore in considerazione dei servizi da lui resi alla Chiesa “con esemplare fedeltà ed ammirevole dedizione”.
Ghanaian cardinal, known for dedication to poor, dies at age 89
Mar 10, 2008
Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, known for his pastoral dedication and concern for the poor, died March 6. He was 89.
VATICAN CITY (CNS, Mar-10-2008) -- Pope Benedict XVI, in a condolence telegram, praised the late cardinal for his many years of generous ministry.
"This devoted pastor has left behind a shining legacy of prayer, humble obedience to the will of God and love of neighbor," the pope said.
He paid tribute to the cardinal for "preaching the Gospel in difficult conditions with the love of a father, great zeal and simplicity of heart, constantly attentive to the needs of the poor."
In 2006, Pope Benedict named him a cardinal in recognition of his lifetime of service to the church in the West African country of Ghana.
Cardinal Dery was the oldest of the cardinals inducted in the 2006 consistory. In a poignant moment, he was carried in a wheelchair up the stairs of St. Peter's Square to receive his red hat from the pope.
The cardinal was known in Ghana for encouraging and supporting young people to pursue education, showing personal concern for students and their talents.
Ghanaian Archbishop Charles G. Palmer-Buckle of Accra said in a 2006 interview that Cardinal Dery "would go to universities to visit the people he was sponsoring, bringing letters and food from their families and taking an individual interest in each one."
Because of the cardinal's inspiration, many of the Ghanaian doctors whose education he sponsored remained in the country instead of following more lucrative careers overseas, the archbishop said.
Peter Poreku Dery was born in Ko, Ghana, May 10, 1918, and was baptized Dec. 25, 1932. He was ordained Feb. 11, 1951.
After he became the bishop of Wa in 1960, he helped promote development -- including the building of schools and seminaries -- in the upper western region of the country.
He continued this work in the northern provincial capital of Tamale when he became its bishop in 1974 and its archbishop three years later. The arid northern region covers 31 percent of Ghana, but is home to only 2 million of the country's 19 million people.
Cardinal Dery was president of the Ghanaian bishops' conference 1982-88. He retired as archbishop of Tamale in 1994.
His death leaves the College of Cardinals with 198 members. Of that number, 119 are under age 80 and therefore eligible to vote in a conclave.
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Contributing to this story was Bronwen Dachs in Cape Town, South Africa.
Cardinal Dery Charges Mustapha Ali
Jul 03, 2006
The Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery has advised the new Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Iddrisu Ali to despise all passions and political feelings and stamp firmly on his authority to control the affairs of the region effectively. This he said would bridge the vast gab between the north and the other parts of the country.
Ghanaian Chronicle (Accra, June 30, 2006) He therefore entreated the Minister to work closely with all the traditional and religious leaders, heads of political parties, heads of institution, the security and other stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace, unity and development in the north.
"Work closely with all the people, whether rich or poor, big or small and respect their views and criticisms. Never work in isolation if only you want to succeed in your task," he advised Alhaji Ali.
Cardinal Dery made this call when the Minister and his Deputy, Issah Ketekewu paid a courtesy call on him at his residence here in Tamale for attaining the cardinalship position through his exemplary life.
He expressed grave concern about state of Dagbon, which he noted was lagging behind development as a result of instabilities arising out of chieftaincy.
The highly respected Cardinal encouraged the minister to place emphasis on education, peace, agriculture and youth empowerment.
Adding that the youth were the active human resource of the region for the promotion of accelerated socio-economic growth.
The Man of God who commended Mustapha Ali for his early visit, thanked him for accepting the responsibility as the administrative head of the people in the north.
Cardinal Dery shared some of his past experiences with the Minister and prayed for the success of the minister in his endeavors.
Archbishop Emeritus Peter Dery became Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church in the Consistory of March 24, 2006 in the first year of Pontificate of Pope Benedetto XVI.
The Northern Regional Minister, Mustapha Iddrisu Ali who described the Cardinal as a "Living Legend" asked God for his long life to enable him tap the rich leadership skills of the Cardinal.
He reminded the Cardinal that the who of Ghana and Northern Ghana in particular would forever recognize his achievements and contributions towards the development, peace building and upbringing of the youth in the country.
"I have come to submit myself to you as the greatest man of God for your continues prayers, directions and advise to enable me carry out my duty successfully," said the Minister.
Cardinal Dery Hails Women
Jun 15, 2006
Cardinal Peter Poreku Dery, Archbishop Emeritus of Tamale, has extolled the virtues of women, describing them as generous, kind and caring.
(Graphic Ghana, 5/26/2006) "Women, I praise you, God bless you for your immense contributions to the maintenance of family unity,"he said.
Cardinal Dery was speaking in Tamale during a call on him by members of the Nandom Youth and Development Association to congratulate him on his recent elevation by the Pope to a Cardinal.
He observed that with such sterling qualities, women could contribute effectively in governance and leadership positions and therefore urged them to get actively involved in national affairs "because if you women are not developed, your country would not grow".
The Cardinal, however, acknowledged that it would be more appreciated and beneficial to the country, "if both men and women build together, support together and love together at all times".
According to him, "God will not forgive us if we do not love one another, care for one another and forgive one another."
The Cardinal also advised the youth to live above reproach, concentrate on their studies and vocations and take keen interest in the development of their respective communities, emphasising that it was only through well resourced and disciplined youth that the country could attain its development goals.
Cardinal Dery further entreated parents and guardians to show love to their children and wards in order that they would grow up to love them in return.
"Love is a free gift that must be shared among spouses, neighbours, friends and relations; indeed everybody deserves love that is unconditional and which knows no bounds," he stated.
The Cardinal further re-echoed the saying that "the beauty of love is not how happy you are but how happy others are because of you".
He thanked the people for their support and assistance over the years, saying, "I don't know how much I owe you but I owe you so much".
The chairman of the association, Mr Roy N. A. Dery, expressed appreciation to the Cardinal for his immense contribution to the cause of the church and mankind, particularly in the north.
On behalf of the members, he donated ¢2 million to the "Cardinal Dery's Foundation Fund," which was established some years ago to support the poor and the underprivileged.
Cardinal Dery arrives in Tamale
Apr 27, 2006
A large congregation of Catholic faithful in Tamale on Tuesday turned out on motorcycles, cars and trucks to meet His Eminence Peter Cardinal Porekuu Dery at Datoyili, a village seven miles from the Metropolis, to give him a rousing welcome to Tamale.
Tamale, April 05 2006, GNA - Peter Cardinal Dery received cheers and praises from worshippers at the entrance of the Our Lady of the Annunciation (OLA) Catholic Cathedral while the Saint Paul Frafra Catholic Community Dancing Group drummed and danced to welcome the Cardinal.
He was led into the church compound where he was helped into a wheelchair and pushed to one of the entrances of the church from where he blessed the congregation and sprinkled holy water on them amidst songs of praises.
The Most Reverend Gregory Kpiebaya, the Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, then led Cardinal Dery in a procession into the Church where the congregation knelt for a silent prayer.
Archbishop Kpiebaya briefed the congregation on the investiture of Cardinal Dery and the warm reception accorded him by the Ghanaian community in Rome.
"Peter Cardinal Dery, the Tamale local church, indeed, the God family, welcomes you to the Cathedral. We brought you to meet your people. Here they are and here you are".
Addressing the congregation, Peter Cardinal Dery said: "I got shocked on hearing the news that Pope Benedict XVI had promoted me to a Cardinal."
"God is wonderful and I am deeply proud of what happened but this is what many people had expected for a long time now".
"But what makes me happy is that all of you have accepted my promotion by the Pope as a Cardinal. The Pope says I am a Cardinal and I cannot say no. The right answer is yes, I am," he said. Cardinal Dery, who was flanked by Bishop Kpiebaya and Father Matthew Yitere, the Cathedral Administrator, said he would continue to care for the youth.
"They make me happy. I am a friend of the youth. I will fall with them and rise together with them. I will not forget about my friends". He advised the youth to pray to God to help them to also help others. Cardinal Dery said: "I want to know if my becoming a Cardinal has thrown you into joy. Is that the end of me? Is that all? The little you have, give to the needy and the more you have give more to them who are needy".
He urged Catholics to be dedicated to the gospel, saying: "I want to tell the Pope that I cannot work to promote the gospel with more zeal as I am now weak".
He appealed to the congregation not to give charity to him because "I will give to the wind," but advised them to give to Bishop Kpiebaya, because he would know how to please the people.
Cardinal Dery, thanked the government delegation, nurses and doctors, as well as all well-wishers who accompanied him to Rome and asked them to remember him in their prayers.
Cardinal Dery call on Kufuor
Apr 21, 2006
His Eminence Peter Cardinal Dery has called for closer partnership between the Church and the State in the shared vision of promoting development through education.
Accra, April 3 2006, GNA - "We must work together. We must hold together and avoid being suspicious of each other", he said during a meeting with President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, on Monday.
He declared that the Church was not there either to pull-down or destroy but to genuinely seek the welfare of the people. This was when a powerful delegation of the Catholic Church, which included Cardinal Peter Kwadwo Appiah Turkson, the Papal Nuncio, Peter Kochery, and Archbishop Palmer Buckle, Accra Metropolitan Archbishop, called at the Castle to express appreciation to President Kufuor for the Government's support during Cardinal Dery's investiture.
Mr Joseph Henry Mensah, the Senior Minister, Professor George Hagan, Chairman of the National Commission on Culture and the Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Ambrose Dery, represented the Government at the ceremony in the Vatican. Ghana's Ambassadors to Italy and the Vatican City joined them.
The 87 year-old Cardinal, who praised President Kufuor for his sublime disposition of humility, noted that Ghana had a lot of great things to offer humanity and asked the President to remain focussed to build the country in a way that all would be proud of.
President Kufuor said: "Ghana must be overjoyed for your elevation by Pope Benedict XVI as this clearly shows that our country, small, as it is geographically, is a great nation."
He said the new Cardinal had made the nation proud and that this would encourage the people to sustain the pace he had set. President Kufuor said Cardinal Dery was an example not only to the country's youth, but the clergy, politicians, traditional rulers and all others in leadership positions.
"If the Church sees so much in you the rest of us cherish you and pray for you. We thank God for you."
The Papal Nuncio said the Cardinal's elevation was in recognition of his distinguished service to the youth, the Church and nation. He becomes the second Cardinal in the country after Cardinal Turkson.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission congratulates Cardinal Dery
Mar 30, 2006
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission on Friday congratulated Most Reverend Peter Derry, Former Archbishop of Tamale, on his elevation to the position of Cardinal by his Holiness Pope Benedict XV1.
Accra, March 24, GNA - A statement signed by Mohammed Bin Ishaque, Public Relations Officer of Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana, said the elevation of Cardinal Derry was not only a recognition of his deep commitment to the ideals of the Church but also an honour to the Church and the country.
"Allah may, out of his grace, imbue you with the strength to enable you to discharge the responsibility attendant upon this new appointment," the statement said. "It is our hope and prayer that your elevation may be a means through which the co-operation between the Catholic Church in Ghana and other religious bodies, including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, would be deepened for the consolidation of religious peace and harmony and the unity, progress and prosperity of our dear nation."
Cardinal Dery is the second Ghanaian to be elevated to that position after His Eminence Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson
Ghana Gets 2nd Cardinal
Mar 01, 2006
Archbishop Emeritus Peter Poreku Dery 88, has been elevated to the status of Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI, the first such appointment by the Pope since his enthronement last May.
(The Ghanaian Times, 23 February 2006) He becomes only the second Ghanaian Cardinal after Peter Cardinal Kodwo Appiah Turkson, who was named Cardinal by the late Pope John Paul II on October 20, 2003.
Cardinal-elect Dery is among 15 prelates who will be consecrated on March 24, in the Vatican, followed by the official investiture ceremony.
Though Archbishop Dery, is above 80 years, and on retirement, the Pope elevated him and two others in "consideration of the service he rendered to the church with exemplary faithfulness and admirable dedication," a statement from the Vatican Information Service announced.
His elevation has been greeted with cheers form the Catholic faithful and the general public.
Born in Nandom Ko on May 10, 1918, Archbishop Emeritus Dery was ordained into the Priesthood on February 11, 1951.
He became the Bishop of Wa on May 8, 1960 and was enthroned Archbishop of Tamale on November 27, 1977, and retired in 1994.
The Archbishop Dery who holds a Doctorate in Divinity was one time the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference for two terms from 1982 to 1988.
From Tamale, Yakubu Abdul-Majeed reports that Cardinal-elect Dery, who lives there, expressed gratitude to the Pope for the honour bestowed on him.
“In fact, I am lost for words to thank his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI for uplifting me to this enviable position in the Catholic Church”, he said.
Archbishop Dery, who is said to be the architect of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province, promised to do more to the service of the church in spite of his old age.
Speaking to the Times on phone Peter Cardinal Turkson, Archbishop of Cape Coast, said the elevation of Archbishop Dery was a big honour to the nation and the church.
He said the elevation had been long overdue since Archbishop Dery was his mentor for a very long time.
Cardinal Turkson said the Pope recognized the services of Archbishop Dery because of his active interest in the youth within the church.
He explained that a number of Catholic youth were mentored by cardinal-elect while others were prepared for the pastoral ministry.
“I rejoice with Archbishop Dery and congratulate him,” he said, adding, “it is a well deserved to be made the Pope”.
Peter Dery now cardinal
Feb 28, 2006
Most Reverend George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana has announced that Pope Benedict XVI has elevated the Most Reverend Peter Poreku Dery, former Archbishop of Tamale, to the rank of Cardinal.
(Accra Daily Mail, February 28, 2006) Cardinal Dery is the first African to be elevated among 15 others worldwide by the new Pope. Announcing the elevation at a ceremony in Tamale, attended by the new cardinal himself, Rev. Kochery said it was in recognition of his untiring and meritorious services to the Catholic Church in Ghana.
"Dear people of Ghana, here you have another Prince of the Church. Your Eminence, Cardinal-Elect Dery, my hearty congratulations and felicitations for this great honour bestowed upon you by the Supreme Pontiff," Rev Kochery said. Cardinal Dery, he said was the architect of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province.
Cardinal Dery would join the others for the official ceremony of elevation on March 24 2006.
Cardinal Dery, showing signs of age, walked with difficulty gave thanks to God. "God is great and wonderful and I thank him…but I am now sick. When you announced my elevation, my sickness started again".
He asked the Bishops and Priests of the Tamale Archdiocese of the Catholic Church who were present at the ceremony to sing "This is the day that the Lord told me we would be rejoicing." The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Rev. Gregory Kpiebaya said: "Nobody points at an elephant to a child. Cardinal-Elect Dery deserves the elevation. This is only good enough to justify the good works of him".
Archbishop Dery was President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1982-88.
Present at the ceremony were Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Bishop of Damongo, Most Rev. Vincent Boi-Nai, Bishop of Yendi and a large number of Catholic faithful.
Un nouveau cardinal africain, Mgr Dery
Feb 25, 2006
Parmi les trois cardinaux de plus de 80 ans - et donc non-électeurs - choisis par le pape Benoît XVI, Mgr Peter Poreku Dery est le seul africain.
ROME, Jeudi 23 février 2006 (ZENIT.org) - Mgr Peter Poreku Dery est archevêque émérite de Tamale, au Ghana. Il est né en 1918 au Ghana, à Ko. Il a reçu le baptême à l’âge de 14 ans et il a été ordonné prêtre en 1951.
Il a été nommé évêque de Wa, un diocèse alors nouvellement érigé, en 1960, et il a été ordonné évêque à Rome par le bienheureux pape Jean XXIII le 8 mai 1960.
Le pape Paul VI le nommait ensuite évêque de Tamale, en 1974, puis archevêque métropolite de ce siège. Et en tant que tel, il a reçu le pallium le 27 novembre suivant.
Il est archevêque émérite depuis le 23 mars 1994 et il sera cardinal le 23 mars prochain.
Archbishop Dery elevated to Cardinal
Feb 24, 2006
Pope Benedict XVI has elevated the Most Reverend Peter Poreku Dery, former Archbishop of Tamale, to the rank of Cardinal, Most Reverend George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, announced yesterday, Wednesday.
(newsinghana.com/gna, 22nd of February 2006) Most Reverend Dery is the first African to be elevated among 15 others worldwide by the Pope, said the Most Reverend George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana.
Announcing the elevation at a ceremony in Tamale, attended by Archbishop Dery himself, Rev. Kochery said it was in recognition of his untiring and meritorious services to the Catholic Church in Ghana. "Dear people of Ghana, here you have another Prince of the Church. Your Eminence, Cardinal-Elect Dery, my hearty congratulations and felicitations for this great honour bestowed upon you by the Supreme Pontiff," Rev Kochery said, adding that he was the architect of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province.
Most Rev. Kochery said Rev Dery would join the others for the official ceremony of elevation on March 24 2006.
Cardinal-Elect Dery, who walked with difficulty, gave thanks to God. "God is great and wonderful and I thank him." He however added, "but I am now sick. When you announced my elevation, my sickness started again".
The Cardinal-Elect then asked the Bishops and Priests of the Tamale Archdiocese of the Catholic Church who were present at the ceremony to sing 'This is the day that the Lord told me we would be rejoicing.' The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Rev. Gregory Kpiebaya said: "Nobody points at an elephant to a child. Cardinal-Elect Dery deserves the elevation. This is only good enough to justify the good works of him."
Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, President of the Ghana Bishops' Conference, who is also Bishop of Navrongo/ Bolgatanga Diocese, said: "It is a great honour for Ghana to have two Cardinals. The Lord would use him to bless the country."
Archbishop Dery, who holds a Doctorate in Divinity, was born on May 10, 1918 at Nandom Kuo in the Upper West Region. He was ordained a priest in May, 1951 and made Bishop of Wa on May 8, 1960.
He became Archbishop of Tamale in November 1977 and retired in 1994.
Archbishop Dery was President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1982-88.
Present at the ceremony were Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Bishop of Damongo, Most Rev. Vincent Boi-Nai, Bishop of Yendi and a large number of Catholic faithfuls.
Archbishop Dery elevated to Cardinal
Pope Benedict XVI has elevated the Most Reverend Peter Poreku Dery, former Archbishop of Tamale, to the rank of Cardinal, Most Reverend George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, announced yesterday, Wednesday.
Most Reverend Dery is the first African to be elevated among 15 others worldwide by the Pope, said the Most Reverend George Kochery, Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana.
Announcing the elevation at a ceremony in Tamale, attended by Archbishop Dery himself, Rev. Kochery said it was in recognition of his untiring and meritorious services to the Catholic Church in Ghana. "Dear people of Ghana, here you have another Prince of the Church. Your Eminence, Cardinal-Elect Dery, my hearty congratulations and felicitations for this great honour bestowed upon you by the Supreme Pontiff," Rev Kochery said, adding that he was the architect of the Tamale Ecclesiastical Province.
Most Rev. Kochery said Rev Dery would join the others for the official ceremony of elevation on March 24 2006.
Cardinal-Elect Dery, who walked with difficulty, gave thanks to God. "God is great and wonderful and I thank him." He however added, "but I am now sick. When you announced my elevation, my sickness started again".
The Cardinal-Elect then asked the Bishops and Priests of the Tamale Archdiocese of the Catholic Church who were present at the ceremony to sing 'This is the day that the Lord told me we would be rejoicing.' The Catholic Archbishop of Tamale, the Most Rev. Gregory Kpiebaya said: "Nobody points at an elephant to a child. Cardinal-Elect Dery deserves the elevation. This is only good enough to justify the good works of him."
Most Reverend Lucas Abadamloora, President of the Ghana Bishops' Conference, who is also Bishop of Navrongo/ Bolgatanga Diocese, said: "It is a great honour for Ghana to have two Cardinals. The Lord would use him to bless the country."
Archbishop Dery, who holds a Doctorate in Divinity, was born on May 10, 1918 at Nandom Kuo in the Upper West Region. He was ordained a priest in May, 1951 and made Bishop of Wa on May 8, 1960.
He became Archbishop of Tamale in November 1977 and retired in 1994.
Archbishop Dery was President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference from 1982-88.
Present at the ceremony were Most Rev. Philip Naameh, Bishop of Damongo, Most Rev. Vincent Boi-Nai, Bishop of Yendi and a large number of Catholic faithfuls.
Tamale Residents Will Not Forget Cardinal Dery
Hommage de Benoît XVI au défunt cardinal Peter Poreku Dery
E' morto il cardinale ghanese Peter Poreku Dery: aveva 89 anni.