Through the help of Catholic Relief Services, the Diocese of Madison has been involved in a partnership with the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga in northern Ghana since 2002. This relationship has been developed as part of CRS's global solidarity partnerships program. This partnership has developed to a position where the parties no longer need CRS to mediate all of our contacts while their over-all guidance is sought from time to time. We all send our thanks and blessings to the wonderful people of CRS, including Mr. Thomas Awiapo.
To date, four delegations from the Diocese of Madison have traveled to Ghana (2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008), and one delegation from the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga has traveled to Wisconsin (2005). In the most recent visit, from November 12, 2008 to November 21, 2008, Fr. Stephen Unhoeffer and Mr. Carl Brey from the Diocese of Madison visited our partner diocese in Ghana. In addition to attending the 25th Jubilee as a priest for Fr. David Ayariga who has visited us here in the Madison Diocese several times; they had several meetings with Bishop Lucas Abadamloora, Msgr. Thomas Anamooh, the Vicar General, Fr. Emmanuel Acheampong, the Coordinator for the Global Solidarity Partnership, Mr. Joseph Ayembilla, acting head of the Diocesan Developement Office and Mr. David Azupogo, the head of the Farmers Training Center and the person who will run the new Donkey Farm Project. Prior to their trip they had also met with Fr. Augustine Ayaga, the Head of the Diocesan Developement Office, and who is currently studying in St. Paul, Mn. They also toured many sites of destruction from recent flooding as well as from ethnic violence. They returned filled with enthusiasm for the future of our Partnershiop. They also invited a detailed request for assistance in the preparation for; and start of, a donkey breeding farm. This would allow for more donkeys and healthier donkeys distributed to the women farmers of the Diocese of N-B. They also brought back stories, memories and hundreds of photographs many of which will be shared on other pages. At Christmas time in 2009 Bishop Lucas Abadamloora was called home to be resting with Christ for all eternity. We are continuing to pray that Our Lord will select a fitting replacement to continue all of this wonderful work.
Global Solidarity Week - Each year, to promote international understanding, schools are invited to learn more about Global Solidarity and our sister diocese.