The Mary Queen and Mother Catholic Church in Larteh-Akuapem, part of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, is celebrating 100 years of existence. The centenary marks an important event in its journey of faith, community development, and spiritual growth.
The year-long celebration, themed “100 Years of Synodal Communion, United in Faith, Growing in Christ,” has been filled with various activities, including a health awareness campaign in September, mission and evangelization programs in October, and a youth rally in November.
The grand climax is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the church premises. The event will be presided over by the Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua.
In a statement from the Parish Pastoral Council, the centenary is described as a time for reflection and thanksgiving. “We honor the visionaries and founders who laid the groundwork for this parish and express gratitude for the countless blessings received over the decades,” the statement reads.
The church, established on December 10, 1924, owes its foundation to Mr. Sylvester Amponsah Asare, a headteacher of the Roman Catholic School in Larteh. With the pupils of the school as his primary recruits, he spearheaded the construction of the first church building. Bishop Bowers, the then Bishop of Accra, dedicated the completed structure.
Mary Queen and Mother Parish has since served as a spiritual center for Larteh and surrounding communities, spreading Catholicism to towns like Akropong, Aburi, and Mamfe. In 2021, the parish “gave birth” to the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mamfe, which now stands as a Quasi Parish.
However, the parish faces challenges, including low attendance at society meetings, youth migration to urban areas, and the prioritization of social events like funerals over church programs. Despite these challenges, the council remains optimistic. “Our faith and commitment will see us through these challenges as we strive to grow stronger as a parish,” they noted.
The centenary celebrations not only highlight the parish’s rich history but also aim to inspire greater community involvement and spiritual renewal. As the church moves into its next century, it remains a cornerstone of faith and unity for the Larteh-Akuapem community.
