Hundreds of young Catholics from the Diocese of Ho have begun a three-day spiritual journey at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Kpando Agbenoxoe, gathering for a special pilgrimage and jubilee celebration.
The event, which runs from Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, is organized by the Diocesan Youth Council under the theme: “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory”. The pilgrimage will culminate in a thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, presided over by the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, Bishop of Ho.
Across the Catholic world, youth pilgrimages serve as powerful moments of spiritual renewal, offering young people an opportunity to deepen their faith, reflect on their journey with Christ, and bond with fellow believers.
In Ghana, the pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Kpando Agbenoxoe has become a significant spiritual exercise for Catholic youth, modeled after similar global experiences like World Youth Day and visits to Marian shrines such as Lourdes (France), Fatima (Portugal), and Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
Over the course of the pilgrimage, participants will engage in rosary prayers, spiritual talks, confession sessions, and the Stations of the Cross. A highlight of the weekend will be the walk to the grotto, a moment of reflection and devotion that mirrors global Catholic traditions of penitential processions at sacred sites.
For many young Catholics, pilgrimages are more than just a religious obligation. They provide a chance to disconnect from the distractions of daily life and seek clarity on their faith journey. As societies worldwide face increasing secular influences, such gatherings remind youth of the enduring role of faith in personal and communal identity.
Bishop Emmanuel Kofi Fianu has been a strong advocate for youth engagement in the Church, emphasizing the need for young people to be rooted in prayer, service, and mission. His presence at the event underscores the Church’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Pilgrimages like this one in Ghana mirror the experiences of millions of young Catholics worldwide who embark on similar spiritual journeys. Whether it’s walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain, participating in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., or gathering for World Youth Day with the Pope, these moments of faith continue to shape Catholic identity globally.
As the youth in Ho Diocese journey through Kpando Agbenoxoe, their experience resonates with universal truth and remains a testament to the enduring hope found in Christ.
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