Ho Diocese begins 10th episcopal anniversary celebration of Bishop Fianu

Ho, Daniel Orlando – The Catholic Diocese of Ho, Ghana, has officially launched the 10th episcopal anniversary celebrations of its shepherd, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, with a call for the completion of the long-suspended diocesan Cathedral.

The event, held on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Konnings Centre, Sokode-Lokoe, gathered clergy, religious, diocesan leaders, laity and special guests, including Archbishop Albert LeGatt of St. Boniface, Canada, and Bishop Gerard County of Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The launch was chaired by Mrs. Patricia Azumah Kodjo, and featured the unveiling of a new anniversary logo, commemorative souvenirs, and a mini-fundraising exercise in support of the Cathedral project at Ho-Bankoe—an unfinished diocesan dream for over two decades.

Addressing participants, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Dotse Komla, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, described the moment as “a sacred convergence of grace and purpose.” He revealed that the launch date marked two significant milestones: Bishop Fianu’s 40th priestly ordination anniversary and the anniversary of his episcopal appointment by Pope Francis.

Fr. Komla said the celebrations are anchored on the theme, “A decade of shepherding God’s flock; looking into the future as pilgrims of hope.”

He invited the entire Diocese to “take active ownership” of the anniversary by participating fully and supporting its pastoral and developmental vision.

Among the highlights of the programme are health screenings, a Basic Schools Quiz at the Deanery level, and the Grand Anniversary Durbar and Thanksgiving Mass on October 10 and 11, 2025. A Ten-Year Diocesan Report is also being compiled to document the pastoral and social gains made under Bishop Fianu’s leadership.

The official launch was performed by the Vicar-General, Very Rev. Fr. Walter Agbettoh, who echoed the call for diocesan collaboration. He urged the faithful to support the Bishop with “prayerful commitment and generous contributions.”

In his response, Bishop Fianu expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and supported the occasion, stressing that the celebration belongs to the whole Diocese. He encouraged inputs into the Ten-Year Report and entrusted the entire anniversary to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, praying for unity, peace, and divine favour.