Rev. Fr. Samuel Perry Abotsi, CSsR, celebrates first thanksgiving Mass as second Redemptorist from St. Cecilia Parish, Ho Dome

Rev. Fr. Samuel Perry Abotsi, CSsR, the second Redemptorist priest from St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Ho Dome, has celebrated his First Thanksgiving Mass following his ordination into the ministerial priesthood. The solemn and spirit-filled celebration took place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at his home parish, marking a significant milestone in his journey of faith and service.

Fr. Abotsi was ordained by the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ho and Vice President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, during a grand ordination ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Ho Kpevele.

His ordination, along with that of Rev. Fr. David Akpatsou Agbegnigan, added to the growing number of young men responding to the call to the priesthood in the Diocese.

In the homily during the Thanksgiving Mass, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre, Parish Priest of Holy Rosary Parish reminded Fr. Abotsi and the congregation that, “Being a priest is not about you, but about God.”

He emphasized the importance of compassion, attentiveness, and spiritual presence in the life of every priest.

“God will give you attention whenever you call on Him, but as a priest, you must also listen to everyone who comes to you,”

He said the priestly title of ‘Father’ is a serious and sacred responsibility, urging Fr. Abotsi to be present, caring, and joyful in his ministry.

Fr. Debre also called on the faithful to continually support their priests through prayer, understanding, and encouragement. “The Catholic Church has survived because of the sacrifices and dedication of her priests. Let us care for our priests, for they are vessels of grace in our midst.”

He advised priests to build strong and meaningful friendships and to remain grounded in their personal integrity and identity, stating, “Be a man of your own, do not fight battles that are not yours to fight.”

Rev. Fr. Samuel Perry Abotsi now becomes the second son of St. Cecilia Parish to be ordained into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), a missionary religious congregation known for preaching the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned.

The celebration drew hundreds of parishioners, religious, friends, and family members, all of whom gathered to thank God for the gift of Fr. Abotsi’s life and vocation. The joyous occasion was marked with music, dancing, and a deep spirit of communal thanksgiving.