The Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Afuaman, in the Accra Archdiocese, marked its 50th anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass and the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, June 14.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 34 candidates drawn from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Afuaman, and St. Jude Catholic Church, Bokorbokor.
In his homily, Archbishop Kwofie reminded the congregation that a person’s true worth is determined not by achievements or possessions but by their relationship with God.
Drawing from the Book of Exodus, he reflected on God’s covenant with the Israelites, recalling how they arrived in the Sinai desert three months after their liberation from Egypt. God described His deliverance as carrying His people “on eagles’ wings” and promised that if they obeyed His voice and kept His commandments, they would become His segullah, His treasured possession.
“Your worth is not calculated by achievements, but by your unique relationship with Him,” the Archbishop said.
He further distinguished between merely hearing God’s voice and truly “hearkening” to it, which he described as allowing one’s entire life to depend on God’s word.
Referencing Romans 5, Archbishop Kwofie noted that God demonstrated His love for humanity by sending His Son to die for sinners, describing Christ’s sacrifice as a ransom paid in blood for the redemption of mankind.
Reflecting on Matthew 9, he spoke about Christ’s compassion for the crowds who were “like sheep without a shepherd” and His declaration that “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” The Archbishop urged the faithful to recognize the abundant opportunities to serve God and humanity and to become willing labourers in the Lord’s vineyard.
Quoting the Psalmist, he reminded the congregation that “those who sow in tears will reap with joy” and encouraged them to persevere in faith and service.
Addressing the newly confirmed, Archbishop Kwofie urged them to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to the Church. He also called on parents and godparents to actively support the young people on their faith journey.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Ms. Anda Fieku expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for administering the sacrament and for his words of encouragement, pledging the candidates’ continued commitment to the Catholic faith.
In a goodwill message, former National Security Coordinator and former President of the Legion of Mary, Hon. Francis Opoku, expressed concern about the growing number of young Catholics who drift away from the Church after completing tertiary education. He urged parents and godparents to continue nurturing the faith of the youth.
The Parish Pastoral Council Chairman, Mr. Robert Nii Tawiah, thanked all who have contributed to the growth of the church over the years and challenged parishioners to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
“We must ask ourselves an important question: What kind of parish do we want to hand over to future generations?” he asked.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Mark Ofori Nketia, disclosed that activities marking the Golden Jubilee included medical screening exercises and house-to-house evangelisation. The evangelisation efforts led to the establishment of a new Catholic community of about 29 members at Peace Village.
However, he appealed for support, noting that the new community lacks essential items required for the celebration of Mass whenever a priest visits.
The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kwofie for his fatherly guidance and support to the parish.
Representatives of St. James Catholic Church, Osu, also announced that, at the request of the Archbishop, work has commenced on the construction of a new church building for Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Afuaman.
Also present at the celebration were Rev. Frs. Albert Gyapani, Silas Sapaty, Christopher Sackey, and other priests who have served in the community, Mr. Barnabas Cudjoe, Provincial Leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Lartey, Vice Leader of the CCR in the Accra Archdiocese, Mr. Julius Azuma, representative of the Ga West Municipal Chief Executive, and several invited guests.
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