“Forty years” Mr. Ackah had said. It symbolizes a period of testing trial or probation. Today we celebrate Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church. It is in New Achimota Accra.
In 1983 some dedicated Catholics established a community at Mile 7. This led to Our Lady of Assumption. Very Rev Fr Joseph Tetteh Addy celebrated the first Holy Mass. It was on Monday August 15 1983.
Mr. Francis Ackah is the Chairman of the Anniversary Steering Committee. He spoke at the Ruby Jubilee launch. He urged Catholics to unite. They must build a formidable Marian community.
Our Lady of Assumption has three Outstations. They are St Daniel Comboni. Immaculate Heart of Mary Communities. St Cecilia is another. The first two were founded in 2003. St Cecilia was founded in 2010.
The Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus Congregation is in charge. Very Rev Fr Francisco Machado is the Parish Priest.
The theme for the Ruby Jubilee is significant. “Behold How Good and Pleasant”. It calls for unity. Parishioners should dwell together in love.
The Ruby Jubilee celebration includes many activities. There will be spiritual and health activities. Social events are also planned. The activities will occur monthly.
Special ceremonies honor deceased parishioners. These are on All Souls Day. Screenings of Blessed Virgin Mary apparitions will occur. There will be Marian Crusades and Grotto Services. Health walks and talks are planned. Health screenings will be available. Quizzes will test knowledge. They are about Mother Mary and the Parish history.
There will be a homecoming and fun games. A photo exhibition is planned. Lectures will cover topical issues. Children can enjoy a military open day. A bonfire night is scheduled. An evangelization float will happen. A musical festival will occur. The Anniversary Mass is on Sunday August 20 2023.
Mr Ackah appealed to parishioners. He asked them to participate actively. This will make the Ruby Jubilee fruitful. He prayed the activities would propel parishioners. They will become active and conscious participants.
A 40th Anniversary commemorative project is underway. It is an Adoration Chapel. This will increase spirituality. People can have a more intimate encounter with Jesus.
In 2024 forty-two young Catholics were initiated. They joined the League of Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rev Fr Francisco Machado led the Holy Mass.
Fr Machado encouraged the young Catholics. He told them to spread Jesus’ love. They should be obedient and prayerful. The children enjoyed a special cake. It honored St Tarcisius and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The OLA Parish Sacred Heart Confraternity supported the preparation. Tarcisian Promoters guided the young members. They embraced their commitment. It was to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
On the eve of the inauguration there was a retreat. Rev Fr Gabriel Boateng Jr led it. He prepared them spiritually. Activities included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. They also prayed the rosary and made confessions.
Fr Boateng spoke about five guiding pillars. These are for every Tarcisian. The first is love and reverence for the Eucharist. Next is courage to stand for Christ. Respect for sacred objects is another. Sacrifice for the greater good is important. Finally be a role model in holiness.
Apostle Nana Boateng reminded them of their “three golden pennies”. These are commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They include prayer and sacrifice. Frequent Mass attendance is vital. Receiving Holy Communion is also key.
The Our Lady of Assumption Church continues to grow. It is a vibrant Marian community. Its members are rooted in faith. They are committed to spreading God’s word.