“Imagine standing here 20 years before this church existed.” That is the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola RC Church. It started as a Catholic community. The community dedicated itself to the Lord. This dedication happened after 20 years of being a Catholic community. The dedication took place on Sunday August 7 2022.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie performed the dedication. The congregation of the Society of Jesus attended. They are mostly referred to as the Jesuits. Members of St. Ignatius of Loyola and Regina Caeli Catholic community attended. Regina Caeli is an Outstation at Agbelezaa-Manet.
Several people played key roles in this church. Rev. Fr. John Ghansah SJ is the Assistant Provincial Superior. He is from the North-West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. Rev. Fr. Reginald Tiesaah Bonguunyuri SJ is the Priest-in-Charge. He is in charge of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Archbishop Kwofie spoke to the parishioners. He told them to keep supporting the church’s growth. Support should not only be monetary. It should come from their hearts through their actions. He said goodness flows from the heart.
The day began with an inspection. Rev. Fr. John Ghansah SJ Assistant Provincial Superior did the inspection. He is from the North-West Africa Province. He inspected the guard of honour of the Society of Jesus.
The keys to the church were handed over. The keys to the tabernacle were also handed over to the Archbishop. He opened the doors of the church. Parishioners went inside for the dedication and Mass.
During Mass, 52 catechumens were confirmed. They were from both St. Ignatius of Loyola and Regina Caeli. Confirmation is a way of receiving the Holy Spirit. It qualifies them as soldiers of Christ. The catechumens were anointed. They were anointed with the oil of Chrism. This symbolizes the seal of the Holy Spirit.
The St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish is under the care of the Jesuits. They are the congregation of the Society of Jesus.
The St Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church ordained three priests. This happened at Baatsona in Accra. They ordained them to serve the Church. They will help execute its core mandate. The priests were Reverend Evans Adomako Appiah, Rev Yeah Foli and Rev. Gustav Kpeyibor. All are members of the Society of Jesus Jesuit.
The Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie charged the priests. He told them to work hard. They should promote the spiritual, financial and psychosocial development of the Church. He encouraged them to work in love. They should enrich themselves with the knowledge of God. This will help them undertake religious tasks. It will nurture the church to grow in the love of Christ.
Rev Fr Edmond Agorhom said something important. He is the Director of Claver House. He is also the Jesuit Retreat Superior Centre. He said the ordination of the three Jesuits was the first of its kind in the country. The Church was celebrating an anniversary. It was the 500-year anniversary of St. Ignatius. He urged them not to allow social pressures or political issues to sway them.
So as you stand here now, remember the 20 years of dedication it took to build this place of worship. A place where faith and community intertwine.