Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Isaac Benuyenah, the Cathedral Administrator of Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral Parish, Ho Bankoe, has organized a Pilgrimage to Sacred Heart of Jesus Grotto at Fodome as part of the Parish’s Feast celebration on June 7, 2024, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Many parishioners in the company of the Parochial Vicar, Rev. Fr. Godwin Eli Pasah and some members of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church and Holy Childhood members were in attendance.
On arrival at the Sacred Heart Parish in Fodome Helu, the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Atta and Sr. Linda, the Superior of the Sisters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, welcomed all Pilgrims and exhorted them to trust the power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and lay their intentions before Him.
Pilgrims proceeded to the grotto amidst praying of the Rosary and stopped at the foot of the image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This was followed by Stations of the Cross and meditative hymns in adoration to the suffering Christ.
After the Stations of the Cross, Pilgrims gathered at the foot of the magnificent image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Prayers were offered and intentions were burnt symbolically with presentation of candles.
The Cathedral Administrator, whose instrumentality and with the support and benevolence of others have made the shrine what it is today, shared a brief history about the place.
The Sacred Heart Statue at Fodome Helu Grotto is 12-feet tall and 8-feet wide. In all, 43 bags of Cement went into the artwork on the Statue itself.
This is recorded in the brochure: “100 Years’ History of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fodome Helu/Agbesia 1902 – 2002” authored by Fr. Isaac Benuyenah.
The Pilgrimage ended with the celebration of Holy Mass and Divine Mercy prayers.
The Sisters who attended the Grotto were Sr. Cecilia Afari, SMMC, the Coordinator of Pastoral Apostolate of SMMC; Sr. Margaret Akordor, SMMC a staunch devotee to the Sacred Heart, Sr. Scholastica Awotsitsi-Yabotsi, SMMC, a Sunday School Animator and Catechist to the Holy Childhood and Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC.
Story and photos by Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
