Forty-Two young boys and girls from the Our Lady of Assumption (OLA) Catholic Church at New Achimota in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra have been initiated into the League of Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The League, inspired by the life of St. Tarcisius, Patron Saint of Altar Servers and protector of the Eucharist—aims to nurture a deeper love for faith and the Eucharist among young Catholics.
This young group of devoted Catholics, aged between 5 and 15 years, joined the League on Sunday, November 3, 2024 during a solemn Holy Mass presided over led by Rev. Fr. Francisco Machado, MCCJ, Parish Priest.
Initiating the young Catholics, Fr. Machado encouraged them to “spread the love of Jesus through their own lifestyle in the little things they do, being obedient to their parents and prayerful in their daily lives.”
The celebration was filled with joy as the children recapped the essence of being a Tarcisian and enjoyed a special St. Tarcisius and Sacred Heart of Jesus cake.
The spirit-filled event left both parents and parishioners deeply moved, as the new Tarcisians stepped forward with enthusiasm, ready to grow in faith and service.
They applauded the young members as they embarked on their spiritual journey, energised to live as witnesses of Christ’s love and service in their families, church, and beyond.
The initiation was the culmination of months of preparation supported by the OLA Parish Sacred Heart Confraternity, with guidance from Tarcisian Promoters Apostle Mary M. Boateng, Apostle Catherine Simpson, and Apostle Benedicta Avevor.
These mentors helped the young Tarcisians to embrace their commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inspired by St. Tarcisius, the young Saint who devoted his life to protecting the Eucharist.
On the eve of the inauguration, Saturday, November 2, the young candidates participated in a retreat led by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Boateng Jr., OFM Conv., who prepared them spiritually through a series of reflective practices including the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, rosary prayers, and confessions.
Fr. Boateng’s talk centered on five guiding pillars for every Tarcisian: Love and Reverence for the Eucharist, Courage to Stand for Christ, Respect for Sacred Objects, Sacrifice for the Greater Good, and Being a Role Model in Holiness.
Drawing inspiration from St. Tarcisius, FR. Boateng emphasised that love for the Eucharist is an expression of love for Jesus Christ, and each Tarcisian should strive to protect and revere the Eucharist.
He reminded the children of St. Tarcisius’s bravery in defending the Eucharist against desecration and urged them to stand up for their faith, reflecting Christ’s teachings in their daily lives.
The Franciscan Priest encouraged the children to treat the Bible, Rosary, and all sacred objects with deep respect, and to make the sign of the cross whenever they pass a Catholic Church.
Emphasising the importance of love and service to others, Fr. Boateng shared a story of sacrificial friendship, urging the children to love their neighbours as themselves.
Calling them to holiness, he challenged the young Tarcisians to be role models to their peers by living in faith and love, as St. Tarcisius did.
Following their initiation, the children and their families gathered for a celebration where spiritual leaders shared additional words of encouragement.
Apostle Nana Boateng, President of OLA Confraternity reminded them of their “three golden pennies” of commitment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Prayer, Sacrifice, especially through obedience, and frequent attendance at Mass and receiving Holy Communion.
On her part, Apostle Dr. Emefa Takyi-Amoako, Vice President of the OLA Sacred Heart Confraternity, revisited the retreat’s teachings, urging the children to embody Christ’s love as true ambassadors.
Apostle Alex Kporvi, a member of the OLA Confraternity advised the new Tarcisians to immerse themselves in the word of God and live in a way that mirrors St. Tarcisius’s devotion.
In encouraging the young Tarcicians, Apostle Paula Lorwia inspired them to cherish their newfound community and uphold its values.
For the League of Tarcisians of OLA, this marks the start of a new chapter in their journey of faith, and their community eagerly awaits the impact these young role models will have in the months and years to come.
