The St. Phillip, St. Justin, and Our Lady of Fatima Church communities, on 25th May 25, 2025, received the Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Archdiocese of Accra, during his pastoral visit to the Shai Hills community.
The Church communities gathered at the Archbishop Andoh Catechetical Center for Holy Mass, during which 11 candidates from the various church communities received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Mr. Attah Joseph Eric Dinsah, Chairman of Our Lady of Fatima, in a welcome address, expressed joy and gratitude for the presence of Bishop Louis, noting that his visit serves as a moment of spiritual renewal and an inspiration to remain steadfast in the mission of the Church.
Mr. Dinsah, during his address, stated some challenges facing the church communities and appealed for support from the Archdiocese of Accra.
He said, “Our Lady of Fatima church is in urgent need of repairs, such as roads, roofing sheets, and cement blocks, after the rains fell. Currently, we worship in rented canopies every Sunday. St. Justin is also in need of the construction of a chapel.”
He “prayed for divine providence and guidance to address these issues for a more conducive place of worship”.
Bishop Louis, in his homily, focused on the need for newly confirmed members of the church to remain in the faith even after confirmation.
He said, “The Roman Catholic Church was established by Jesus on earth, and so you are supposed to remain here forever. You will remain in the church till God calls you. So don’t leave the church and go to another church after confirmation.”
Bishop Louis highlighted the role of the Holy Spirit as an advocate, teacher, comforter, and counselor, and advised the confirmands to seek the Holy Spirit through prayer.
To the godparents, Bishop Louis encouraged them to always follow up on their godchildren, stating that the Catholic population in Ghana is reducing because godparents do not follow up on their godchildren after confirmation.
“Because godparents don’t follow up, that’s why we are losing members, the young ones especially, when they go to senior high school after we have confirmed them, no one follows up, then they are gone”, he said.
The Auxiliary Bishop congratulated the three Church communities for dedicating their time and effort to keep their faith despite the challenges they face.
After Mass, Bishop Louis visited the project sites of Our Lady of Fatima Church and St. Justin Church to assess the sites and the progress made so far.
He encouraged the various leaders of the church communities to document their challenges and submit to the Archdiocese, and give reports on the progress each community makes.
By Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
