The Joint Districts of the Accra East Grand of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies’ Auxiliary (KSJI) held their Marian Rally 2026 on Saturday, 23rd May 2026, at the Our Lady of Fatima Grotto of Christ the King Catholic Church, Cantonments. The event was held under the theme “Sent to Witness.”
The spiritually uplifting gathering brought together Brothers and Sisters from all Local Commanderies and Local Subordinate Auxiliaries within the Accra East Grand for prayer, reflection, Marian devotion, and renewed commitment to Christian witness.
The highlight of the event was a homily delivered by Rev. Fr. Andrews Obeng, SVD, Ghana Provincial Superior, who reflected extensively on the Christian call to witness through both words and actions.
Preaching on the theme “Sent to Witness,” Rev. Fr. Obeng described a witness as “a mirror that reflects,” explaining that authentic witnesses deliver passionate and truthful accounts of what they have experienced and do not merely repeat theories. He noted that Christians are ambassadors of Christ, called to announce the Gospel, bear witness, and share in the communion of the Church.
According to him, witnessing is the transmission of the faith through words and deeds. He emphasized that although the imagery of the Church is often associated with a building, the word “ecclesia” in its Greek origin refers to an assembly of people gathered in faith.
“The Church exists in order to evangelize,” he stated, adding that baptism itself is a mission and a call to proclaim the Gospel of Christ in everyday life.
Rev. Fr. Obeng stressed the importance of balancing words with actions, especially in interreligious dialogue, noting that deeds validate words, while words help clarify deeds to avoid misinterpretation. “Our actions ought to authenticate what we say,” he said.
Drawing inspiration from the life of St. Paul, he explained that the Apostle continued to proclaim the Kingdom of God despite persecution and eventual martyrdom. He recounted the Christian tradition surrounding Paul’s execution in Rome, where three fountains are believed to have sprung forth at the spots where the Apostle’s head bounced after his beheading.
He also reflected on the cost of discipleship, quoting the statement: “When Christ calls a man, He bids him to die,” while describing a witness as “a martyr in potency.”
Rev. Fr. Obeng encouraged the faithful to trust God wholeheartedly whenever they are called to witness, without fear or hesitation.
He presented the Blessed Virgin Mary as the perfect example of Christian witness, citing Mary’s response at the Annunciation, “Be it done unto me according to your word,” as a demonstration of selflessness and total obedience to God. He described Mary’s visit to Elizabeth as missionary in character, explaining that transformation occurs when believers carry the presence of God to others through evangelization.
Referencing the wedding feast at Cana, Rev. Fr. Obeng noted that Mary directed the people to Christ with the instruction: “Do whatever He tells you.” He also reflected on Mary’s presence at the foot of the Cross and among the disciples at Pentecost, describing her as the Mother of the Church and the new tabernacle through whom the Holy Spirit worked powerfully.
As a key takeaway from the rally, participants were reminded that to be baptized is to become a witness and that every Christian is called to proclaim the Gospel wherever they find themselves.
Quoting Pope Paul VI, Rev. Fr. Obeng concluded: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than teachers, and if they listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.”
The Marian Rally formed part of the KSJI’s continuing efforts to deepen Marian devotion, strengthen the faith of members, and inspire active Christian witness within society.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
