In a ceremony marked by solemnity, joy, and spiritual renewal, the Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese, presided over a historic event at the Christ the King Cathedral, Akatsi in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa.
Bishop Kumordji opened the Jubilee Door of Hope as part of the diocese’s jubilee celebrations and ordained two Deacons and one Priest on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
The occasion drew Clergy, Religious, and lay faithful from across the Diocese and beyond, including Comboni Missionaries and their formandees;r eflecting the vibrant faith and unity of the Catholic community.
The Jubilee Door, a central symbol in the Church’s jubilee tradition, represents a portal to grace, mercy, and spiritual renewal. As Bishop Kumordji swung open the majestic door, the congregation joined the Bishop, the clergy and Religious to pray the Jubilee prayer, symbolizing their shared hope for a renewal of faith and commitment.
In his homily, Bishop Kumordji urged the newly ordained to be committed to their vocation.
“Your first ministry as preachers of the Gospel must be held in high esteem. Do not undermine this ministry. Be committed to it,” he advised.
The liturgical celebration reached its pinnacle with the ordination of three men who answered God’s call to serve His people. Two were ordained as deacons, and one as a Priest, a momentous occasion for their families and the Diocese and a historic event for Bishop Kumordji as the ordination of Deacons and a Priest together was the first of its kind in his Episcopate.
Rev. Agustine Mawulolo Atsu Awudi, MCCJ was ordained a Priest for the Comboni Missionaries while Mr. Elikem Akakpo and Mr. Constantine Codjo Dangninou were ordained Deacons for Keta- Akatsi Diocese and Comboni Missionaries respectively.
The candidates, having completed years of spiritual formation, theological study, and pastoral training and after being confirmed qualified for Ordination, knelt before the bishop as he laid his hands upon them, invoking the Holy Spirit to consecrate them for their ministry.
The new Deacons were reminded of their role in service to the Word and charity, while the Priest was charged with celebrating the Sacraments and leading his flock with compassion and dedication.
Bishop Kumordji expressed his gratitude to the families and formators of the newly ordained.
The ceremony, attended by hundreds of faithful, was a showcase of the Diocese’s rich liturgical traditions, including vibrant hymns, cultural expressions, and a sense of communal joy.
The Jubilee Door and ordinations have given hope for the future. It’s a blessing to witness such a historic event the Trinitarian celebration.
Bishop Kumordji urged the faithful to carry the spirit of the jubilee into their daily lives, emphasizing prayer, forgiveness, and acts of charity.
As the jubilee year continues, the Diocese is expected to hold various spiritual activities, including retreats, pilgrimages, and outreach programs, to deepen the faith and hope of its members. He told the faithful to embrace the significance of the jubilee year.
“This is a time of reflection, gratitude, and hope. The Jubilee Door reminds us of Christ, who is the ultimate Door of Hope for all humanity. As we walk through this door, let us renew our commitment to living as true witnesses of Christ,” he advised.
This momentous occasion not only celebrated past achievements but also cast a hopeful vision for the future, rooted in faith, unity, and service to God and humanity.
Present at the occasion were Most Rev. Anthony Kwami Adanuty, Bishop Emeritus of Keta-Akatsi Diocese and Rev. Fr. Timothée Anani A.K. Hounaké, The Provincial Superior of Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus.
The Jubilee Door of Hope was opened at three(3) places in the Diocese; namely, Christ the King Cathedral- Akatsi, St. Michael Co- Cathedral-Keta and Sacred Heart Shrine – Dzodze Tornu on 28th December, 29th December and 31st December, 2024 respectively.
By Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (Sr. Communicator)
Photo Credit. DEPSOCOM, Keta – Akatsi
