The Catholic Diocese of Ho is set to witness a historic milestone as the representative of Pope Leo XIV in Ghana, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Julien Kaboré, presides over a special ecclesiastical celebration in which two priests will be elevated to the rank of Monsignor and four distinguished lay faithful will be honoured with Papal recognition.
The solemn event, scheduled to culminate the Apostolic Nuncio’s pastoral visit to the Diocese, will take place during a Holy Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Ho Kpevele. The occasion marks a significant chapter in the history of the Diocese as two senior priests — Very Rev. Fr. Walter Agbetoh, the Vicar-General of the Diocese, and Very Rev. Fr. Clemence Ashiara — will officially be created Monsignors in recognition of their faithful and dedicated service to the Catholic Church.
In addition to the elevation of the two priests, four distinguished lay faithful of the Diocese will receive Papal Honours conferred on them by the Holy Father through his representative in Ghana.
They are Dame Florence Ofori, Sir Bernard Wisdom Quarshie, Sir Jonathan Kofi Torku, and Sir Ernest Kwame Afla.
The recognition is intended to celebrate their outstanding commitment, unwavering dedication, and invaluable contributions to the mission and growth of the Church within the Diocese of Ho.
The event is expected to draw clergy, religious, traditional authorities, lay faithful, and dignitaries from across the Diocese and beyond, making it a moment of spiritual significance and celebration for the local Church. Catholics within the Diocese have described the occasion as a rare honour and a historic day that reflects the growth, commitment, and vibrancy of the Church in the Volta Region.
The pastoral visit of the Apostolic Nuncio is also expected to strengthen ties between the Vatican and the local Church while encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their commitment to evangelisation and service.
By Daniel Orlando
