The Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA) Catholic Church at New Achimota, Accra has launched its year-long 40th Anniversary on the theme: “Behold, How Good And Pleasant to See the Family Dwell Together in Unity” (Psalm 133:1).
The Programme of activities lined-up for the one-year celebration are made up of spiritual, health and social activities to be celebrated on monthly basis.
The major programmes include Special Ceremony to remember Deceased Parishioners on All Souls Day, Screening of some Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Marian Crusade, Grotto Services, Health Walks, Health Talks and Health Screening, Quizzes on Mother Mary and History of the Parish.
The rest are Homecoming, Fun Games, Photo Exhibition, Lectures on Topical Issues, Military Open Day for Children, Bonfire Night, Evangelisation Float, Musical Festival and Anniversary Mass on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
Launching the Ruby Jubilee on Sunday, August 21, Mr. Francis Ackah, Chairman of the Steering Committee, urged the parishioners to use the year-long celebration to thank God for His love and greatness to the Parish for the past 40 years.
In 1983, some dedicated and committed Catholic faithful living in and around New Achimota succeeded in facilitating the establishment of a Catholic Community at Mile 7.
The first Holy Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Tetteh Addy on Monday, August 15, 1983.
Within the forty-year period, OLA Church has three Outstations, St. Daniel Comboni and Immaculate Heart of Mary Communities, both founded in 2003 and St. Cecilia in 2010.
The Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus Congregation is in charge of OLA Parish and the Outstations with Very Rev. Fr. Francisco Machado, MCCJ as the Parish Priest.
Paying glowing tribute to the foundation members, Mr. Ackah commended them for boldly beginning “this journey of faith in OLA and the Outstations,” adding, “Let us remember our brothers and sisters who began this spiritual journey and those who later joined in this journey but have been called to eternity.”
He appealed to the Parishioners to assist in making the Ruby Jubilee celebration fruitful by actively participating in all the programmes outlined by the Steering Committee and prayed that the activities would propel parishioners to become full, active and conscious participants.
Mr. Ackah informed the parishioners that as part of the Anniversary, paraphernalia and souvenirs would be printed and officially launched later this year and urged the parishioners to patronize them.
“To successfully mark the Ruby Jubilee, the Steering Committee will be embarking on fundraising activities, and we encourage all to support in diverse ways” he added.
He also told the parishioners that a 40th Anniversary commemorative project, an Adoration Chapel, would be embarked upon to increase the spirituality of the people of God so that they could more intimate encounter with Jesus.
He said “Brothers and Sisters in Christ, you will agree with me that our Parish and Outstations have performed well in the areas of spirituality and infrastructure in a bid to enhance participation in the liturgy and make parishioners feel at home. However, there is more room for improvement.”
Source: Damian Avevor//Newswatchgh.com
