Ghana: Archbishop Kwofie encouraged by model multi-ethnic 'African Union' Parish

Gustav Kpeyibor, SJ – Vatican City

The 75th-anniversary celebration of St Kizito Catholic Church

Archbishop Kwofie has led parishioners of St. Kizito Catholic Church in Nima, Accra in celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the parish. The Archbishop used the occasion to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on 174 candidates. The colourful celebrations were graced by local chiefs and traditional rulers from the 8 ethnic groups in the Nima township.

Be steadfast and uphold Christian values

Archbishop Kwofie called on parishioners of the St. Kizito Catholic Church to be steadfast in their faith and uphold the traditional values of the Church. He praised the parish for its active role in uniting the various ethnic groups that worship together. He added that the 75th Anniversary Celebrations should be a blessing and memorial for all.

Unity in cultural diversity

The Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of the St. Kizito Catholic Church, Francis Ofei, said the cultural diversity of the parish is a blessing that has kept them together as a Christian family. He said, “Over the past 75 years, we have demonstrated this unity in diversity to the admiration of other parishes, which has earned us the name ‘African Union Parish’.” He noted

Courage in the face of evil

The Archbishop urged Catholics to be courageous in denouncing evil, dishonesty and hatred in their multi-ethnic communities. He urged them to do their best to shun self-centeredness and live peacefully with one another. “Without unity, there cannot be perfect love,” he remarked.

While admonishing Catholics who condone with vices like bribery and corruption, the Archbishop implored the newly Confirmed to be firm and honest in the face of temptation. He charged them to live truthfully and remain united to the Catholic faith. The Archbishop encouraged them to persevere in prayer to nourish their faith.

The unveiling of St. Kizito' statue

To mark the Anniversary, Archbishop Kwofie blessed and unveiled a statue of St. Kizito. Saint Kizito was the youngest of the group of 22 Catholic martyrs of Uganda. His feast day is celebrated by the Catholic Church on 3 June