Young people at the Accra Archdiocesan Youth Congress in Ghana

AFRICA

Ghana: Build a lasting legacy in your community, Accra Archdiocese tells its young people.

At the end of a Youth Congress, which began last weekend, in the Archdiocese of Accra, the youth have been commissioned to go forth and be instruments of hope, leaving legacies in their communities.

Gabriel Asempa Antwi - Accra.

Speaking at the height of activities at the Accra Archdiocesan Youth Congress, the Auxiliary Bishop, Anthony Narh Asare, emphasised the importance of unity in diversity and the transformative impact of dedicated service to the Church.

Leave a lasting legacy in your parish

Addressing the youth, Bishop Asare encouraged them to emulate the dedication and commitment of the Apostle Peter and Paul. "Dear friends, go forth in the spirit of the theme, 'Present and Connected,' and leave a lasting legacy in your parishes or stations," he exhorted.

Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Accra, Anthony Narh Asare

The Youth Congress, themed "Present and Connected," incorporated listening sessions for the young delegates and an open forum for discussion. It was held at St. Paul's Catholic Seminary in Ghana's capital, Accra. The gathering dubbed a durbar for young people, gave the youth of the Archdiocese a synodal experience and an avenue for them to contribute to the growth of the Church in Accra.

The Congress officially began with the Holy Mass celebrated by the Archbishop of Accra, John Bonaventure Kwofie and his auxiliaries -BishopsAnthony Narh Asare and John Kobina Loius. Also present was the visiting Bishop of the Diocese of Grand-Bassam in Côte d’Ivoire, Raymond Ahoua, F.D.P.

Fr. Alphonse Bulluro, Archdiocesan Director of the Youth Office and Mr. Augustine Dagbey, Chairman of the Accra Archdiocesan Youth Council, led the young people into the programme with insightful briefings on the purpose of the Congress.

Connected to Jesus, Present to Others

Keynote addresses and solidarity messages underscored the theme, "Connected to Jesus, Present to Others," with the launch of the Ghana version of World Youth Day marking a significant moment.

Participating delegates were divided into groups to discuss topics such as empowering youth in leadership and understanding perspectives from non-Catholic and lapsed Catholic individuals. Issues shared during the listening sessions were intended to bring about understanding and foster unity among youth of diverse backgrounds.

The grand Accra Youth convocation also saw a vibrant and colourful procession, moments of interaction, and opportunities for Confession and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Attention to youth and children in the Church

Ghana's Archbishop of Accra Archdiocese, John Bonaventure Kwofie

The idea of a youth congress is in line with Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie's focus on youth and children in the Archdiocese.

In the year 2023, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie announced "Helping Children to Seek Christ: From Discovery to Discipleship" as the common theme for all Churches in the Archdiocese for the year 2024, aimed at prioritising the spiritual growth and development of young people belonging to the Church in Accra.

It is also in line with Pope Francis's initiative for the Synod on Synodality, which reflects his vision of a Church that is more participatory, responsive, and in dialogue with the modern world. Such an approach further seeks to empower all members of the Church to contribute to its mission and governance, fostering greater unity and effectiveness in proclaiming the Gospel.

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