The maiden Accra Archdiocesan celebration of theAssumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 2024

Sr. Alberta Ama Rabbles, (Reporter, Depsocom Accra)

The solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of the feasts of the blessed Virgin
Mary which is celebrated in the Catholic church. Unlike the previous years where it was celebrated at
the parish level, this year, the catholic archdiocese of Accra had its first archdiocesan celebration on the
theme: “We wish to see Jesus, the son of Mary” (Cf. John 12:21).
The celebration was to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and seek for her powerful and maternal
intercession for peace in all homes, in the church, and in Ghana. It begun on 6 th August 2024 which was
the feast of the transfiguration of the Lord with novena, rosary devotion, and other activities including
penitential walk which took place on Saturday, 10 th August 2024 at the six selected grottos in the
archdiocese namely, Christ the king grotto, Cantonments, St. Joseph the worker catholic church grotto,
Community 8 (Tema), St. Mary’s catholic church grotto, Koluedor, St. Margaret Mary grotto, Dansoman,
our lady of Assumption catholic church grotto, Achimota, and St. John the Evangelist catholic church
grotto, Adenta. On the 11 th August 2024, parishes had their parish adoration.
From Monday, 12 th to Wednesday 14 th August 2024, all parishes in the archdiocese of Accra that are
close to these selected grottos, gathered in the evening at 4:00 for the various activities towards the
feast day celebration. Spiritual exercises such as rosary devotion, confession, eucharistic adoration, and
the holy mass. On Thursday, 15 th of August 2024 which was the climax day to mark the Assumption of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, was celebrated joyfully at the selected grottos in the various deaneries across
the archdiocese.

Parishioners in the Osu deanery, gathered at the Christ the King Marian grotto, Cantonments at 15:00 to
celebrate the feast. The program included the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Divine mercy
prayers, the holy rosary. The sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation was administered to many of the
Christ faithful. The program came to its apex with the celebration of holy mass which was presided over
by most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, the metropolitan archbishop of Accra.
During his homily, the archbishop gave thanks to God for the live of the people gathered to celebrate
the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He stated that, “it is our faith that Mary was
assumed body and soul to heaven” He added, “there are six grottos selected from the archdiocese to
celebrate this day of assumption of the blessed virgin Mary, and little by little we shall all gather at one
grotto”.
He recounted how they have had prepared for the day by praying the rosary the whole week, making a
penitential walk, listening to spiritual talks, and petitioned Mary help of Christian to come to their aid.
Again, he also recounted the prayers offered for Ghana and for all families especially as the 2024
election is approaching. He encouraged that when the time comes people should go to the poles, cast
their vote, and return home peacefully. If they do that, peace will reign. He added that, “anyone who

suggests to you anything that is contrary is a son or daughter of evil one, that person has no good
intention. It is better for him that he was not born.”
Talking about the feast of assumption, Archbishop Kwofie stated that, Mary’s favour to be taken body
and soul to heaven was bestowed upon her because of her great humility and faithfulness. Her
greatness was made possible on account her humility. HE said, In Luke 1:38, Mary could have said NO,
and the story of our salvation would have ended but she desired the will of God. Mary was so
submissive and willing to do whatever God asked from her.
The celebration which was well attended in all the six grottos across the archdiocese brought a renewal
of the catholic faith to many and sense of belonging to all who were present. Some who were present
expressed their joy and satisfaction for the sacrifices made by the organizers and all who have
contributed to the success of the first archdiocesan assumption celebration in the archdiocese. Many
cannot wait to be part of the second edition of this program.