Introduction

In every generation, God raises men and women whose lives become living testimonies of divine grace and human cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

From Moses, who led Israel out of bondage by the power of God (Exodus 3:10–12), to Deborah, who judged Israel with wisdom and courage (Judges 4:4–9);

from Gideon, who rose in faith against all odds to deliver his people (Judges 6:11–16), to

Joshua, who led Israel into the Promised Land with the assurance of God’s abiding presence (Joshua 1:6-9)

God continues to choose instruments of His power and mercy to bring renewal to His people.

Among such instruments in our own time stands Rev. Fr. David Obeng Paintsil, a Catholic priest whose pastoral zeal, deep Marian devotion, and visionary leadership have touched hearts across Ghana and beyond.

In an era where faith can often seem overshadowed by the noise of the world, Fr. David has proven that one priest—rooted in prayer and guided by love for the Blessed Virgin Mary—can ignite a movement of hope and unity across an entire nation.

A Vision Born of Faith

The story of the Rosary Congress—a monumental spiritual event organized to climax the Jubilee Year of Hope—begins with a priest’s conviction that the Rosary remains one of the Church’s most powerful instruments of transformation.

With a heart attuned to the needs of the times, Fr. David Obeng Paintsil envisioned a nationwide gathering that would unite the faithful in prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving for God’s merciful love.

Yet this great vision was not born in a day. It began humbly at the parish level, where Fr. David, through his Assumption Crusades at St. Edward Parish, Jukwa, began gathering the faithful to renew devotion to Mary and deepen their love for Christ.

Through these efforts, he was inspired to establish a Marian shrine, which stirred the entire Archdiocese into movement.

What began as a parish initiative blossomed into an Archdiocesan pilgrimage to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Grotto at Jukwa Krobo—a site that has now become a recognized Archdiocesan Grotto.

Remarkably, this took place at a time when the Archdiocese, though dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, had never envisioned a Marian shrine of its own.

From that humble beginning, Fr. David’s vision has continued to grow. He has now moved beyond the parish and Archdiocesan levels to converge entire Ecclesiastical Provinces, leading the faithful from Tamale, Accra, and Kumasi into a united prayer movement.

The first Rosary Congress was held in Tamale, followed by preparations for the Accra Congress, and then the Kumasi Congress, which will gather the faithful in yet another profound encounter of grace.

Truly, if the pattern continues, it is only a matter of time before his Marian mission gathers countries and even continents in one Rosary of hope and faith.

The Rosary Congress: A National Pilgrimage of Hope

The Rosary Congress, held in Tamale, became a historic spiritual pilgrimage for thousands of Catholics.

Indeed, over ten thousand faithful converged from all corners of the country to lift their voices in prayer, adore the Blessed Sacrament, and honour Mary, the Mother of God.

Day and night, hymns of praise filled the air, and hearts were rekindled with the hope that comes from faith.

Significantly, this Rosary Congress was the third of its kind in the entire history of the Catholic Church—a testament to the magnitude and divine inspiration of the initiative.

Through it, Ghana became part of a sacred legacy that continues to renew the global Church through prayer and devotion to the Holy Rosary.

Through the Rosary, Fr. David helped participants rediscover that hope is not merely a theological virtue—it is a lived reality.

His initiative echoed the words of Pope Francis, who reminds the Church that “the Rosary is a synthesis of the Gospel, leading us to contemplate the face of Christ with Mary.”

A Priest of a Difference

To call Fr. David “a priest of a difference” is not mere admiration—it is an acknowledgment of his priestly identity lived with authenticity and courage.

His pastoral work is marked by humility and a contagious zeal for evangelization.

Whether leading the Global Rosary Network or guiding souls in quiet prayer, he radiates the joy of the Gospel.

What distinguishes Fr. David is his ability to combine prayer with action, vision with simplicity, and leadership with service.

In his ministry, one perceives not ambition but devotion; not prestige but purpose.

He has become a living reminder that the priesthood, when rooted in the Eucharist and Marian spirituality, can renew the face of the Church.

A Legacy of Hope

The Jubilee Year of Hope, crowned by the Rosary Congress, will be remembered not only as a milestone in the Church’s calendar but as a testimony of what one priest’s faith can accomplish when united with God’s grace.

Through his efforts, many have rediscovered the beauty of the Rosary, the unity of the Church, and the enduring power of hope.

As Ghana’s Catholic Church continues to walk in faith toward the future, the witness of Fr. David Obeng Paintsil serves as both inspiration and challenge—to priests and laity alike—to dream boldly, pray fervently, and love selflessly.

Appreciation

Special appreciation is extended to the **three Archbishops of the ecclesiastical provinces—Tamale, Accra, and Kumasi—**whose collaboration and fatherly support gave shape and strength to this noble initiative.

Their encouragement demonstrated the unity of the Church and the beauty of priestly fraternity.

Gratitude also goes to all the faithful, religious, and lay organizations who participated in the Rosary Congress, proving that the People of God, when united in prayer, can achieve the extraordinary.

Above all, to Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Rosary, whose maternal intercession continues to inspire hope in our Church and our nation.

Author’s Note

Written by Rev Fr Pius Gyesi Acquah, (Rector of All Saints Rectorate, Winneba Low Cost), inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope (2025), in gratitude to Our Lady, Queen of the Holy Rosary, and in honour of Rev. Fr. David Obeng Paintsil — a true priest of a difference whose life and ministry inspires me and continues to inspire faith, hope, and love across generations.