Archbishop Kwofie Marks First Day Of Lent At Holy Spirit Cathedral

On Wednesday, 18 February 2026, Catholics from across the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra gathered at Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, to observe Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Lenten season. The solemn Mass was celebrated by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Owusu-Amponsah, assisting priest of the Holy Spirit Cathedral, explained that the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are obtained from palm branches blessed during the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations. He noted that the palm branches, once fresh and green, eventually wither and become dry when separated from their source, a transformation that symbolizes human mortality and the need for spiritual renewal.

He emphasized the significance of Lent as a period of reflection, prayer, and fasting. “All hope is not lost; the ashes are a sign of hope for us as we begin the Lenten journey,” he said. He urged the faithful to make good use of the three traditional pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — throughout the season.

During the Mass, ashes were imposed on the foreheads of the faithful as a symbol of humility, repentance, and human mortality. The imposition was accompanied by the words: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

The Archbishop expressed gratitude to all who attended the Mass and encouraged Catholics to take the 40-day Lenten period seriously. “Let us reflect on our relationship with God and our neighbours, striving to be more compassionate, forgiving, and charitable,” he said.

Story by

Thelma N.E. Impraim-Holm