MOST REV. JOHN BONAVENTURE KWOFIE, CSSP, VISITS OUR LADY OF APOSTLES CATHOLIC CHURCH, AHWIAM
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, on Sunday, 10th May 2026, paid a pastoral visit to Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church, Ahwiam, during the celebration of the Sixth Sunday of Easter.
The visit also coincided with the celebration of Mother’s Day, bringing together the faithful in an atmosphere of joy, thanksgiving, and spiritual renewal as mothers were honoured for their immense contributions to both the family and the Church.
The Archbishop was warmly welcomed on arrival by the Priest-in-Charge, Rev. Fr. Peter Nyirenda, M.Afr.; his Assistant Priest, Rev. Fr. Clement Hagenimana; the Rectorate Council Chairperson, Madam Gladys Scholastica Kobamble; the Rectorate Secretary, Mr. Oyadier Robert Mensah; Mr. Clement Gbormitta of Christ the King Catholic Church, Tsopoli; and the entire church community. Children of the church presented a bouquet to the Archbishop as a sign of honour, love, and appreciation.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Peter Nyirenda warmly welcomed the Archbishop and all the faithful gathered for the celebration, describing the Archbishop’s visit as a great blessing and a memorable occasion for the Rectorate. He expressed sincere appreciation for the Archbishop’s pastoral visit despite his demanding schedule within the Archdiocese of Accra.
Rev. Fr. Nyirenda further commended the Archbishop for the various initiatives and developments undertaken under his leadership, including youth empowerment programmes, the creation of new parishes and deaneries, and the establishment of the Legacy of Hope Hospital.
Delivering the homily for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, reflected on the Easter season and the Church’s preparation towards the Ascension and Pentecost. He emphasized the promise of the Holy Spirit as Advocate, Comforter, and Helper.
Reflecting on the first reading, the Archbishop spoke about the work of the Apostles in Samaria, where the preaching of the Risen Christ brought healing, deliverance, and joy to the people. He remarked that if such a transformation were to happen in Ahwiam, “great joy would fill the community,” echoing the words of the Responsorial Psalm: “Let all the earth cry out to God with shouts of joy.”
Speaking on the second reading from the First Letter of Peter, the Archbishop encouraged Christians to always be ready to give reasons for their faith, hope, and joy in the Lord. He explained that true faith should be reflected in the peace, courage, and happiness visible in the lives of believers.
Touching on the Gospel reading, the Archbishop stressed the connection between love and obedience to Christ by quoting Jesus’ words: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” He said that the commandment of Christ is rooted in love and compared Christian devotion to the sacrificial love shared between people who genuinely care for one another.
The Archbishop further assured the faithful that Christ does not leave His people abandoned but sends the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and defend them in every circumstance of life. Before concluding his homily, he thanked God for the gift of life and reflected on the meaning of growing older, saying that every wrinkle on the face tells a story of sacrifice, perseverance, struggle, and experience.
In her address, the Rectorate Council Chairperson, Madam Gladys Scholastica Kobamble, traced the history and growth of the Ahwiam Rectorate, explaining that it was carved out of St. Mary Parish, Korluedor, which formerly comprised five stations: Our Lady of Apostles – Ahwiam; St. Anthony of Padua – Old Ningo; Christ the King – Tsopoli; Holy Trinity – Sega; and St. Mary – Korluedor.
She also outlined some pressing needs of the Rectorate, including the upgrading of the Mission House, establishment of a Catholic Basic School, completion of church projects, fencing of church lands, and support for unemployed youth within the communities.
Madam Kobamble expressed appreciation to the Archbishop for the decentralization initiative which made the creation of the Rectorate possible. She also thanked benefactors such as Christ the King Catholic Church, Cantonments, and Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Sakumono, for their support towards church development projects at Tsopoli and Old Ningo respectively.
She further acknowledged the sacrifices of the first Rectorate Priest, Rev. Fr. Pierre Songre, and praised the dedication of Rev. Fr. Peter Nyirenda and Rev. Fr. Clement Hagenimana for their commitment to the pastoral and spiritual growth of the faithful.
To climax the Mother’s Day celebration, a beautifully decorated cake was cut amid cheers, singing, and joyful celebration in honour of all mothers present.
Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM Accra
