ARCHBISHOP KWOFIE CONFIRMS 16 UPSA CATHOLIC STUDENTS DURING PENTECOST CELEBRATION

The Catholic Community of St. Gregory the Great Chaplaincy at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), on Sunday, May 24, 2026, joyfully welcomed the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, during his pastoral visit to the Chaplaincy.

The visit, which coincided with the celebration of Pentecost Sunday, brought together students, parishioners, dignitaries, and members of the Catholic faithful for a spirit-filled Eucharistic celebration.

The Archbishop was warmly received on arrival by the Chaplain of the community, Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah, together with members of the Chaplaincy and guests. The occasion was further beautified by the presence of the Knights of St. John International, 1st Regiment of the 14th District, and the District 3 Ladies Auxiliary of Accra East Grand, who mounted a colourful guard of honour in honour of the Archbishop. During the ceremonial reception, a bouquet was presented to him as a sign of love and welcome.

In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah officially welcomed the Archbishop to the Chaplaincy and expressed gratitude for his fatherly love and continuous support for the Catholic community at UPSA. He also presented the sixteen candidates who had prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Mass.

Delivering his homily, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, reflected deeply on the significance of the Holy Spirit’s coming and the mission of Christians in the world today. He explained that Pentecost marks the completion of the Easter season and celebrates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.

Reflecting on the first reading from Acts 2:1–11, he spoke about the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles through a mighty wind and tongues of fire, empowering them to proclaim God’s message boldly in different languages. He further explained that the Holy Spirit sends believers forth to spread peace, reconciliation, and unity.

The Archbishop also emphasized the importance of unity in diversity, noting that despite cultural, racial, and social differences, Christians are called to live together peacefully as one people under God. He cautioned against behaviours such as jealousy, conflict, hatred, gossip, and division, explaining that such attitudes do not reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking directly to the sixteen candidates receiving Confirmation, the Archbishop reminded them that the sacrament marks spiritual maturity and a commitment to live fully as witnesses of Christ. He encouraged them to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their lives and bear fruits such as love, peace, kindness, patience, faithfulness, and charity.

During the Mass, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the sixteen candidates, officially strengthening them in their Catholic faith journey.

As part of the celebration, the St. Gregory the Great Chaplaincy also made a cash donation in support of the Legacy of Hope Children’s Hospital Project.

A major highlight of the celebration was the address delivered by the President of Pax UPSA, Miss Isabella Bukari Shamolopo, on the state of the Chaplaincy. In her speech, she outlined some of the challenges facing the Catholic community at UPSA. She explained that despite having over 300 active members, the Chaplaincy continues to struggle with the absence of a permanent place of worship, financial difficulties, limited resources, and insufficient institutional support on campus.

She praised Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah for his sacrifices and dedication toward sustaining the Chaplaincy, revealing that many activities and student welfare initiatives have survived largely through his personal commitment and sacrifices.

Miss Isabella also recounted the painful experiences of worshipping under tents destroyed by rainstorms and the current difficulties associated with using temporary worship spaces without permanent access or storage facilities.

Despite these challenges, she highlighted some achievements of the Chaplaincy, including increased student participation, weekly Eucharistic Adoration, choir development, and welfare support for needy students through the “Bring and Keep” initiative.

She humbly appealed to the Archbishop and the Archdiocese to offer stronger support to the Chaplaincy, especially by helping secure stable assistance from some parishes for the Catholic community at UPSA.

Touched by the speech, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, made a cash donation to support the St. Gregory the Great Chaplaincy. He encouraged the students to remain steadfast in faith and continue working together in unity.

The pastoral visit ended successfully with joy and thanksgiving as members of the Chaplaincy expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for his fatherly love, encouragement, prayers, and support.

Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
Depsocom Accra