ARCHBISHOP KWOFIE CONFIRMS 39 CANDIDATES AT BLESSED SACRAMENT PARISH FEAST DAY CELEBRATION
The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Abelenkpe, climaxed its 2026 Feast Day Celebration with a Thanksgiving Mass and Pastoral Visit by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, C.S.Sp., on Sunday, 7th June 2026.
The celebration formed part of a week-long programme held from 30th May to 7th June 2026 under the theme, “Sent to Witness: Living the Gospel Every Day” (Matthew 5:16). The occasion also marked the parish’s 44th anniversary, as parishioners gathered to thank God for His blessings and guidance throughout the years.
Upon his arrival, Archbishop Kwofie was warmly received by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Januarius Akpabli; Assistant Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yao Gabianku; Rev. Justice Tsinowope; the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairperson, Mrs. Evelyn Atibila; Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Lawrence Opoku-Acheampong; members of the Knights of St. John International and Ladies Auxiliary; the Knights and Ladies of Marshall; parishioners; and well-wishers. A bouquet was presented to the Archbishop as a sign of welcome, gratitude, and affection.
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the parish community, Mrs. Evelyn Atibila expressed appreciation for the Archbishop’s fatherly care and pastoral leadership. She highlighted the importance of the Holy Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life and praised the Archbishop’s dedication to evangelization, youth formation, unity, and charitable service.
Mrs. Atibila noted that the Feast Day coincided with the parish’s 44th anniversary and invited the Archbishop to join the community in celebrating its 45th anniversary next year. She also highlighted the vibrant participation of the youth and the introduction of Children’s Masses on the second and third Sundays of each month to strengthen the faith formation of children and young people.
The Chairperson further expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for facilitating approval for the parish to secure a loan from Mary Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Church towards the acquisition of land for future development. She assured him of the parish’s commitment to honouring its repayment obligations.
In his homily for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Archbishop Kwofie congratulated the parish on its feast day and reflected on the significance of the Holy Eucharist. Drawing lessons from the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, he reminded the faithful of God’s enduring faithfulness and guidance throughout salvation history.
He urged the congregation to remember God’s blessings and remain faithful to His commandments, quoting Matthew 4:4: “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
The Archbishop reaffirmed the Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, emphasizing that when Jesus declared, “This is my Body” and “This is my Blood,” He spoke the truth.
He explained that through Holy Communion, believers share in the Body and Blood of Christ and are united as one people in Him. He encouraged the faithful to approach the Eucharist with reverence and prepared hearts, while rejecting sinful practices and remaining faithful to Christ.
The Archbishop also explained the significance of Eucharistic processions, describing them as public testimonies of Christ’s presence among His people and His reign as King of the Universe. He encouraged the faithful, especially the confirmation candidates, to remain steadfast in their faith and to be true witnesses of Christ in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.
As part of the liturgy, Rev. Fr. Januarius Akpabli presented thirty-nine (39) candidates from Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Achimota Senior High School, and Christ the King Parish to the Archbishop, who administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidates were sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and strengthened as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
In his remarks, Fr. Akpabli expressed profound gratitude to the Archbishop for honouring the parish with his presence and administering the sacrament. Reflecting on the Archbishop’s homily, he highlighted two key lessons: that Jesus never makes mistakes and that Christians must learn from their mistakes.
Despite the rainy weather, he encouraged parishioners not to be discouraged, reminding them that God’s plans are always perfect. He thanked parishioners for their unity and commitment throughout the celebrations, particularly during the 72-Hour Eucharistic Adoration.
Fr. Akpabli also expressed appreciation to the Sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), the Marist Brothers of the Schools (FMS), catechists, volunteers, security personnel, guests, and all who contributed to the success of the celebration. He congratulated the newly confirmed candidates and encouraged them to remain faithful to Christ and His Church.
As a token of appreciation, the PPC Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Lawrence Opoku-Acheampong, presented a cheque donation to the Archbishop on behalf of the parish community.
The liturgy was enriched by inspiring musical renditions from the Abelenkpe Mass Choir and the St. Michael Ewe Union, creating an atmosphere of joyful praise and thanksgiving.
Also present were the Assembly Member for Abelenkpe, Hon. Teddy Kwei Baddoo; Chief Inspector Mohammed of the Abelenkpe Police Station; guests; and numerous well-wishers.
The celebration concluded on a joyful note as parishioners thanked God for a successful Feast Day and renewed their commitment to live as faithful witnesses of Christ through the Holy Eucharist.
Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM, Accra
