Sacred Heart Catholic Church Marks 50 Years as Archbishop Kwofie Confirms 39 Candidates
Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Afuaman, in the Archdiocese of Accra, celebrated the climax of its Golden Jubilee Anniversary on Sunday, 14th June 2026, with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp.
The Archbishop was warmly welcomed by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie; Church President, Mr. Robert Nii Tawiah; Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr. Mark Ofori Nketia; Rev. Fr. Silas Stephen Sapaty; Rev. Fr. Albert Japani; Mr. Barnabas Cudjoe; Mr. Emmanuel Lartey; representatives from St. James Catholic Church, Osu; and the entire parish community. The reception was beautifully marked by a presentation of flowers from the Sunday School children, accompanied by joyful singing and dancing.
Delivering the welcome address, the Church President, Mr. Robert Nii Tawiah, expressed profound gratitude to God for sustaining the parish through five decades of worship, evangelisation, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Reflecting on the parish’s journey, he noted that what began as a small community of believers had grown into a vibrant Catholic family through God’s grace, the sacrifices of many, and the commitment of generations of faithful parishioners. He paid tribute to the pioneers, priests, catechists, church leaders, and members whose dedication laid the foundation for the growth of the parish.
Mr. Tawiah also expressed appreciation to Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie for his dedicated pastoral leadership and encouraged parishioners to continue building a parish rooted in faith, sacrifice, unity, and service. He urged the youth to embrace their faith with courage and become active participants in the future growth of the Church.
In his homily, Archbishop John Bonaventure Kwofie reflected on the significance of the parish’s fifty-year journey, describing it as a testimony of God’s faithfulness through moments of challenges and triumphs.
Drawing inspiration from the readings of the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Archbishop highlighted three key biblical passages: Exodus 19:2, Romans 5:8, and Matthew 9:37. He reminded the faithful that just as God carried the Israelites “on eagle’s wings” to Sinai, He has also sustained Sacred Heart Catholic Church throughout its fifty-year existence.
The Archbishop explained that God desires a covenant relationship with His people, founded on obedience and complete dependence on His word. He stressed that believers are God’s treasured possession and that their true value comes not from personal achievements but from their relationship with Him.
Reflecting on Romans 5:8, he noted that God’s greatest expression of love was demonstrated in sending Christ to die for humanity while they were still sinners, redeeming them through His precious blood. He further challenged the faithful to become active workers in God’s vineyard, referring to Christ’s words that “the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” He encouraged parishioners to respond to God’s call by serving others and contributing to the growth of the Church and society.
As part of the liturgical celebration, thirty-nine candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie, presented the candidates to the Archbishop, who administered the sacrament, sealing them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and strengthening them as fully initiated members of the Catholic Church.
Addressing the congregation, Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr. Mark Ofori Nketia, described the Jubilee celebration as a memorable journey of faith, fellowship, and service. He highlighted “Peace Village for Christ”, the parish’s legacy project, as one of the most significant fruits of the Jubilee celebration. According to him, the three-day evangelisation programme, which included crusades, free medical screening, and the Jesus Boutique initiative, touched many lives, won souls for Christ, and contributed to the establishment of a new Catholic community where Holy Mass is now celebrated every weekend.
Dr. Ofori Nketia expressed gratitude to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Zone Two, parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Flixta Pharmacy, Pax Romana of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the clergy, religious, volunteers, benefactors, and individuals who supported both the evangelisation programme and the Jubilee celebrations.
He also specially acknowledged Mr. Joseph Justice Quist, Mr. Barnabas Cudjoe, Rev. Fr. Destiny Amenuvor, and Dr. Sonia Coch for their immense contributions towards the success of the anniversary activities and the legacy project.
As a gesture of appreciation, Church President Mr. Robert Nii Tawiah presented a cash donation to the Archbishop on behalf of the parish community.
Following the Mass, representatives of the church building project committee from St. James Catholic Church, Osu, led by Mr. Emmanuel Prince Agbodjan and supported by Mr. Fiifi Osbourne, Mr. Mawuto Ayivor, Mr. Raymond Zigah, Engr. Emmanuel Akabutu and Mr. Teddy McMensah presented details of the proposed cathedral and parish complex project to the Archbishop.
The presentation showcased architectural designs of the project, including front, side, and rear elevations, as well as detailed entrance designs. An aerial view of the project revealed a well-planned church compound featuring a cathedral, spacious car park, and a two-storey parish hall and office complex.
The proposed cathedral is designed to accommodate approximately 500 worshippers. The committee reported that the substructure phase of the project has been completed, with work on the superstructure expected to continue.
After the presentation, the Metropolitan Archbishop expressed appreciation for the design and progress of the project. He encouraged parish leadership to share the architectural renderings with the wider congregation so that parishioners could appreciate the vision of the future cathedral and be inspired to support its completion.
He concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon the project and expressed hope for its timely completion.
The Golden Jubilee celebration was further enriched by inspiring musical performances from the Sacred Heart Church Choir and the Nuwor Zamedo Borborbor Group from Joma Ablekuma, creating a joyful atmosphere of praise, thanksgiving, and celebration.
Speaking in an interview after the celebration, Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Kwofie described the Golden Jubilee as a moment of gratitude for God’s goodness and faithfulness. He noted that despite numerous challenges over the years, the parish had remained steadfast through God’s grace. “Fifty years is no mean feat. It is a year of freedom, a year of favour, and a year worth celebrating,” he stated.
The Parish Priest highlighted some of the parish’s achievements, particularly the establishment of a school that currently serves over 700 pupils within the community while promoting moral values and quality education. Looking ahead, he expressed hope that Sacred Heart Catholic Church would continue to serve as a vehicle of hope for Afuaman and beyond. He encouraged Christians never to lose hope during difficult moments, emphasising that God has the power to transform lives and situations.
Present at the celebration were guests, including Hon. Francis Poku, former Minister for National Security; Mr. Barnabas Cudjoe, Provincial Leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Accra Province; Mr. Emmanuel Lartey, Assistant Leader of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Accra Archdiocese; Hon. Julius Azumah, Deputy Director of the Ga West Municipal Assembly; Rev. Fr. Jomat John (CMI) of Mary Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church, Manhean Ablekuma; priests; and numerous well-wishers.
Story by:
Thelma N.E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM ACCRA
