ST. THOMAS MORE AND ST. JOHN FISHER CATHOLIC CHURCH CELEBRATES 95 YEARS OF FAITH, UNITY, AND EVANGELISATION

St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher Catholic Church, New Achimota, marked its 95th Anniversary Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, 28 June 2026, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, vibrant cultural displays, inspiring choral music, and heartfelt thanksgiving to God for nearly a century of evangelisation, faith, and dedicated service to the Church and society.

Celebrated under the theme, “95 Years of Blessings: Rooted in Christ, Ready for the Next Century” (Colossians 2:6–7), the anniversary brought together hundreds of parishioners, clergy, religious, former members, and invited guests in gratitude for God’s abundant blessings, guidance, and faithfulness throughout the parish’s history.

The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, who was accorded a colourful traditional welcome upon his arrival. He was received by the Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Agbeko; Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman, Mr. Simone Kwami Ayem; Vice Chairman, Mr. Stephen Dadzie; PPC Vice Secretary, Mrs. Stella Adjoa Ntow; members of the Ave Maria Singing Group, the Missionary Children, and the entire parish community.

As part of the welcoming ceremony, the Missionary Children presented bouquets of flowers to the Bishop as a gesture of love and appreciation. Members of the Knights of St. John International, Commandery No. 497, together with the Ladies Auxiliary No. 419, mounted an impressive Guard of Honour, which was inspected by the Parish Priest alongside Worthy President Lt. John Dadzie and Noble Sister Georgina Twumasi before the commencement of the Eucharistic celebration.

Delivering his welcome address, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Agbeko expressed profound gratitude to God for sustaining the parish through ninety-five years of worship, evangelisation, and pastoral service. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former parish priests, religious, parish organisations, benefactors, and the founding members whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the parish’s remarkable growth.

In his homily, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare described the anniversary as more than a commemoration of years; rather, it was a celebration of God’s enduring faithfulness and abundant blessings.

Reflecting on the parish’s history, he encouraged the faithful to remain firmly rooted in Christ, emphasising that the Church’s growth has been built on prayer, sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering faith. He paid tribute to the pioneers who established and nurtured the parish despite numerous challenges and urged the current generation never to forget the sacrifices of those who came before them.

The Bishop also stressed the importance of unity within the Church, observing that many of the greatest challenges confronting Christian communities arise from internal divisions rather than external opposition. He cautioned against disputes, particularly those involving Church property and land ownership, reminding the faithful that Christians are called to be peacemakers who foster reconciliation and unity.

Drawing inspiration from the lives of the parish’s patron saints, St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher, Bishop Narh Asare highlighted the virtues of courage, integrity, and unwavering fidelity to Christ. Quoting the final words of St. Thomas More, “I die the King’s good servant, but God’s first,” he challenged Catholics to place God above every earthly allegiance and remain faithful to the Gospel regardless of the cost.

He further encouraged parishioners to cultivate Christian hospitality by welcoming others with compassion, generosity, and love, noting that hospitality extends beyond receiving guests into one’s home to recognising Christ in every person and serving others with charity.

Speaking on the Eucharist, the Bishop reminded the faithful that Holy Communion is received through God’s mercy rather than human perfection. He urged Catholics to refrain from judging others and instead strive to reflect Christ through humility, honesty, generosity, compassion, and love.

Concluding his homily, he called on the parish community to remain steadfast in Christ as it journeys towards its centenary celebration, praying that God would continue to bless and strengthen the parish for generations to come.

The liturgy was enriched by the St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher Mass Choir, whose sacred music added beauty and solemnity to the celebration. Also present were members of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall and the Papal Knights and Dames.

Speaking after the Mass, Very Rev. Fr. Patrick Agbeko described the anniversary as a testament to God’s abundant grace and faithfulness over the past ninety-five years. He thanked parishioners, former members, benefactors, and friends of the Church for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices, which have contributed significantly to the parish’s spiritual and physical development.

He also announced that the Grand Thanksgiving Climax of the anniversary celebrations will be held on 1 November 2026, with the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra expected to preside. He invited Catholics, former parishioners, and the general public to join the parish in celebrating this important milestone.

PPC Chairman Mr. Simone Kwami Ayem described the anniversary as a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of generations of Catholics. He recalled that the parish began in the music room of Achimota School before growing into the only twin parish in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra. He credited the parish’s achievements to the vision and sacrifices of its founders, former priests, and committed parishioners, urging members to remain united as preparations begin for the centenary.

Vice Chairman Mr. Stephen Dadzie thanked God for sustaining the parish over ninety-five years of worship and evangelisation. He honoured the pioneers who established the Church and prayed that God would preserve parishioners in good health to witness the centenary celebrations. He also encouraged members to remain committed to serving the Church with dedication and love.

PPC Vice Secretary Mrs. Stella Adjoa Ntow expressed gratitude for the remarkable development the parish has witnessed over the years. She highlighted major infrastructural achievements, including the construction of the church building, the priests’ residence, and a well-equipped Missionary Children facility, all made possible through the generosity and commitment of parishioners.

Former PPC Chairman Mr. Osei Owusu-Agyeman, who has worshipped in the parish for nearly four decades, described the Church as a spiritual family that has shaped his Christian life. He noted that despite challenges, God’s grace has sustained the parish and encouraged former parishioners and friends to continue supporting its growth.

Parishioner Bro. Nana Baah attributed the parish’s strength to its unity, brotherly love, and steadfast faith in Christ. He expressed optimism about the future, citing the active participation of young people in parish life, and encouraged members to preserve the rich legacy handed down by previous generations.

Representing the Knights of St. John International, Commandery No. 497, Capt. Engr. Jones Apedo reaffirmed the Knights’ commitment to supporting both the spiritual and physical development of the parish. He congratulated the Church on its ninety-five years of evangelisation and pledged the continued support of the Order as the parish prepares for its centenary.

Also speaking, Bro. Stephen Ekow Anaman, newly elected President of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, thanked God for the lives of the parish’s founders and pioneers. He described the Bishop’s homily as a timely call for Catholics to remain faithful to Christ and continue living lives that reflect Gospel values. He prayed that God would preserve the parish community and grant all members the grace to celebrate the centenary in peace, unity, and good health.

The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the beautifully decorated 95th Anniversary Cake, amid joyful singing, applause, and expressions of gratitude to God. The symbolic event marked not only the successful celebration of ninety-five years of faith and evangelisation but also the beginning of the parish’s journey towards its centenary.

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