CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF ACCRA CELEBRATES JUBILEE OF PRIESTS IN A GRAND THANKSGIVING MASS

The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, held a colourful and spiritually enriching celebration at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka, to honour eight priests marking significant milestones in their priestly ministry.

The Thanksgiving Mass drew a large congregation of bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, seminarians, parishioners, family members, friends, and well-wishers, all united in gratitude to God for the gift of the priesthood and in celebration of the jubilarians’ faithful service to the Church.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Atta Donkor, one of the silver jubilarians, who joined his fellow priests in offering thanksgiving to God for the grace and strength that have sustained them throughout their priestly vocation.

The celebration was graced by the presence of Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra; Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, Auxiliary Bishop of Accra; and Most Rev. John Kwamevi, Auxiliary Bishop serving in Ecuador. Their participation underscored the unity and universality of the Catholic Church.

The priest jubilarians honoured during the celebration were:

• Rev. Msgr. Pius Kpeglo – 60 years of priestly ministry (Diamond Jubilee)
• Rev. Msgr. Jonathan Ankrah – 50 years (Golden Jubilee)
• Rev. Msgr. Theodore Quaye – 40 years (Ruby Jubilee)
• Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Quarshie – 40 years (Ruby Jubilee)
• Very Rev. Fr. David Amissah Andoh – 25 years (Silver Jubilee)
• Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Osei-Tutu – 25 years
• Very Rev. Fr. Prince Emmanuel Adelaayitar – 25 years
• Very Rev. Fr. Raphael Atta Donkor – 25 years

In his homily, Most Rev. Anthony Narh Asare congratulated the jubilarians and reflected on the spiritual significance of their respective anniversaries. He grouped the milestones under the virtues of faith, love, and hope, explaining that fifty years of priestly ministry exemplify enduring faith, forty years reflect steadfast love expressed through sacrificial service. In comparison, twenty-five years symbolize hope for the future of the Church.

The Auxiliary Bishop paid tribute to the senior jubilarians for their immense contributions to the growth of the Archdiocese through pastoral ministry, priestly formation, administration, and leadership. He particularly commended Rev. Msgr. Pius Kpeglo and Rev. Msgr. Jonathan Ankrah for their unwavering commitment to the Church, even in retirement and advanced age. He also praised Rev. Msgr. Theodore Quaye and Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Quarshie for four decades of faithful and humble ministry, describing their lives as enduring testimonies of love for God and His people.

Addressing the silver jubilarians, Bishop Narh Asare encouraged them to draw inspiration from the example of their senior brother priests and to continue serving Christ and His Church with zeal, humility, and fidelity.

Speaking on behalf of the silver jubilarians, Very Rev. Fr. Raymond Osei-Tutu expressed heartfelt appreciation to all who participated in the celebration. “We are deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and unwavering support throughout our years of ministry,” he said. “We humbly ask that you continue to pray for us, that we may remain faithful priests of the Lord and steadfast in our vocation,” he added.

As part of the celebration, commemorative gifts were presented to the jubilarians by Most Rev. John Kobina Louis on behalf of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra. Additional presentations were made by the Accra Archdiocesan Priests’ Association, led by Very Rev. Fr. Henry Ahorlu, and the Papal Knights and Dames, in recognition of the jubilarians’ dedicated and selfless service to the Church.

The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of thanksgiving, fraternity, and joy as the faithful joined the jubilarians in praising God for the gift of the priesthood. The Catholic Archdiocese of Accra extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the jubilarians and prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless them with good health, renewed strength, and abundant graces as they continue to serve His Church.

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