The Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi climaxed her annual diocesan pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Egyam today, concluding a week-long journey of faith and devotion.
The sacred pilgrimage commenced on September 5, 2023, witnessed a multitude of societies and movements within the Catholic Diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi embarking on a spiritual journey to the Grotto.
The faithful journeyed in waves of devotion, with each day bringing a unique group to the Grotto. St. Anthony’s guild was the vanguard on Tuesday, followed by the Ewe Union, the Christian Mothers and Fathers Association, and the Men’s Association, who knelt in prayer on Wednesday. St. Theresa’s Society, the Sacred Heart Confraternity, and the harmonious St. Cecilia’s Guild (Singing Band) graced the sacred grounds on Thursday.
Friday, which coincided with the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, saw the Catholic Women Association (Mbaa Kuw) and Catholic Mothers (Abatan Kuw) making their reverent pilgrimage. As dusk descended, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal led an All Night Prayer session, filling the night air with hymns and petitions.
Saturday was marked by Adoration and confessions, culminating in a grand procession at 2:00 pm, where the Marian Statue made its majestic journey from Akiyinin junction to the Grotto, accompanied by the faithful in joyful reverence.
Today, the climax of this annual spiritual exercise was reached, framed by the Stations of the Cross and a Thanksgiving Mass.
In his homily, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Lemaire drew inspiration from the story of the genealogy of Jesus, highlighting how Jesus emerged from the seemingly weakest clan within the Judean family. He underlined the significance of five women in this lineage, with the Blessed Mary being the fifth and how Mary stood out as full of grace among them.
The Vicar General emphasized the transformative power of grace, citing how, through Baptism, individuals are given the opportunity to follow Mary’s righteous path. Drawing parallels with the story of Abraham, who received blessings due to his righteousness, he encouraged the congregation to walk righteously with God to receive blessings and, in turn, share their faith to inspire others towards salvation.
Addressing the challenges of a declining Catholic population, he reaffirmed that the grace received through the sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, and Holy Orders – can empower individuals to lead righteous lives and spread the message of faith for the salvation of souls.
Fr. Lemaire also read to the gathering a message from the Bishop, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, who is in Rome, is attending the 2023 orientation program for new bishops.
The message from Bishop Attakruh emphasized the pivotal role of parents as the ‘first catechists,’ entrusted with the sacred duty of nurturing Christian discipleship within their children.
In a society faced with distress, Bishop Attakruh emphasized the dire need for Christian values to prevail, and he looked to the families of Sekondi-Takoradi to be the torchbearers of this virtuous legacy.
The event was graced by the presence of the clergy, including Monsignors Margaret Mesu and Joseph Gyim-Austin, Very Rev. Frs. Gordon Meizah and Eshun, the Grotto director, along with countless other priests and religious of the Diocese. They were joined by devout members of various deaneries in the Diocese.
Source:DEPSOCOM Sekondi-Takoradi
