Biggest Grotto for Tema Catholic Church commissioned

Tema, Oct.22, GNA - His Grace, Most Reverend Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra Catholic Diocese on Saturday commissioned the biggest ever Grotto in Africa for the Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church at Tema.

The Grotto, estimated at 230 million cedis would serve as a prayer centre for both Catholics and non Catholics if they wish, is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Preaching on the theme: "All generations to come shall call me blessed", Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle called on adults, especially women to emulate the virtues of Mother Mary in all their endeavours of lives to ensure peace and success.

"If people would learn from Mother Mary's faith in God, love, simplicity of heart, humility, purity and tolerance, I am sure there would be a lot of peace, harmony and joy in the family, community and the country", the Archbishop admonished adults.

To this end, he stressed the need for adults, especially couples not to broadcast any trivial issues confronting the marriage but endeavour to solve their problems in their own small way.

"It is not everything that happens in the house that must be broadcast", he advised and impressed upon couples to allow God through constant prayers to intervene in their lives.

Turning to children, Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle entreated adults to ensure that children are placed at the forefront during events so that they have clearer view of what transpires to enable them make informed choices for their future.

He noted that most children have the potential of getting to the limelight and this could be achieved when they are offered the opportunity to observe and regretted that most times they are relegated to the background which according to him is unfortunate.

Explaining why Catholics always remember Mother Mary, the Archbishop debunked the notion that Catholics worship Mary saying, "we all worship God because it is the one and only we should worship."

He said "Catholics honour Mary because she gave birth to Christ Jesus who died for our sins who by her virtues brought compassion to mankind especially women."

In a welcoming address, Mr Francis Haligah, Chairman of the Pastoral Council said the idea of constructing the Grotto was mooted in 1973 by the Very Father Martin Wels, who was then in charge of Our Lady of Mercy Parish.

He said the frontage of the Grotto would be decorated with trees, flowers and a fountain which could also become tourist attraction.