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Regional News of Sunday, 20 January 2013

Source: GNA

Accra Catholic Archdiocese outlines programmes for 120th anniversary celebration

The Accra Catholic Archdiocese at the weekend announced the programme to mark the 120 Anniversary of the Church, on the theme: “120 Years of Catholic Mission: Honouring the past, celebrating the present, building the future.”

The year-long event, which started from December 2012, would end on November this year.

Most Reverend Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop o made this known at a press soiree in Accra.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said some of the programmes included exchange of pulpit by priests, singing competition, children’s day, archdiocesan carnival, health awareness month, Anniversary lecture, blood donation, photo exhibition and crusade.

The Anniversary focuses on three developmental growths, which are spiritual growth and development, knowledge and intellectual appreciation of the Catholic faith and doctrines and the spirit of fellowship and communion among Church members.

The Catholic Church in Accra started on Jan 31, 1893 when two Missionaries from the Society of African Missions Reverend Father Otto Hilberer and Eugene Raes celebrated the first Holy mass in Accra.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle said in the same year the first Catholic Baptism in Accra took place on May 25 and August 12, 1894 while the first Holy Matrimony was celebrated between Herbert Cheetam and Rose Mary Quaye.

He said the celebration should include all Catholics of the Archdiocese and urged all outstations, parishes and deaneries to put in place local organising committees to communicate with the Archdiocesan planning committee for effective celebrations.