It is a Centenary celebration of the Catholic faith in Dzogadze. The 16th of November 2024 would remain historic for the Catholic faithful and entire township of Dzogadze, bringing folks from all walks of life to this village. The Chiefs and people of Dzogadze have witnessed and marked this joyful day in a grand style.
They witness with joy amidst drumming and dancing of their local drums and choral music, the celebration of the Catholic faith planted on the soil of Dzogadze this 100 years.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Paul OGENE, SC, the Priest-In-Charge of the Atidzive Cluster is grateful to the Keta-Akatsi Diocesan Priests who held the fort of Pastoral care and worked tirelessly to build and nurture the faith of the faithful in this part of the Diocese.
Indeed, the Catholic faith in Dzogadze has seen a vast transformation for which we cannot, but be grateful to God and the SMA Missionaries since 1924. He is also thankful to Fr. Christopher ORJI, SC who pastored the faithful of Dzogadze in Atidzive Cluster from the time of its creation out of Abor Parish.
Today, history is made as we celebrate this milestone. We are challenged to carry on the hard works of our forebears who handed the mantle to this generation, that our future generations would be more than pleased some years to come.
Before the birth of the Catholic faith in Dzogadze, the people were largely pagans, simple farmers, weavers, and traders, making it difficult to embrace the Catholic faith. But God gradually opened their hearts to the faith. Rev. Fr. Heckle, SMA brought the faith from Keta with the help of Mr. Kwadzo Seawo of Agbozume amidst a lot of challenges.
A lot of contributions were made by prominent groups and individuals to establish the Catholic faith. Today, if we celebrate such a Centenary, we make recourse to such heroes and heroines, many of them who have gone before us, may they find peace with their Maker.
The Honorable, Martin Kofitsey NYAHE, the MCE of Akatsi-South acknowledged the good works of the Catholic Church in his hometown.
He as the chairman of the planning committee of the Centenery celebration, has observed that, wherever the Catholic faith is planted, there is always a difference in civilization in most spheres of life. The Church comes with school and other social amenities and these transform the people and the areas.
He encouraged all to support the celebration financially to aid the development of the Church.
The MCE used the occasion to conscinetize all to be careful and vigilant as Ghana goes to the poles. He admonished that nobody loves a political party more than his or her family.
It is also clear from the exposition of Rev. Fr. Oscar KUEBUTORNYE, that, the Catholic Church always and mostly breaks new grounds to pave the way for other Pentecostal and Charismatic churches who later challenge the Church yet she is never perturbed.
Is the proliferation of Churches really a sign of religious growth? He asked.
The role of the Catholic Church in Dzogadze remains a history.
The way forward of the Church in Dzogadze can be successful with recourse to the ills and woes of the past and how best to eschew them, as well as the good achievements of the past and how best to promote such. This is how best the future can be assured.
The Chiefs and faithful of Dzogadze is thankful to all for joining them mark this day. They bid all travellings mercies returning to their destinations, even as they invite all to the Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday to be presided over by the Bishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD and Bishop Emeritus Anthony Kwame Adanuty, to thank God for having seen them through and sustaining the faith in Dzogadze this 100 years.
Azae llooooo, Azae eeeiii !!!