All too soon, a Liturgical Year has ended. A new one begins and as tradition of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, all roads lead to Dzodze-Tornu to mark the birth of the new Liturgical Year this First Sunday of Advent.
It is not just a moment of joy, it is a time of prayer and serious reflection. In light of this, the host, Rev. Fr. Mark Akpene Etsey, in his welcome address, encouraged all to make use of the day in the spirit and sense of spiritual journey (as pilgrims) in order to go back reformed and transformed.
In his homliy, the Bishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD reiterating the importance of pilgrimage, pointed out two elements for reflection: 1. Conversion and 2. Repentance. It is not enough to say we have repented and believed in Jesus all these years of our Christian life. Repentance must be done daily and constantly. We must give our heart completely to God.
This year’s pilgrimage is blessed with many Catholic faithful from the Diocese and beyond. This is also the year as the Catholic Church marks Jubilee Year. As such the Holy Father, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door on 24th December. Then on 28th of December the Keta-Akatsi Diocese will also open the Holy Door in Three places: Christ the King Cathedral, Akatsi; St. Michael Co-Cathedral, Keta: and Sacred Heart Shrine, Dzodze-Tornu.
We aare hopeful that this special journey through the Holy Door will drive away the evil one from all of us.
Beginning the Liturgical Year on such a note together as a Diocese is also a moment to refill and be energized drawing strength from the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and his mother’s Immaculate Heart, inseparable as they are, the Bishop added. All devotees are encouraged to keep up the good work and be committed.
Wishing all a fruitful year and entreating to uphold peace as Ghana goes to the poles, the Bishop encouraged and prayed the St. Francis of Assisi Prayer of Peace together with the faithful.
God bless you all and keep you safe even as the circular year draws to a close. Do have a fruitful and blissful Advent as we prepare our hearts for Christ to be born therein.