The Immaculate Conception of Mary Catholic Church, Tsiame celebrates 100 Years. Hurray!
The Centenary celebration of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Tsiame was celebrated in pomp and pageantry. The faithful of Tsiame Catholic Church were dressed in their Centenary cloth. The whole atmosphere of the celebration reflects the theme: “Celebrating 100 Years of God’s Faithfulness, Acknowledging the Faith of our Forebears and Embracing the Future with Hope.” The celebration was graced by the Bishop of Keta-Akatsi Diocese Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, Priests and Religious, Political and Traditional leaders and many others who are natives of Tsiame.
In his welcome address the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Gustave Adzaho acknowledged that the celebration is a “beautiful and historical celebration in which God’s faithfulness is celebrated with joy and gratitude.” He was thankful to the Bishop and the Traditional Leaders for supporting and leading the Church all these years. He prays that “the centenary celebration renew our faith and help us shine in our community.”
100 years is not just a number but …
Torgbi Atieku II gave a brief history of the Church of Tsiame stating that “it all started when two white priests came to Torgbi Sogbe I to evangelize.” The two white men were Missionaries of the Catholic Church. The discussion with Torgbi Sogbe I led to the beginning of evening Mass at the palace of the Chief.
Hon. Alhaji Zuberu Kasim delivered the keynote on behalf of Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markins stating how the Catholic Church and the Muslim faith work together for a long time. He congratulates the Church for keeping the faith for these 100 years.
Reading the message of the President in his absence, the Regional Minster, Hon. James Gunu says “every great thing starts with a small beginning…” The Catholic Church remains the bigger partner in development in the country … The President requests that the faithful pray earnestly for the Government so that the resetting agenda can be achieved.
The Centenary Anthem was also beautifully sang with vigor by the choir and the whole gathering.
The Bishop, Most Rev. Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD addressed the gathering hilighting that “we are celebrating because the people of Tsiame have accepted the faith 100 years ago. Many are contributing and supporting the Church, and ensuring that Tsiame will be a bright spot. For him, the focus of the celebration as regards the Catholic faith must be on how it has impacted the people and the town. How has the Gospel message changed our lives?”
Coincidentally, tomorrow will be Mission Sunday. The Bishop admonished that we must all be active preachers of the Gospel, give hope to the town and all people of this area.
May have worked tirelessly and the celebration would not end without parting the back of some among many hard-working individuals and families. Citations were given to Parishioners and Families that have supported and helped the Church throughout her existence these 100 years.
It was indeed a colorful celebration. God bless the Catholic faith, God bless ➕ the faith in Tsiame, God bless ➕ the Keta-Akatsi Diocese.