TAKORADI: Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh, the Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Catholic Diocese, has inaugurated the ordinary Jubilee year 2025 at the Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Cathedral in Takoradi. The event coincided with the celebration of the feast of the Holy Family.
According to Ghana News Agency, the launch was held simultaneously at the St. Paul Pro-cathedral in Sekondi, under the global theme "Pilgrims of Hope" and the diocesan theme "Journeying with Mary as Pilgrims of Hope." Jubilee years, marked every 25 years by the Church, aim to inspire hope and spiritual renewal among Catholics worldwide.
The ceremony began with a procession of parishioners to the cathedral's main entrance, where Bishop Attakruh performed a prayer and opened the main door, symbolizing the 'Heaven gate,' through which all parishioners entered the church. The jubilee year encourages Catholics to deepen their faith through acts of charity, penance, and pilgrimages, emphasizing their roles as pilgrims on a journey toward renewed commitment.
Throughout the next year, Catholic faithful are expected to undertake pilgrimages to cathedrals, pro-cathedrals, grottos, and other designated prayer centers to pray with family and friends. In his sermon, Bishop Attakruh called upon parishioners to embrace the new year with hope, peace, and love, serving their neighbors and committing to family prayer and pilgrimage.
He stressed the importance of family commitment and urged parishioners to seek holiness within their families rather than perfection, acknowledging that all families face challenges. Bishop Attakruh also encouraged reflection on the love of God and the humility of Jesus Christ, promoting a meaningful celebration of the yuletide beyond mere festivities.
Additionally, Bishop Attakruh launched the 80th anniversary of the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Eygam in the Ahanta West Municipality. Established in September 1945, the grotto is recognized as the oldest in West Africa.
