By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, Sept 09, GNA – The National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre, Ghana, under the auspices of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, has held its 10th National Sacred Heart of Jesus Congress and Golden Jubilee in Tamale.
The three-day Congress, which ended on Sunday, was on the theme: “National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre, Ghana @50: Building a Synodal Church, the Role of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotional Practices by the Catholic Family”.
The quinquennial Congress, attracted about 9,000 Sacred Heart of Jesus devotees across the country to fellowship, celebrate masses and eucharistic adorations and other devotional practices, have confessions, participate in healing and deliverance sessions, and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving to God, among others.
Mrs Elizabeth Tapang-Tettey, President, National Sacred Heart of Jesus Enthronement Centre, Ghana, speaking during the event, said it was a season for retreat and pilgrimage for all Catholics.
She said the Congress also served as the moment to promote the social teachings of the Church through the various sermons.
She said the homilies, seminars and healing services at the Congress would help deepen the faith of participants and strengthen them in their resolve to remain committed Christians for their salvation.
Alhaji Shani Alhassan Saibu, Northern Regional Minister, in a goodwill message, commended the Catholic Church for building and maintaining a very cordial relationship with government.
He said, “The Catholic Church has been instrumental in fostering religious diversity and unity in the country. It has promoted peaceful coexistence among all religious groups, especially in Tamale.”
He expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for contributing towards the promotion of health, education, economic empowerment of women and girls, agriculture and water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Very Reverend Hilary Pogbeyir, Vicar General of the Tamale Archdiocese, encouraged devotees to demonstrate the love of God in all their endeavours.
The opening ceremony was performed by Most Reverend Philip Naameh, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tamale.
Seven other members of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference namely, Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, Bishop of Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese, Most Reverend John Yaw Afoakwa, Bishop of Obuasi Diocese, Most Reverend Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, Bishop of Techiman Diocese and Most Reverend Matthew Yitiereh, Bishop of Yendi Diocese, celebrated the Mass during the Congress.
The next Congress will be held in 2029.
GNA