By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Takoradi, Nov. 29, GNA – A Thanksgiving Mass has been held for the Most Reverend Joseph Francis Kweku Essien, a retired Bishop of the Wiawso Catholic Diocese, to celebrate his 80th birthday anniversary.
The event, held at the Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral, in Takoradi, was attended by Most Rev John Bonaventure Kwofie, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. John Baptist Attakruh, the Bishop of Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, Most Rev. Mathias Nketiah, a retired Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, and Most Rev Joseph Osei-Bonsu, a retired Bishop of Konongo- Mampong Diocese.
The mass, which was celebrated by Most Rev. Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle and other priests, was also attended by some parishioners, traditional leaders, religious leaders from other denominations, and family and friends of the celebrant among others.
Most Rev. Attakruh congratulated Bishop Essien for attaining 80 years, and eulogised him for the great and selfless service offered to ensure the growth of the Catholic Church.
He said: “It is a great joy that we join an exceptional man to celebrate his 80th birthday, and we are grateful to God for his life and may He continue to bless him.”
He said Bishop Essien lived an exemplary life and served the Church with dignity, and prayed that God would guide him to continue using his wisdom and leadership qualities even on retirement, to help grow the Church to greater heights.
Bishop Essien also thanked everyone who had joined him to give thanks to God as he celebrated his 80th birthday anniversary.
Gifts from some Bishops of other dioceses, some parishioners, traditional leaders, family and friends among other groups were presented to Bishop Essien as part of the celebration.
Most Rev. Joseph Francis Kweku Essien was born on November 25, 1945, and was appointed the first Bishop of the Wiawso Catholic Diocese in 1999, and later consecrated and installed in 2000.
He retired in 2023 after 23 years of active service as the Bishop of the Wiawso Diocese.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/ Christabel Addo