Holy Spirit Cathedral celebrates 50th anniversary

Accra, Aug. 24, GNA - The Holy Spirit Cathedral Parish of the Accra Catholic Archdiocese would celebrate its 50 years of existence from August 28 2005 to June 4 2006, Archbishop Gabriel Charles Palmer Buckle, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, announced on Wednesday in Accra.

Speaking at a press conference to launch the yearlong celebration, which has the theme: "Let Us Walk In The Spirit", Archbishop Palmer Buckle said activities lined up for the celebration included, talks, clean up exercises and a carol service. The rest are a forum; food bazaar; marriage seminar; blood donation; fundraising; musical concert; Bible quiz and Novena among other things.

Archbishop Palmer Buckle said the celebration was not just about the cathedral building nor the Bishops seat of authority, nor the assembly but it would be more about community of people called together by the Lord to listen attentively to Him and to enter into communion with Him and with one another.

The Parish was built in 1947 with the Rev Joseph Oliver Bowers, SVD Priest as the first Bishop.

Bishop Palmer Buckle said on November 1992, Pope John Paul II elevated the Diocese of Accra to the status of Metropolitan Archdiocese and created the Ecclesiastical Province of Accra to include the dioceses of the then Keta-Ho and Koforidua.

He said there were many landmarks on the premises of the Cathedral including the building of the Millennium Guest House, a four-storey complex of guest rooms, conference and meeting facilities. He said to date there were 9,787 people, who have been baptised, 7,341 have received first Holy Communion, 4,617 were confirmed and 1,304 received holy matrimony.

Bishop Palmer Buckle took over as Archbishop in May 2005 from the Most Reverend Dominic Kwesi Andoh, who had reached the canonical retiring age. 24 Aug 05