Over 800 faithful from across the eight Mainland Parishes of the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, last Sunday gathered at the Catholic Church at Bebusu, a pilgrimage Centre to celebrate the Divine Mercy Sunday.
The three-day long celebration commenced on the evening of Friday, April 25, 2025, and was climaxed by a Solemn Holy Mass on Sunday April 27.
The climax Mass was officiated by the Very Rev. Fr. Bernard Adjei Appiah, SVD, Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom, who stood in for the Bishop who was on different assignments outside the Vicariate.
The Mass was concelebrated by other Priests of the Vicariate.
In a homily during the Mass of the Divine Mercy, Fr. Adjei enjoined the faithful to enjoy God’s loving mercy to become dispensers of mercy to one another.
Reflecting on the Gospel where the Risen Lord appeared to the Apostles who had locked themselves in, out of fear, the Priest opined that the Apostles had not only locked the doors, but had also locked themselves in their hearts, burdened by a sense of failure.
Adding, he said that Jesus, out of his infinite love and mercy, instead of reprimanding his disciples for their infidelity, offered them mercy by showering Peace upon them.
God’s mercy, he continued, “gives joy; the joy of knowing that we have been freely forgiven.
“Also, it grants us forgiveness, as well as offers us comfort, in times of difficulty,”he intimated.
The Cathedral Administrator advised Christians especially Catholics to always avail themselves of a good Confession when they feel like failures, and the God who “pardons us, embraces us, and raises us up without humiliating us” will grant them His mercy.
He charged the faithful to go on and be missionaries of mercy, forgiving one another as God has forgiven them in Christ, and the Holy Spirit will always accompany them.
However, he urged the faithful to have profound and personal experience of Christ’s saving love, mercy and forgiveness, in order to be true and effective agents or dispensers of mercy and Reconciliation.
He further urged all the faithful, who are also Christ’s Disciples, by virtue of their Baptism, to practice mercy in their dealings with one another.
According to Fr. Adjei, Christians must take advantage of the love and mercy received, and practice same with one another, starting from the home.
“You must avoid gossiping, hurting and castigating one another,” he stated.
Adding , he said “Live your Catholicism as beautifully and colourfully as you appear in your nice and colourful dresses.”
He further reiterated that in the midst of crisis and difficulties, the Divine Mercy makes Christians aware of his presence.
Fr. Adjei on behalf of the Bishop extended gratitude to all who had made the three-day pilgrimage at Bebusu, a great success.
He commended the planning committee members, and Rev. Fr. Akrereke Coleman Getor, CSSp, Parish Priest of St. Theresa Parish Samenhyia, under which Bebusu falls, together with his Parishioners for the organisation of the pilgrimage.
He also extended the Chief Shepherd’s greetings to all the faithful, saying that “his spirit and support is with us”.
Dignitaries present at the Mass were ACP/Mr. Christopher Klomegah, Police Divisional Commander for Afram Plains, resident in Donkorkrom and Mad. Dzorkpe Justine, Assembly Woman for Bebusu.
Also present were a number of Religious women from across the Vicariate, among other faithful.
Activities for the three-day pilgrimage programme included a Requiem Mass for the Holy Father, on Saturday 26th, on the Bebusu mountain, Talks, and appeal for funds for the development of the Bebusu Grotto, among others.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate)
