Bishop Asiedu Entrusts WASSCE Candidates to Mary’s Immaculate Heart
For the first time in its history, the Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate has celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with WASSCE candidates from various Senior High Schools across the Vicariate.
The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. John Alphonse Asiedu, SVD, Bishop of the Vicariate, at the Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy Grotto in Bebusu, an outstation of the St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, Samanhyia, in the Afram Plains.
In his homily, Bishop Asiedu explained that the feast is celebrated on the Saturday following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which occurs on the second Friday after Pentecost. He traced the origins of the title, noting that while it was previously known by several names—such as the Pure Heart, Holy Heart, or Sacred Heart of Mary—the term”Immaculate Heart of Mary” eventually gained widespread usage.
He highlighted the symbolic significance of the heart as the seat of love, affection, and the deepest reality of a person. “When we suffer emotionally, we speak of heartache or heartbreak. To encourage, we say ‘take heart’. To engage sincerely, we say ‘heart-to-heart’. Similarly, a hard-hearted person is seen as unteachable or cruel,” he explained.
Drawing parallels, he described the heart of Mary as pure, sacred, and immaculate—mirroring that of her Son, Jesus. “Mary’s heart is the cradle of Christian meditation on the mysteries of Christ. All His sufferings in the body, she bore in her heart. Her interior unity with Christ is central to our faith,” he noted.
Bishop Asiedu encouraged the students and faithful to see Mary as a model of faith, interiority, and discipleship. “She teaches us how to make room for God in our hearts, to live by His Word, and to be fully available to Him.”
He cautioned against speaking ill of the Blessed Mother, warning, “May it never happen that a word of blasphemy against the Holy Mother arise in our hearts or fall from our lips.”
The Bishop entrusted all students preparing for the WASSCE to the maternal love and protection of Mary, praying for their success and good health of mind and body.
Concelebrants at the Mass included: Rev. Frs. Leopold Ettuh, Chancellor of the Vicariate and Chaplain of St. Mary’s Voc/Tech SHS, Adeemmra; Michael Awuah Ansah, Chaplain of St. Fidelis SHTS, Tease; Akrereke Coleman Getor, Parish Priest of St. Theresa Parish, Samanhyia; John Felix Formedza Awaitey Jnr., Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Amankwakrom and Youth Chaplain/Vocations Director and Gabriel Eddo Gyamfi, Assisting Priest at St. Fidelis Parish, Tease.
Speaking after the Mass, Rev. Fr. Michael Awuah, announced that the celebration would become an annual event, alternating between Bebusu and Maame Krobo. He also revealed plans for an annual Mass with the Bishop at the Cathedral every February on the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, patron saint of students.
Beginning next year, a similar celebration will be organised for BECE candidates, making it another annual fixture on the Vicariate’s liturgical calendar.
The day’s activities also included: Rosary procession from Bebusu Church to the Grotto, Blessing of WASSCE candidates and their writing materials, Confessions and spiritual talks, A talk titled Elements of Success at School and Beyond and Praise and worship sessions, and social interaction.
From Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom)
