The Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Coast, formerly the Catholic Archdiocese of the Gold Coast, has joyfully climaxed its Double Jubilee Celebration, marking 75 years since its elevation to an Archdiocese and celebrating the Universal Jubilee of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis. The colourful two-day celebration took place from October 24th to 25th 2025 under the theme: Pilgrims of Hope – Let Your Light Shine.
The then Diocese of the Gold Coast was raised to the status of an Archdiocese by Pope Pius XII on April 18, 1950, with four suffragan dioceses: Keta, Accra, Tamale and Kumasi.
Arrival of the Papal Envoy
The celebration began on Thursday, October 24, with the arrival of the Papal Envoy, His Eminence Wilfrid Fox Cardinal Napier, OFM, Emeritus Archbishop of Durban, South Africa. Upon arrival at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, His Eminence prayed at the entrance of the church and incensed the tomb of Most Rev. John Kwodwo Amissah, the first Ghanaian bishop.
In his welcome address, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Annan, thanked God for the safe arrival of the Papal Envoy and his team, praying for divine blessings upon their mission in Cape Coast.
A Historic Moment
The Host Archbishop, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, expressed gratitude to the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, for sending Cardinal Napier to represent him at the celebration. He recalled that since 1950, the Archdiocese has been shepherded by five Archbishops: Most Rev. William T. Porter, Most Rev. John Kwodwo Amissah, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, Most Rev. Matthias Kobina Nketsiah (Emeritus), and himself.
Archbishop Palmer-Buckle also explained the Jubilee theme and presented the Papal Envoy with symbolic
Jubilee paraphernalia.
Cardinal Napier, who has known Archbishop Palmer-Buckle for many years, expressed his joy at representing the Holy Father, noting that “although the Holy Father would have loved to be present, he has sent me to convey his blessings and prayers for the Archdiocese.”
The short service concluded with the hymn “Praise to the Holiest” and a blessing from the Papal Envoy.
Courtesy Call on the Oguaamanhen
Cardinal Napier and his entourage later paid a courtesy call on Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen, at the Emintsimadze Palace. Welcoming the delegation, the Chief emphasised the importance of putting God first in all endeavours and urged that the Jubilee should serve as a unifying force.
He presented the Cardinal with a Kente cloth, traditional sandals, and symbols of Cape Coast. In response, Cardinal Napier expressed gratitude and asked the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore, to offer prayers for the Chief, the people of Oguaa Traditional Area, and the Central Region.
In the evening, a pilgrims’ candlelight procession was held from St. Joseph Catholic Church, Amanful and Pedu Junction to St. Augustine’s College Park, culminating in Eucharistic Adoration led by Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, with reflections by Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Enyimful.
Colourful Climax
The climax on Saturday, October 25, began with a grand procession of priests, bishops and the main celebrant, accompanied by traditional dancers from the Volta Region.
In his address, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle welcomed Cardinal Napier, Cardinal Turkson, Archbishop Kabore, bishops from across Ghana, government officials, religious leaders, traditional authorities, papal knights, and the faithful for joining the historic celebration.
The Nuncio, H.E. Most Rev. Julien Kabore, read the Mandatum in Latin and English before Cardinal Napier delivered his homily.
Homily: “Remember the Past, Live the Present, Build the Future”
In his sermon, Cardinal Napier called on the faithful to “remember the past and live the present with enthusiasm.” He reminded them that the creation of the Archdiocese 75 years ago had been instrumental in spreading the Catholic faith across Ghana through pastoral care, healthcare, and education.
He urged bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful to embrace the synodal spirit of the Church, rooted in communion, participation and mission. Quoting Acts 2:43–46, 1 Peter 3:9, and John 15:12–17, the Cardinal encouraged all to let their light shine, starting from the family unit to the wider community and the world.
Messages and Final Blessing
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio, Osabarima Dr. Kwesi Atta II, the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC), and Hon. Eduamoh Ekow Panyin Okyere, representing the Government of Ghana.
The celebration concluded with a Call to Mission led by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, symbolised by lighted candles representing the faithful’s commitment to shine their light in the world.
Cardinal Napier, imparted the Final Blessing, bringing the memorable Double Jubilee celebration to a close.
More than 25 bishops, 200 priests, 600 religious, and over 10,000 lay faithful from across the country and beyond participated in the event.
