Archbishop Palmer-Buckle Celebrates Triple Anniversary
Cape Coast — A three-day celebration of faith, service and gratitude, spanning Friday to Sunday, climaxed with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Francis de Sales Cathedral as clergy, traditional authorities and the faithful honoured Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle on his triple anniversary.
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, who is also Patron of St. Augustine’s College, marked three significant milestones — his 75th birthday, 49 years of priesthood and 33 years of episcopal ordination.
The celebrations commenced on Friday with a special Thanksgiving Liturgy for Priests and Religious at the St. Peter’s Regional Seminary Chapel.
The prayerful gathering brought together Priests and Consecrated Men and Women for reflection, thanksgiving and recommitment to the Church’s mission. Archbishop Palmer-Buckle expressed profound gratitude to God for the gift of vocation and called on Clergy and Religious to remain faithful, united and synodal in their service.
On Saturday, attention shifted to St. Augustine’s College, Cape Coast, where a candlelight procession and Marian devotion drew large numbers of Clergy, students, alumni and lay faithful. The atmosphere was one of joy and deep spirituality, as participants gave thanks for the Archbishop’s long years of pastoral leadership and mentorship, particularly in Catholic education.
The celebrations culminated on Sunday with a grand Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. The Mass was attended by an impressive assembly of clergy and dignitaries, including Bishop Emeritus Joseph Francis Kweku Essien of the Wiawso Diocese, who delivered the homily, Bishop Gabriel Edoe Kumordji, SVD, of the Keta-Akatsi Diocese, and the Anglican Bishop of Cape Coast, The Right Rev. Dr. Victor Reginald Atta-Baffoe. Papal Knights and Dames were also present.
Traditional leaders added cultural significance to the occasion, notably Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, Chief of Cape Coast, and Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Paramount Chief of Essikado.
A particularly moving moment during the celebration was the presence of one of Archbishop Palmer-Buckle’s former teachers, who was invited to share personal reflections on the life and character of the celebrant.
Recounting his formative years, the teacher spoke warmly about the Archbishop’s discipline, humility and early signs of leadership. The brief but heartfelt remarks deeply touched the congregation and drew warm applause.
The liturgy featured readings from Isaiah (42:1-4, 6-7), Acts of the Apostles (10:34-38) and the Gospel according to Matthew (3:13-17). The responsorial psalm was sung in Fante: “Ewuradze dze asomdwee behyira ne man” — “The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
Among the many guests were Dr. Ernest Anthony Osei, APSU Global President, and Mr. Joseph Connel, former Headmaster of St. Augustine’s College, alongside Clergy, family members, friends and well-wishers from across the country.
The three-day celebration stood as a profound testament to Archbishop Palmer-Buckle’s decades of faithful priestly and episcopal service, his influence as a teacher and mentor, and his enduring contribution to the Church and Ghanaian society.
