Ghana Bishops begin preparation for the Jubilee

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has officially inaugurated the Year of Prayer in the country in preparation for the celebration of the Jubilee 2025.

Most Rev Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani Diocese and President of the GCBC, did so during the opening Mass of the Conference’s May Plenary Assembly, held at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra, Ghana, from 7-13 May.

In his address, Bishop Gyamfi reminded the faithful that not only does 2025 mark a very important year in the life of the Universal Church, but the current year - 2024 - is also a time of grace, given that Pope Francis has declared it to be a ‘Year of Prayer’.

The bishop expressed the hope that God’s people would be inspired and encouraged to pray with simplicity and humility in accordance with Christ’s heart and that the celebration of the Year of Prayer would lead to a daily renewal of the joy and commitment of all Catholics to become men and women of prayer.

The GCBC President described the upcoming Jubilee year as a kairos: a special time of God’s grace, favour and blessing. He explained: ”It coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first Christological Council of the Church, as well as the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, the last Ecumenical Council of the Church.”

In his address, he encouraged all priests, religious, consecrated persons and lay people in Ghana to participate fully, actively and consciously in all the celebrations that will be planned for the Year of Prayer 2024 and the Jubilee Year 2025.

The first step will be the recitation of the Jubilee Prayer, which has been printed and distributed by the National Planning Committee of the Jubilee Year 2025 and will be prayed at Masses.