The Holy Spirit Cathedral in Adabraka became the epicenter of spiritual reflection and celebration during the Accra Archdiocesan Nine Lessons and Carols.

The event was graced by the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, who delivered an inspiring Christmas message centered on the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope: A Year of Discipleship”, drawn from Romans 5:5.

The occasion not only marked the festive season but also provided a platform to introduce Pope Francis’ declaration of 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the universal theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”

The Archdiocese of Accra expanded this theme to emphasize the essential call of Christian discipleship. With theological depth and pastoral care, Most Rev. Louis unpacked the theme, calling all faithful to embrace their journey as pilgrims anchored in hope and discipleship.

In his message, Bishop Louis began by defining key terms to ground the theme's significance.

Pilgrims: He described pilgrims as individuals on a spiritual journey to encounter God, emphasizing that all Christians are pilgrims on the path to the Kingdom of God. He cited Pope Francis, who described the Church as "a pilgrim community that constantly walks toward the Kingdom of God" (Evangelii Gaudium, 24).

Hope: Drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1817), Bishop Louis explained hope as a theological virtue rooted in the desire for eternal life and trust in God’s promises, sustained by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship: He defined discipleship as a lifelong commitment to follow Christ, marked by personal holiness and active participation in the Church’s mission.

Bishop Louis enriched the message by highlighting biblical examples of pilgrims of hope from the from the Christmas narrative:

Mary and Joseph: Their journey to Bethlehem was not merely a response to Caesar Augustus’ census decree but a profound spiritual pilgrimage. It fulfilled Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5:2) and was marked by divine encounters, including the birth of Christ, the visit of the shepherds, and angelic revelations.

“Like Mary and Joseph, let us always be conscious of Christ within us on our journey and remain hopeful of His greater manifestations in our lives,” Bishop Louis urged.

The Shepherds of Bethlehem: Initially unaware that their routine tasks would lead them to a sacred encounter, the shepherds became pilgrims of hope when angels directed them to witness the newborn King (Luke 2:15-16). Bishop Louis encouraged Christians to remain open to encountering God in their daily lives.

The Wise Men: As non-Jews, the wise men’s hope was sparked by a divine revelation through a star. Their journey to Judah, culminating in their worship of the Christ child and their generous offerings, exemplifies diligence, sacrifice, and humility.

“As pilgrims of hope, may we encounter God more through our profession, sacrifice, worship, and generosity,” he said.

Simeon: Simeon, a devout man, exemplified steadfast hope in God’s promises. His frequent pilgrimages to the temple were rewarded with the fulfillment of the divine promise, as he held the infant Christ and proclaimed Him as salvation for all (Luke 2:29-32).

Bishop Louis noted, “Like Simeon, let us be steadfast in our hope, knowing that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

Reflecting on the extended theme, “A Year of Discipleship,” Bishop Louis emphasized that true pilgrims of hope must be disciples of Christ. He presented Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of a pilgrim and disciple:

Christ’s journey to earth was an act of obedience, selfless love, and sacrifice to bring humanity back to God.

His pilgrimage taught Christians about their ultimate destination – the Kingdom of God.
“We should learn from Christ the obedience, humility, and heavenly vision that marked His pilgrimage,” Bishop Louis advised.

Discipleship, the bishop explained, involves perseverance in faith, embracing the challenges of the Christian life, and carrying out Christ’s mission. He referenced Matthew 16:24, calling Christians to take up their crosses and follow Christ.

Hope, he stressed, is essential for discipleship, enabling believers to persevere through trials and serve others in love. Citing Gaudium et Spes, he reminded the faithful of the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel and bring hope to those in need.

Bishop Louis concluded with a stirring call to action. He urged the faithful to reflect on their pilgrimage towards God, sustained by hope and inspired by discipleship. He emphasized that the Jubilee Year is an opportunity to deepen faith, hope, and love, as the Church journeys together toward the eternal Kingdom of God.

“Let us journey as pilgrims of hope, united in faith and love, bearing witness to the Gospel and serving others. May this Christmas and the coming year be filled with the hope that does not disappoint,” he prayed.

The Nine Lessons and Carols featured readings from Scripture interspersed with melodious carols that brought the Christmas story to life. The event left attendees spiritually uplifted and inspired to embrace the Jubilee Year with renewed commitment to hope and discipleship.

The bishop ended his message by wishing all a Merry Christmas and a hope-filled New Year, urging them to carry the light of Christ into the world.

The event was a reminder that Christmas is not only a celebration of Christ’s birth but also a call to embark on a spiritual journey of hope and discipleship, following the example of the Divine Pilgrim Himself.