In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church in the Ahafo Region, the faithful of St. Joseph’s Parish, Bechem, gathered in their numbers to celebrate a century of vibrant Catholic faith, tireless evangelization, and enduring community life. The centenary celebration, held under the inspiring theme “Celebrating 100 Years: Honouring the Past, Appreciating the Present, and Embracing the Future,” brought together clergy, religious, traditional authorities, government officials, and the lay faithful in a powerful convergence of memory, gratitude, and renewed mission.
St. Joseph’s Parish, Bechem traces its origins to 1926 when about twenty devoted pioneers began gathering for worship, initially meeting in homes and travelling to nearby stations before eventually securing land for a permanent church despite early resistance. Through the dedicated efforts of missionaries such as Fr. Fisher and Fr. Gerrit Van de Leeuw, the Church took firm root and grew steadily, leading to the establishment of a Catholic school in 1934 and its elevation as a key mission centre in the Ahafo area. The parish experienced significant expansion under long-serving priests like Fr. Joseph Mulders, who spearheaded the development of churches, schools, and social services across a vast region. Over the decades, St. Joseph’s Parish has remained a foundational pillar of Catholic faith and education in Ahafo, nurturing generations of faithful and contributing immensely to both spiritual growth and community development.
A Historic Gathering
The grand climax of the centenary celebrations took place on Saturday, 2nd May 2026, at St. Joseph’s Parish, Bechem — an event marked by both solemn dignity and vibrant cultural and liturgical expressions.
Among the distinguished dignitaries present were the Bechem Omanhene, Nana Asiwobour Osei Bonsu III, and the Bechem Hemaa, Nana Adwoa Por Dwamena Serwaa II, whose presence highlighted the deep and longstanding bond between the Church and traditional authority in the area.
Also in attendance were the Member of Parliament for Tano South,Hon. Charles Asiedu, and the Ahafo Regional Minister,Hon. Charity Gardner and many other government officials. Their participation underscored the enduring collaboration between Church, state, and traditional leadership — a partnership that has significantly contributed to the development of the Bechem community over the past century.
The occasion featured colourful cultural displays, uplifting liturgical music, and the presentation of awards to individuals and groups whose dedication has sustained the parish through the decades. It was a moment of deep pride, reflective gratitude, and communal joy.
Thanksgiving Mass and Sacrament of Confirmation
The celebrations culminated on Sunday, 3rd May 2026, with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass — the spiritual high point of the centenary. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Goaso, Most Rev. Peter Kwaku Atuahene, whose pastoral presence lent profound liturgical significance to the occasion.
A defining highlight of the Mass was the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation to over 150 confirmandi, largely drawn from the youth of St. Joseph’s Parish. In a stirring homily, Bishop Atuahene urged the newly confirmed to become courageous witnesses of Christ, firmly rooted in faith and empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged them to take up active and meaningful roles in both the Church and society.
The solemn rite — marked by the laying on of hands and the anointing with sacred chrism — brought a palpable sense of spiritual renewal and hope to the entire congregation. For many, it stood as the most moving moment of the celebration: a powerful sign that the Church, while honouring its past, is confidently consecrating its future.
Gratitude and Renewed Commitment
The Parish Priest, Fr. Elisha Manu, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bishop, priests, religious, traditional authorities, government representatives, and parishioners for their unwavering support throughout the centenary year. He reminded the faithful that while the celebration marks a century of faith, it also calls for a renewed commitment to mission and service.
As the celebrations drew to a close, the faithful of St. Joseph’s Parish, Bechem, departed with hearts filled with gratitude and a strengthened sense of purpose. The centenary stands not merely as a commemoration of the past, but as a springboard into a new era — one defined by deeper evangelisation, stronger unity, and sustained growth within the Goaso Diocese.
— Report by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adu-Gyamfi
Depsocom Office,Goaso