GHANA CATHOLIC MISSION- HAMBURG

The desire to bring all Ghanaian Catholics living in Hamburg together, to worship under one roof using a common language was  welling up in a number of prominent Ghanaians. These persons, unknown to each other, had independently made contacts with the then Auxiliary Bishop of Osnabrück, Most Rev. Karl- August Siegel. The state of Hamburg was then a part of the Diocese of Osnabrück. This contact and good relations with the Auxiliary Bishop, led to a few correspondence. These individuals were Late John Appiah-Manu   (who   later became   one of   the first   Catechists   of   the   Mission)   and   Mr.   Frank Mensah. Their desire and plans culminated in the activities that led to the first Mass with the Bishop in St Sophien Catholic Church. Thus, on 30th October 1982, a   Holy Mass was celebrated at St Sophien, Barmbek with the Auxiliary Bishop of Osnabrück as the chief celebrant and others priests in attendance. They are Rev. Fr. Paul Bemile, a Ghanaian priest student studying in Rendsburg (who later became the Bishop of Wa Diocese in the Upper West  Region of Ghana), Rev. Fr.  Mattänus, Rev. Fr. Johannes and almost a hundred   Ghanaian   Catholics   from   all   over   Hamburg.   This   Holy   Mass   is   believed   to   be   the establishment of the then Ghana Catholic Society, which later became Ghana Catholic Mission.

The members began with meeting monthly for Sunday Masses, and then fortnightly. At this moment, it meets weekly with various weekly activities aside the Holy Mass.  After the Holy Mass, there was a meeting of all the Ghanaians where they discussed issues that will promote their growth, welfare and development in Germany. There was also discussion on how to assist each other in time of need, help each other get jobs, accommodation and the necessary staying permit. The members also agreed to make regular contributions to support the new Mission, themselves and poor people in Ghana. Also, elections were held and a number of them were elected to lead the new ‘Society’.   

Since its inception, the Spiritual guidance of the Mission was undertaken by Fr. Paul Bemile. After he left, it was undertaken by various SVD priests, such as Rev. Fr. Bernhard Rackers, SVD, Rev. Fr. William Escalanter and others. In 2011, the Dominicans from the Province of St Joseph the Worker, Nigeria and Ghana began taking full responsibility of the Mission. It began with Rev. Fr. Anthony Amoako-Attah, OP and then followed by its current Chaplain. The Mission continues to meet at St Sophien, Barmbek.   

Since   its   establishment,   the   Ghana   Catholic   Mission   has   experienced   tremendous   growth, numerically, spiritually and in other areas. God has been faithful and blessed her with second and third   Generation   of   Catholics.   The   Sacraments   are   celebrated   regularly   with   very   encouraging attendance. The Mission as part of its corporeal works of mercy, has been undertaking various charity projects in Ghana. These include, drilling of Bore-holes, providing School and teaching materials for various deprived communities in Ghana, hospital equipment, building of Churches and many other charitable activities. Members of the community who are in need are not left out. It is our prayer that the Community will grow and her members will love God deeply and themselves more. That the younger generation will be more involved in the activities of the Church so that they can take over from their parents.