OPENING MASS OF THE ACCRA VERSION OF WORLD YOUTH DAY AT ST. ANDREW CATHOLIC CHURCH, KORDIABE ON NOVEMBER 21, 2025
HOMILY BY BISHOP JOHN KOBINA LOUIS
Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: 1 Maccabees 4:36–37, 52–59; Luke 19:45–48
Theme: “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me.” (John 15:27)
- Introduction
My dear Catholic youth, today we gather with joy and hope for our own Accra version of World Youth Day—a day when the Church listens to the heartbeat of her young people and invites them to walk closely with Jesus. Providentially, this opening Mass falls on the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the first disciple, the first believer, and the first witness of Jesus Christ.
The readings today call us to renewal, to consecration, and to a youthful zeal that purifies our hearts and sets us on fire for mission. Jesus is calling each of you—students, apprentices, workers, seekers, dreamers—to be His witnesses, not only in church but in your homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. And He gives you a perfect model: His Mother, Mary, who from childhood learned to make her whole life a living temple for God.
- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a Child
According to the Tradition of our Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary, even as a little girl, was offered to God in the Temple. She became, from her earliest years, a pure space where God could dwell. Think of Mary as a young Ghanaian girl—humble, quiet, prayerful, obedient, ready to serve. She grew up not with riches, but with faith. She learned to listen before she spoke, and to pray before she acted.
Mary’s childhood teaches us something powerful:
Holiness can begin early. A sense of vocation can begin early. Witnessing to Jesus begins from youth.
Before she ever said “Yes” to the angel at the Annunciation, Mary had already formed a heart that could recognize God and respond to Him.
Dear Catholic youth, if God could prepare Mary as a child, then your youthful years —your dreams, your talents, your struggles, your friendships— are sacred grounds. God wants to begin great things in you now.
- Blessed Virgin Mary’s Consecration Like a Holy Temple of God
In the first reading, we hear of the purification and rededication of the Temple after it had been defiled. Judas Maccabeus and his brothers clean the Temple, rebuild the altar, and restore worship. The Temple became once again a place where God’s presence was honoured.
In the Gospel, Jesus enters the Temple and drives out the traders. He refuses to allow God’s house to be reduced to noise, greed, cheat, or distraction. Jesus protects the sacred space so that God’s Word can be heard clearly and people can lift up their hearts to God in prayer.
What the Maccabees did by restoring the Temple, and what Jesus did by cleansing it, God did in an even more beautiful way in Mary. She became a living Temple—a place undefiled, a heart open, a soul full of grace. Mary allowed God to dwell in her fully, without compromise, without corruption, without distraction.
Just as the Temple needed cleansing, our lives sometimes need cleansing—removing whatever distracts, pollutes, or weakens our witness:
• peer pressure
• hidden sins
• double lives
• addictions
• gossip and disrespect
• spiritual laziness
• fear of standing for Christ
Mary shows us what it means to let God purify our hearts and make us His dwelling place.
- Mary’s Consecration as a Model for Catholic Youth to be with the Lord Jesus (cf. John 15:27)
Jesus tells us in the theme for this World Youth Day:
“You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (John 15:27).
To witness for Jesus, you must first be with Jesus. Before mission comes intimacy. Before testimony comes friendship. Mary is the perfect example of this truth.
Mary was with Jesus before He was born.
She was with Him in Nazareth, in silence.
She was with Him in Cana, in trust.
She was with Him at Calvary, in courage.
She was with Him in the Upper Room, in prayer.
Her witness came from her companionship with Jesus.
Young people, being with Jesus today means:
• daily prayer—even short moments
• reading Scripture
• participating actively in Mass
• avoiding sin and embracing virtue
• keeping good company
• listening to the Holy Spirit
• loving the Church, even when it is difficult
Mary teaches you: You cannot witness to someone you do not know. So, stay close to Jesus.
- Catholic Youth in Ghana as Co-Witnesses of Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit
At the Last Supper, our Lord Jesus told His disciples: “when the Counselor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:26–27). So, while the Holy Spirit witnesses to Jesus in the world, Jesus calls us to also witness to Him. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is not only the Supreme Witness, but inspires, enables, guides, accompanies and magnifies our witnesses.
So, dear Catholic youth, Jesus is telling you today:
“Do not be afraid. You can be my witnesses. You have my Spirit.”
To be co-witnesses with the Holy Spirit means:
- Letting the Spirit guide your choices—friendships, relationships, studies, work.
- Speaking truth in love among your peers.
- Witnessing to Christ on social media.
- Standing for honesty in school and workplaces.
- Showing purity in dating and relationships.
- Becoming peacemakers in your families.
- Serving the poor, the elderly, the neglected.
- Using your talents—music, art, sports, leadership—for God’s glory.
Ghana needs young Catholics who are humble like Mother Mary, brave like Judas Maccabeus, and passionate like Jesus.
Young people who walk into their schools, universities, apprenticeships, and parishes carrying light—not confusion; faith—not fear; hope—not despair.
The Spirit is calling you.
The Church is counting on you.
Christ is sending you.
You are not just future leaders—you are present witnesses.
- Conclusion
My dear young people, today the Blessed Virgin Mary stands before you as a Mother, a companion, and a model. From her childhood, she allowed God to make her a holy temple, and from that consecration she became the greatest witness of Christ.
Jesus looks at you today and says:
“You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me.”
May you, like Mother Mary, open your hearts to God’s presence.
May you allow Jesus to cleanse your inner temple.
May you let the Holy Spirit ignite your courage.
And may you become witnesses who transform Ghana—not by noise, but by holiness; not by force, but by love; not by popularity, but by fidelity to Jesus Christ.
Holy Mary, Star of Evangelization, pray for our youth.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for Ghana.
Holy Mary, first Witness of Christ, make us companions of your Son.
Amen.
