Homily for the Dedication of the Marian Grotto of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Adenta, on Saturday 3rd January, 2026
Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6–7; Luke 1:39–45
Introduction
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today is a joyful and grace-filled moment for us as we dedicate this Grotto in honor of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary here in Adenta (Accra) . We gather to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to set apart this sacred place as a space of prayer, reflection, and encounter with God. The Word of God we have heard helps us understand the deeper meaning of what we celebrate today: God’s desire to dwell among His people and to welcome all into His saving love.
1. God’s House will be a house of prayer for all peoples
Through the prophet Isaiah, God declares: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Is. 56:7). This is a powerful reminder that God’s heart is open to everyone—without exclusion. God desires places where all people can come to pray, to seek mercy, and to encounter His presence. This Marian Grotto is not only a structure of stone; it is meant to be a spiritual home where people of every background can lift their hearts to God, find peace, and grow in faith.
2. God will listen to and save those who obey Him
Isaiah also reminds us that God listens to and blesses those who “maintain justice and do what is right” (Is. 56:1). Obedience to God is not merely about rules; it is about living a life aligned with His will—marked by justice, love, and faithfulness. When we choose what is right, when we walk in integrity and compassion, we open our lives to God’s saving power. This Grotto should therefore inspire us not only to pray, but also to live rightly.
3. Mother Mary as God’s House
In the Gospel, we see Mother Mary as the perfect dwelling place of God. She carries within her the overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit and the complete indwelling of Jesus Christ. Mother Mary is truly God’s living house. Her “yes” allowed God to take flesh and dwell among us. As we dedicate this Marian Grotto, we look to Mary as our model—pure, obedient, and fully open to God’s presence in her life.
4. Blessings in the company of Mother Mary: the example of Elizabeth
When Mother Mary visits Elizabeth, blessings overflow. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, and her unborn child leaps for joy. This encounter teaches us that being in the company of Mother Mary brings us closer to Jesus and opens us to God’s blessings. When we come to Mother Mary with faith, she always leads us to her Son. This Grotto, dedicated to her, becomes a place where many will experience encouragement, healing, and renewed faith.
Conclusion
Dear friends, as we dedicate this Marian Grotto, let us also dedicate our hearts anew to God. May this sacred place truly be a house of prayer for all, a reminder to live justly, and a sign of Mother Mary’s loving presence among us. Through her intercession, may we always welcome Christ into our lives and carry Him joyfully to others. Amen.
By Most Rev. John Kobina Louis
