Honoring a Founder: St Patrick Parish Blesses Bust of Fr Patrick Ryan, SJ

St Patrick Catholic Church, Dome-Kwabenya, marked a significant milestone in its history last Sunday with the blessing of a bust commemorating its founder, Fr Patrick Ryan, SJ. The ceremony formed part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of St Patrick’s elevation to parish status.

The bust stands as a lasting tribute to Fr Ryan and his contribution to the Catholic community that has grown over the years into a thriving parish. What began as a community under his pastoral care has continued to develop, leaving a legacy of faith and service that remains visible in the life of the parish today.

The blessing ceremony was presided over by the Most Reverend John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, Archbishop of Accra, with the Most Reverend Joseph Osei-Bonsu, Emeritus Bishop of Konongo-Mampong, assisting him.

Also present at the ceremony were Jesuits representing the Society of Jesus: Fr John Ghansah, SJ, Fr Bernard Jado, SJ, and Fr Kpanie Addy, SJ. Their presence underscored the continuing connection between the parish and the Society of Jesus, whose ministry has been part of the community’s story from its beginnings.

For the parish community, the occasion was more than the unveiling and blessing of a monument. It was an opportunity to remember with gratitude one of those whose pastoral commitment helped lay the foundations for what St Patrick Parish has become. The bust now provides a visible reminder to parishioners and visitors of the people whose dedication contributed to the community’s journey.

The celebration also brought together different generations of the Church’s pastoral history in Ghana. Among those present was Bishop Osei-Bonsu, who had known Fr Ryan personally from their years together at the University of Ghana, Legon, where they lectured and were involved in the university chaplaincy.

Reflecting on those years, Bishop Osei-Bonsu recalled with characteristic humor the different areas of specialization of three priests who were involved in the academic and chaplaincy life of the university: Fr Patrick Ryan, who specialized in Islam; Fr Ivan Yangyouru, a sociologist whose specialization was criminology; and Bishop Osei-Bonsu himself, whose field was New Testament Exegesis.

Bishop Osei-Bonsu would jokingly describe the trio by saying that among the three priests serving at Legon, one was a Muslim, another was a criminal, and finally one was a Christian—a playful reference to their respective academic specializations rather than their faith or character.

Ten years after its elevation to parish status, St Patrick Catholic Church continues to grow. The newly blessed bust of Fr Patrick Ryan, SJ, will now stand among the parish’s visible landmarks, inviting future generations to remember its beginnings and to give thanks for the faith, dedication, and pastoral service that helped build the community they inherit today.