Catholic youth in the Cape Coast Archdiocese are preparing to welcome two powerful sacred symbols of hope and unity as the RECOWA–World Youth Day Cross and the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help journey through the region from 11th to 19th February 2026.

New impulse for youth evangelization

The pilgrimage forms part of the World Youth Day–West Africa (WYD–WA) initiative, instituted by the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) to deepen the faith of young people, strengthen ecclesial communion, and promote peace and unity across the sub‑region. Inspired by the International World Youth Day, the bishops of West Africa have adopted the traditional World Youth Day Cross and Marian icon as visible signs of Christ’s love and Mary’s maternal protection for the youth. As these sacred symbols move from diocese to diocese, they invite young people to gather, pray, listen to God’s word, and renew their commitment to live as authentic witnesses of the Gospel in today’s world.

Sacred symbols visiting Cape Coast

In accordance with the approved RECOWA itinerary, the Catholic Archdiocese of Cape Coast has been given the grace to host the WYD Cross and the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from 11th to 19th February 2026. During this period, the symbols will be on pilgrimage across key parishes, communities, and schools in the Archdiocese, allowing many young people, families, and clergy to encounter them up close.

The itinerary for the Archdiocese is as follows:

– Wednesday–Thursday, 11th–12th February: OLA/Cathedral (Cathedral)

– Thursday–Friday, 12th–13th February: Abura

– Friday–Saturday, 13th–14th February: Nkanfoa, Pedu and Fourth Ridge (Pedu)

– Saturday–Sunday, 14th–15th February: Amanful

– Sunday–Monday, 14th–15th February: Holy Child School

– Monday–Tuesday, 16th–17th February: Yamoransa, Moree and Asebu (Yamoransa)

– Tuesday–Wednesday, 17th–18th February: St. Augustine’s College

– Wednesday–Thursday, 18th–19th February: Amisano

This path allows the symbols to touch parish communities, educational institutions, and mission stations, highlighting the central role of youth and schools in the evangelizing mission of the Church.

Evenings of prayer and encounter

At each stop, the Archdiocesan Youth Council has proposed a simple but rich evening programme, usually from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, adapted as needed to the local context. The structure is meant to help participants move gradually from welcome and praise into deeper reflection and personal prayer before the Cross and the Icon.

The outline for the evening sessions is as follows:

– Opening Prayer

– Words of Welcome

– Statement on the Purpose of the Gathering

– Praise and Worship

– One Decade of the Holy Rosary

– Brief Catechetical Reflection on the Holy Cross

– Veneration of the Cross

– Intercessory Prayers (where permitted)

– Offering

– Announcements

– Final Blessing

After the main liturgical moment, the Cross and Icon may remain exposed to allow individuals and small groups to spend quiet time in personal prayer and adoration.

Call to the youth and the faithful

In his letter introducing the itinerary and programme, the Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain, Rev. Fr. James Yaw Nkum, notes that this pilgrimage is a privileged opportunity for the young people of Cape Coast to renew their friendship with Christ and to stand together as instruments of peace and unity in West Africa. The presence of the Cross and the Icon is also an invitation to all the faithful—clergy, religious, and laity—to accompany the youth with prayer, example, and active participation in the various stops of the pilgrimage.d

As the Archdiocese prepares to receive these sacred symbols, the familiar cry “Catholic Youth! … Action in Christ!!” takes on a renewed meaning, calling a new generation to courageous faith and joyful missionary discipleship in the heart of West Africa.