Our Lady of Lourdes grotto is named after a famous grotto in France. This sacred place can be found in Kpando Agbenoxoe in the Volta Region of Ghana. It is this site that holds the annual pilgrimage for Christians from Ghana and from neighbouring countries who go to seek spiritual nourishment, growth, and breakthroughs in their lives.
This pilgrimage is held shortly before the end of the year, mostly around December. It draws large numbers of congregants to the site. The centrepiece of worship is a giant statue of Maria, mother of Jesus, whose presence serves as an integral part of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims honour the image and then ask that it intercede in their lives.
I first visited this site nine years ago when I was in high school, to witness this most spoken about pilgrimage. This was partly because Catholic activities and modes of worship fascinated me then- still does now- particularly for their peaceful nature. My younger self wanted to be Catholic for this reason.
In 2019, with a camera, and a lot of curiosity, I returned to the Lady of Lourdes Grotto to attempt to explore the roles that faith, worship and hope played in the lives of the pilgrims through this annual journey.
