In a bid to improving on the structures of the Shrine complex at Kunkujang Mariama, thousands of Catholics gathered there to open their very big church recently.

In his speech, Rt. Rev. Bishop Robert Ellison said visiting Rome one would see the names of other great Cathedrals around the world listed according to size relative to St Peter’s Basilica. Thus, reminding the pilgrims that no church is larger or longer than St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

There was concern that the Basilica at Yamoussoukro in Cote d’Ivoire might go against that sacred tradition. Bishop Ellison said the construction of the Church, Queen of Peace, had taken many years. He said it involved a lot of planning, hard work, collaboration, money and patience.

He said St. Paul tells the Christian Community at Corinth in their second reading, ‘you are God’s building, the temple in which God dwells through his spirit living in you.

You must not destroy it in any way, because the temple of God is sacred.’ He said Paul uses the word temple to refer to the Christian Community where God dwells in the heart of each believer- which is more sacred place.

Bishop Ellison thanked Fr. Jack Sharp, his family and friends for the magnificent church. “Its size is rather striking. The quality and content of the paintings add something special.” He thanked the Artist, Ella Yates an American. He commented on the beauty of the mother and child drawing at the back.

Bishop says, “The new church building adds another chapter to the ongoing development of the church in Kunkujang.

He said Fr. Jack Sharp it was not a new Parish Church but wants it to belong to the Diocese and be part of the shrine complex. Bishop suggested that one of their Religious congregations would like to take on the management of providing accommodation for prayer and reflection all year round.

Bishop Ellison quoted the artist, Ella, as saying, “These people are the closest people to God I have ever met.”