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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims walking the final kilometres to Our Lady of Lourdes grotto. They carry along with their food and camping equipment.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Rosaries and other religious trinkets displayed for sale at the of the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Calendars displayed for sale at the of the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims climb a hill to the statue of Maria, mother of Jesus, the centerpiece of worship at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims carry a small statue of Maria to the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
A priest hears a confession of a young man at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims kneel in prayer during a service at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
A priest preaches during a service at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims dance and sing during a welcome service at the annual pilgrimage in Kpando Agbenoxoe in the Volta Region of Ghana.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims touch a giant statue of Maria to pray, the mother of Jesus
the centrepiece of worship at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Women light their candle at an altar at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Women pray under a giant statue of Maria to pray, the mother of Jesus
the centrepiece of worship at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
A young woman stare at the under a giant statue of Maria to pray, the mother of Jesus, the centrepiece of worship at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims touch a giant statue of Maria to pray, the mother of Jesus
the centrepiece of worship at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
A young woman reads the bible at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims spend the night on the ground at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
Pilgrims at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto during the final service of the annual pilgrimage.
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© 2021 Nipah Dennis
A giant statue of Maria, the mother of Jesus, which serves as an integral part of the pilgrimage at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto.
Public Story
Coming To Maria
Credits:
nipah dennis
Updated: 07/31/20
Our Lady of Lourdes grotto is a replica of a famous grotto in France of the same name. The sacred place is situated at Kpando Agbenoxoe in the Volta Region of Ghana. The site holds an annual pilgrimage for Christians from Ghana and neighbouring countries who seek spiritual nourishment, growth, and breakthroughs in their lives. It is held shortly before the end of the year and draws a large number of congregants to the site. The centrepiece of worship is a giant statue of Maria, the mother of Jesus, which serves as an integral part of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims honour the image as well as asking for intersection for their lives.
I first visited the place nine years ago when I was in high school, but only to witness the much talked about event in the region. Catholic activities fascinate me—their peaceful nature. My younger self wanted to be a Catholic.
In 2019, with a camera and some questions, I sought to uncover the idea of faith, activities of the sacred place and its contribution to the lives of pilgrims.