The Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, with the Priests and Religious in the Diocese of Sunyani celebrated a Mass in memory of the deceased Priests, Religious and relatives, at the St. James Minor Seminary and Senior High School, Abesim.
In his homily on November 7, 2024, the Bishop admonished the Priests and Religious not to hide their grief for their loved ones because if they do it may do more harm than good.
He pointed out that Jesus, after his resurrection, was not ashamed of his wounds of death but openly showed them to his disciples, that they should not be ashamed of showing their grief. He added that where there is love there is pain, therefore anyone who has not addressed their grief properly should do so.
He further encouraged the Priests and Religious not to regard their deceased relatives as dead, because Christ has broken the chains of death.
Bishop Gyamfi gave his condolences to all who were bereaved in the course of the year. Speaking further, he encouraged all to be in good terms with their relatives, because it becomes more painful when you have an unsettled issue with a deceased relative. “Do not create enemies for yourself; the time to correct and make amends is now” he added.
In his final remarks after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Bishop encouraged the Priests to acquire lands to be used mainly for Catholic cemeteries. He requested that our cemeteries should be clean, to reflect our hope in the resurrection of the dead.
He further stated that records of our deceased relatives should be kept such that they will be able to identify the graves of our deceased relatives.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicator)
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