The Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp has urged 80 candidates seeking the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Tema Community 1, to remain faithful to the Catholic Church and to live as committed adult Christians.
Presenting the candidates, the Parish Priest informed the Archbishop that the confirmandi had been adequately prepared through catechism, participation in the sacramental life of the Church, meditation on the Word of God, retreats, and Christian service.
He testified, together with their parents and godparents, that the candidates were ready to receive the sacrament.
In his address, Archbishop Kofi described Confirmation as a public declaration of faith and commitment, reminding the candidates that to seek Confirmation is to declare oneself an “adult Christian” and a “soldier of Christ,” ready to defend the Catholic faith.
“Anybody who is 13 years and above and is sitting there without asking for confirmation, it is not good at all,” the Archbishop said, stressing that Confirmation is the Church’s recognition of maturity in faith. “This is the only way you can express that you are ready to fight for your faith, fight in the right sense.”
While speaking with humour, the Archbishop also expressed deep concern about faithfulness after Confirmation. Referring to the large number of candidates, he warned against the temptation of leaving the Catholic Church for other congregations.
“Two years to come, 80 people, would you all still be Catholics?” he asked. “When I hear, someone has gone to a church on the mountain because of preaching, I become very sad. In the Catholic Church, the Gospel is taken from everywhere. We don’t need to prepare entertainment for faith.”
Standing before the cross, Archbishop Kofi cautioned the candidates against making empty promises. “If you tell lies in front of this cross, Jesus is looking at you,” he said, reminding them that Christ died for their sins and calls them to remain faithful.
Addressing godparents, he emphasised their responsibility beyond the ceremony, noting that faithfulness depends on God’s grace and continued guidance. He encouraged them to celebrate Confirmation meaningfully, recalling his experience in The Gambia, where the entire community rejoices and godparents take an active role in celebrating and supporting the newly confirmed.
Before proceeding, the Archbishop sought affirmation from the parish priest, godparents, and the entire assembly that the candidates were ready. Turning finally to the confirmandi, he asked them directly if they were prepared to receive the sacrament.
He concluded by leading the congregation in the song, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back,” underscoring his central message: Confirmation is not an end, but a lifelong commitment to follow Christ faithfully within the Catholic Church.
By: Vanessa Kekeli Yeboah//Newswatchgh.com
