The World Youth Day (WYD) climax in the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua was marked at St Joseph Catholic Church, Akuse, in the Eastern region with a call on the youth to arise to achieve their individual purposes and support goals for the Church
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, the Most Rev. Joseph Afrifa-Agyekum in his homily, said “For you as youth, you must arise, you can’t achieve anything if you sit.”
The Youth and Vocations’ Director, Rev. Fr. Peter Gregory Oduro Owusu, in his address called on the youth to abide by the theme for the year; “ARISE, bear witness to Jesus, the King by your lives.”
He summarised the Pope’s message to the youth in the acronym ARISE, and further explained the demands of the Holy Father from the youth;
A: Attitude – shape your character and have a good attitude towards Church activities.
R: Relationship – Have a personal relationship with God and testify to love and respect in all human relationships be it in dialogue with your parents, children, friends or the elderly.
I: Industrious – be hardworking to achieve your goals in life; “you want all the good things in life, yet you are not prepared to work hard for it.”
S: Service – “Be serviceable to the church.” He bemoaned how many young ones give all their time to social media than they give for the things of the Church.
E: Economical – manage your resources effectively and efficiently, and invest wisely.
The WYD which fell on the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe was move by Pope Francis from Palm Sunday to Sunday, Solemnity of Christ the King.
Meanwhile, Bishop Afrifah-Agyekum after the Mass cut sod for the commencement of the building of the Holy Family Quasi Parish, Akuse.
He admonished the parishioners to commit resources in supporting the Church leaders to finish the project on time. To quote him; “I pray we would be quite generous to the realisation of the project thanks for the patience in following due process.”
The Bishop urged leaders of the church and societies to serve one another as Christ did. It is important, he said, to understand that whatever position given to us, we must serve the people in humility.
He further pointed out that Jesus’s kingship was one of humility and service. For him, it is interesting to know that the throne of Jesus is a cross. Jesus wear crown of thorns not a crown of gold. A king whose actions were based on love for humanity and obedience. That is what we have been called to do.
