Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Oppong Febiri, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, has urged the youth of the Diocese to recognize the value of their lives as divine gifts, warning that failure to do so makes a person “his or her own number one enemy.”
He said this in a homily on February 28, 2026, during the second day of a 3-day Diocesan youth rally at the Amanfoso Queen of Peace Grotto.
Fr. Oppong Febiri, reflected with young catholic faithful on the importance of self-awareness and gratitude for the gift of life.
He explained that when a person fails to see life as grace and becomes consumed by despair, they begin to work against themselves.
“When you do not see your life as a gift to be cherished and used in the service of others, you become your own enemy,” he stated.
He emphasized three key failures that hinder personal growth: not recognizing life as grace, refusing to use one’s talents in service to others, and failing to discover one’s uniqueness.
According to the Vicar General, every individual possesses a special purpose and ability meant to benefit society.
He described life as an opportunity that must be maximized. “Failure to make the best out of the opportunities in life makes you an enemy to your own destiny,” he exhorted.
Fr. Oppong Febiri further noted that genuine love for God and neighbor begins with healthy self-love. Recognizing one’s worth as a creation of God enables a person to love others more sincerely and overcome external challenges.
He concluded by encouraging the faithful to see their daily actions, talents, and achievements as gifts from God, entrusted to them not for selfish gain but for service and transformation of the world.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicator)
