Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Parankimalil, VC, a catholic Priest of the United Kingdom, has warned against fornication, noting that it hinders marriage.
He said this during a Eucharistic Spirituality Seminar with Catholic women, organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka on June 6, 2025.
Speaking to Catholic women in the Archdiocese, Fr. Parankimalil, known for his dynamic preaching and deep devotion to the Eucharist, tackled pressing moral and spiritual issues affecting Christian women and families in today’s society.
He highlighted how the culture of premarital sex and casual relationships can serve as a significant spiritual barrier to entering into a holy and fulfilling marriage.
“God is a God of order. His blessings flow where there is obedience. Fornication not only distances you from grace, it closes doors that prayer alone cannot open if repentance and change do not follow,” he noted.
He emphasised that while the mercy of God is infinite, the blessings tied to the sacrament of marriage are accessed through holiness, preparation, and purity.
“The love of God is unconditional,” he affirmed, “but the birth of a child, which is a gift from God, should ideally occur within the sacrament of marriage, where God’s covenant with the couple is recognized and sealed.”
Fr. Parankimalil urged women present, particularly the youth and unmarried, to resist societal pressure and seek God’s purpose in their romantic lives.
“Today, society normalizes fornication and glorifies pleasure. But as Catholic women, you are called to be different, to live as daughters of the King. When you follow God’s will, He will honour your obedience with a marriage that is rooted in grace and sustained by divine favour,” he said.
He encouraged single women to approach relationships with intentionality, prayer, and clarity, saying that, “It is better to wait for the man God has prepared for you than to settle for temporary affection that leads to spiritual damage. God’s timing is perfect. Trust it”.
The Vincentian Priest also explained the profound relationship between chastity and the Holy Eucharist, saying, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. When we receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, we are called to purity in both body and soul. This includes our relationships and how we honour God with our sexuality.”
Fr. Parankimalil belongs to the Vincentian Congregation and is renowned for his global ministry focused on deepening the understanding of the Eucharist, family life, and spiritual healing.
The Eucharistic Spirituality Seminar, which forms part of an ongoing faith formation series in the Archdiocese of Accra, is a spiritual revival where participants engage in Adoration, Confession, and Eucharistic celebration, drawing them deeper into the heart of their faith.
By: Theresa Kpordzo//Newswatchgh.com
