The Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, one of the Auxiliary Bishops in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, has called on the people of God in the Archdiocese to remain in the Church after receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
He made the call during a pastoral visit to the Archbishop Andoh Catechetical Centre and its outstations in the Shai Hills on May 25, 2025.
In a homily during Mass, concelebrated by the Director of the Centre, Rev. Fr. Silas Sapati, the Bishop focused on the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians, describing the Holy Spirit as an advocate who speaks on our behalf and guides us in our spiritual journey.
He told the congregation that just as a lawyer defends people in court, the Holy Spirit helps and defends believers before God. “The Holy Spirit is our helper and our guide. When we do not know what to say or how to pray, the Holy Spirit speaks for us,” he said.
Bishop Louis’ message was especially directed at the 11 candidates who received the Sacrament of Confirmation and encouraged them to remain in the Catholic Church even after their confirmation.
He cautioned them not to see confirmation as a graduation or the end of their faith journey, but rather as the beginning of a deeper relationship with God.
Bishop Louis reminded the candidates that confirmation was a call to grow stronger in the Spirit and to be active members of the Church, saying, “After you are confirmed, you must not walk away,” he said.
He also advised the Godparents of the candidates not to abandon their responsibilities once the confirmation is over. “You are more than just witnesses, you are spiritual guides,” he said
He encouraged the Godparents to continue mentoring their Godchildren. He said they should help them grow in faith by checking on them regularly, visiting them at home, and encouraging them to take part in church activities.
This, he said, would help the young ones stay rooted in their Christian life.
Bishop Louis emphasised that the faith journey should be shared, not walked alone. “We must support each other,” he said.
In explaining the work of the Holy Spirit, the Bishop said the Spirit gives believers the strength to face difficulties. He said that in moments when we do not have words, the Holy Spirit prays for us, he added.
He urged the people of God to open their hearts to the Spirit and allow it to guide their daily lives and called on all to always pray and seek the face of the Holy Spirit in decision-making.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
