The St. Joseph Parish, Esaase Bontefufuo in the Obuasi Catholic Diocese, recently organized its second “St. Joseph’s Couples Day” on February 13, 2026.
The event aimed to strengthen and motivate couples to keep their promises and reflect Christ in their marriages. About 200 couples attended, with Rev. Fr. Gregory Kwamena Afful, Chancellor of Obuasi Diocese, as the main speaker.
Rev. Fr. Isaac Kyei, who took canonical possession of the Parish in October 2022, collaborated with the Parish Women Council to host the event at the Parish Center, Esaase.
The “St. Joseph’s Couples Day” kicked off with Mass led by Fr. Kyei, setting a spiritual tone for the day. The topics covered were pretty practical too – marriage essentials, health, finances, and domestic issues.
The Gospel reading from Mark 7:31-37 really stood out. Jesus takes the deaf and mute man aside, touching his ears and tongue, and saying, “Ephphatha” – it is a powerful picture of liberation. The man’s instant healing shows Jesus’ power and compassion for married couples, especially those navigating life’s storms.
Fr. Kyei’s message hit home. He linked the deaf and mute man’s healing to couples’ need for a personal encounter with Christ. Christ’s touch opens ears and loosens tongues, just like in the Gospel. The pastor’s emphasis: couples need God’s presence to succeed in marriage.
He said, “Christ knows your problems, challenges, and difficulties you face as married couples, and he is ready to meet you on an individual level and handle your cases personally. Christ gives each couple his attention if only you will come to him.”
In the talk, the main speaker, Rev. Fr. Gregory Kwamena Afful, dropped some truth bombs, saying that unity and indissolubility are the keys to a lasting marriage.
He, therefore, urged couples to pray hard and be committed, quoting scripture and Canon Law to drive the point home. He said, “Marriage is not for the faint-hearted and the weakling; it is a serious, lifelong journey”.
Finally, the Chancellor dug into the sacramental, vocational, and covenantal aspects of marriage, reminding couples of their vows and the importance of faithfulness. He said, “Marriage is a serious business. It is a big deal, and it is about keeping those promises.”
By Rev. Fr. Isaac Kyei
