The Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, at the climax of the 2026 Diocesan Youth Rally, has surrendered the Church into the hands of the youth.
“Today I surrender the Church into your hands; you are now in charge,,” he said on March 1 2026.
The 3-day youth rally began on February 27 2026 at the Amanfoso Queen of Peace Grotto under the theme: “Catholic Youth on Mission: Youthful, Empowered and Sent,” which is the theme for the Diocese as they mark this year as the Year of the Youth.
In his address, Bishop Gyamfi encouraged the youth to see youthfulness not merely as a matter of age, but as readiness and willingness to serve.
Reflecting on the story of Abraham in the first reading, he noted that although Abraham was about seventy years old, God recognized his youthfulness, his readiness and faith, and sent him on a mission. The Bishop emphasized that relying on age as a limitation is a form of mental agony.
He explained that just as God empowered Abraham with blessings and protection, the same blessings rest upon the youth who are ready to accept their mission.
However, he stressed that to experience these blessings, they must be willing to go forth and act as God sends them (Gen 12:1-4a).
Drawing from St. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in the second reading (2nd Tim 1:8-10) he encouraged the youth not to be afraid to suffer for the Church. He called on the young Catholics in his diocese to take up responsibilities for the growth of the church. responsibility. He admonished the youth to concerned in helping the church rather than always looking for what the church will do for them.
He also reflected on the Gospel of the day, where Peter wished to remain on the mountain during the Transfiguration, but Jesus instructed them to come down and continue the mission. The Bishop explained that “coming down from the mountain” symbolizes returning to real-life challenges carrying one’s cross and facing trials which is part of true discipleship.
The Bishop called on the young people to restart their spiritual journey by deepening their knowledge of the faith. He encouraged them to read, study, and discuss the Catechism together, to develop interest in reading the “Youcat”. He emphasized that knowing their faith would give them confidence in their actions and decisions. After understanding the Word of God, they should also discern wisely in choosing the right schools, careers, and life paths.
Furthermore, he advised the youth to build strong and active youth organizations in outstations and parishes. They should remain active and proactive, avoiding laziness and the “I don’t care” attitude.
Reiterating his powerful declaration, he said, “Today I surrender the Church into your hands; you are now in charge.”
The youth responded with excitement and applause, expressing their support for his message. He assured them of his continuous guidance and support as they take on greater responsibility in Church affairs.
Finally, he advised them not to rely solely on their own ideas and opinions but to be guided by the teachings of the Church and the Word of God.
For the youth to take up their responsibilities in the diocese, the bishop commissioned local committees from all parishes across the diocese who are to mobilize the youth activities in their various parishes and out stations.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicator)
