“Let us be steadfast pilgrims of hope” – Bishop Gyamfi at national jubilee year celebration of consecrated persons

“With immense joy and heartfelt gratitude, I welcome all and sundry to this special Jubilee Celebration for Consecrated Men and Women,” Bishop Gyamfi said. “This is a moment not only to celebrate years of faithful service but to renew our shared mission to live out the Gospel values in our daily lives.”

The theme of this year’s Jubilee, “Pilgrims of Hope: A Time to Renew the Face of the Earth as Consecrated Persons”, reflects the pressing need for consecrated men and women to become beacons of hope in a world grappling with despair, division, and uncertainty. “Our lives, rooted in prayer, community, and service, are a testament to the enduring presence of God’s love and mercy,” he noted. “To renew the face of the earth, we must first renew ourselves.”

Bishop Gyamfi highlighted the vital role of consecrated persons in fostering justice, advocating for the marginalized, and protecting creation. Quoting Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si, he urged religious leaders to take up the responsibility of environmental stewardship and social justice. “As consecrated persons, we must be voices of justice and protectors of creation,” he stressed. “Our lives are a living proclamation of the hope that springs from the heart of Christ.”

The Bishop also acknowledged the deep contributions of religious congregations to the Sunyani Diocese, which has been a center of missionary activity for over a century. “Currently, we have twenty-five religious congregations in the Diocese of Sunyani, with about 150 men and women religious working tirelessly in various apostolates,” he stated. “These religious communities have continuously given hope to the people of this part of God’s vineyard.”

Expressing a heartfelt appeal to major religious superiors and provincial leaders, Bishop Gyamfi extended an open invitation for new religious congregations to establish a presence in his diocese. “If I were to read out the register of religious congregations in my diocese, many of you would realize that you are absent,” he remarked. “I welcome all religious congregations who are not yet in the Diocese of Sunyani to register their permanent presence among my people, for the great agenda of giving hope to God’s people.”

As the celebration continues with various spiritual and intellectual engagements, including Holy Mass, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a candlelight procession, Bishop Gyamfi urged all participants to embrace the moment for deep spiritual renewal. “This is a time to rekindle our passion for our vocation and recommit ourselves to the Gospel values that guide our lives,” he encouraged. “Let us be steadfast pilgrims of hope, journeying together in faith, and working tirelessly to renew the face of the earth.”

Concluding his address, the Bishop extended gratitude to all consecrated men and women for their unwavering dedication to the Church and society. “Your presence in the Church in Ghana is a testament to God’s love and grace, and we are truly blessed to have you in our midst,” he said. He also remembered those who have passed on, praying for their souls, “May the good Lord grant them a place of refreshment, light, and peace.”

With a final blessing, he declared, “With these, I humbly declare the 2025 National Jubilee Celebrations duly opened in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!”

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The 2025 National Jubilee Celebration of Consecrated Men and Women continues in Sunyani until February 2, 2025, bringing together religious leaders, clergy, and the faithful in a time of prayer, reflection, and celebration of service to humanity.