Over 800 Catholic youth gather in Obuasi for national Holy Family congress

Some 800 Catholic youth thronged the town of Tutuka in the Obuasi Diocese for the National Delegates Congress of the Youth of the Holy Family Society, a body under the National Catholic Women Association (CWA).

The congress, held at St. Philip Catholic Church, ran for four days and was themed “Pilgrims of Hope: The Role of CWA Youth in Proclaiming Christ.” The gathering coincided with the Jubilee of Young People being celebrated by the Universal Church in Rome ahead of the 2025 Jubilee Year.

The event brought together youth representatives from various dioceses and archdioceses across the country, including Accra, Cape Coast, Goaso, Wa, Sunyani, Sefwi Wiawso, Obuasi, Kumasi, Techiman, Konongo-Mampong, and Navrongo-Bolgatanga.

In his official welcome to the delegates, Parish Priest of St. Philip Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Mensah, expressed joy at hosting the youth in the parish and urged them to let their presence bring spiritual revival to the community. He encouraged the young people to embrace the spirit of pilgrimage and return to their dioceses as renewed witnesses of Christ.

The congress featured a series of spiritual, educational, and recreational activities. These included daily Mass, Rosary and Marian devotions, catechesis, a talk on human trafficking, an excursion to the Nyankusom Resort, games, and a “Rep Your Tribe” cultural showcase that highlighted the diversity and unity within the Church.

The presence of Most Rev. John Yaw Afoakwah, Bishop of the Obuasi Diocese, brought added meaning to the gathering. The bishop, along with diocesan priests and religious men and women, graced the congress and encouraged the youth to be steadfast in their Christian witness in today’s world.

Also present were national executives of the Catholic Women Association, representatives of the Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC), traditional leaders, and other stakeholders committed to youth formation in the Church.

The congress concluded with a renewed commitment from the youth to live out their vocation with courage and joy.

Story by Pax Boniface, CCADYC-PRO