“The two shall become one flesh,” 200 couples renew commitment at St. Joseph’s Parish in Esaase

Close to 200 couples of St. Joseph Parish, Esaase Bontefufuo, in the Obuasi Catholic Diocese, gathered on February 13, 2026, for the second edition of “St. Joseph’s Couples Day,” an initiative aimed at strengthening marriages and encouraging spouses to reflect Christ in their homes.

The event, held at the Parish Centre in Esaase, was spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Isaac Kyei, who took charge of the parish in October 2022, in collaboration with the Parish Women’s Council. The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Gregory Kwamena Afful, served as the main speaker.

The programme opened with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Kyei, setting a reflective and prayerful tone for the day. Preaching from the Gospel of Mark 7:31–37, he highlighted the healing of the deaf and mute man, drawing parallels between the man’s encounter with Christ and the needs of married couples.

Describing the moment Jesus said “Ephphatha, Be opened” as a powerful act of liberation, Fr. Kyei noted that just as Christ touched the man’s ears and tongue, couples also require a personal encounter with Christ to heal wounds, strengthen communication and overcome life’s storms.

“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,” he said.

Beyond the spiritual reflections, the Couples Day also addressed practical aspects of married life, including health, finances, domestic responsibilities and the essentials of building a stable home.

In his presentation, Fr. Afful underscored unity and indissolubility as pillars of lasting marriages. Quoting Scripture and referencing Canon Law, he reminded couples that marriage is a sacred covenant that demands commitment, sacrifice and perseverance.

“Marriage is not for the faint-hearted and the weakling; it is a serious, lifelong journey,” he stated.

The Chancellor further explored the sacramental, vocational and covenantal dimensions of marriage, urging couples to remain faithful to the vows they made before God and the Church.

“Marriage is a serious business. It is a big deal, and it is about keeping those promises,” he added.

The annual “St. Joseph’s Couples Day” forms part of efforts by the parish to deepen family life and strengthen Christian marriages within the Obuasi Diocese.