23/03/2025
*THE BISHOP OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SUNYANI, MOST REV. MATTHEW KWASI GYAMFI VISITS ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH - FIAPRE*
_________________________________
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani witnessed a momentous occasion as Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi-Gyamfi, Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, paid a pastoral visit to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fiapre. The visit was marked by a solemn Mass presided over by the Bishop, with support from Very Rev. Thomas Oppong-Febiri, Vicar General and Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Parish, Fiapre, and Rev. Fr. George Kumi-Mensah, Associate Parish Priest.
In Bishop’s Homily, he urged us to _“Remove our Sandals and Wear Our Spiritual Sandals”_
Drawing inspiration from Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15, where God instructs Moses to remove his sandals at the burning bush, the Bishop emphasized the importance of spiritual transformation.
During his sermon, he narrated the story of the Phoenix, a mythical bird known for its remarkable life cycle. According to the story, the Phoenix lives for 50 years, and when its time to die approaches, it gathers dry wood, sets itself on fire, and burns into ashes. From these ashes, a new Phoenix is reborn.
Using this analogy, the Bishop encouraged the faithful to embrace change, no matter how difficult. He likened the Phoenix’s sacrifice to the personal struggles individuals face, such as Drug Abuse, dishonesty, immorality, gossip, and other vices. He urged the congregation to discipline themselves and undergo personal renewal, just as the Phoenix is reborn from its ashes.
He further connected this message to the Lenten season, reminding parishioners of the significance of Ash Wednesday, where the ashes on the forehead symbolize repentance, renewal, and transformation.
A Call for Support for Seminarians:
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Kwasi-Gyamfi made an appeal for financial support for the 91 seminarians currently in formation at various seminaries, including:
1. St. Victor’s Major Seminary, Tamale
2. St. Paul’s Seminary, Sowutuom
3. St. Gregory’s Seminary, Kumasi
4. St. Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu
Two seminarians currently studying in Rome
Each seminarian requires approximately GHS 7,000 for tuition, excluding other expenses. The Bishop urged parishioners to contribute generously to the formation of future priests and the growth of the Church.
Finally, Bishop Kwasi-Gyamfi encouraged all to bury their weaknesses and sins, embrace spiritual renewal, and prepare their hearts for God’s abundant blessings.
Amen.
Compiled by:
Humble, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Fiapre
