The Bishop of the Damongo Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, delivered a profound and inspiring homily on the theme “Marriage as a Vocation and a Call to Witness” during the group wedding ceremony held at the Good Shepherd Parish in Tuna on December 14, 2024. The event was part of the parish’s 45th-anniversary celebrations, a significant milestone marked by gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to its mission.
In his homily, Bishop Angkyier highlighted marriage as a divine institution rooted in God’s plan for humanity. He emphasized that marriage is not merely a social contract but a sacred covenant designed to establish the family as the fundamental unit of society and the Church. Drawing from the day’s readings, including Genesis 2:18-24, Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32, and John 2:1-11, he expounded on the complementary and equal roles of man and woman in marriage, underscoring their shared dignity as created in the image of God.
The Bishop refuted societal misinterpretations that have led to the mistreatment of women, stressing that the concept of a woman as a “helper” does not imply subservience but rather a partnership of equals. “Marriage is God’s design for humanity to fulfill a common purpose: building the family, which is the basic cell of the Church and society,” he said.
Bishop Angkyier also spoke about marriage as a vocation and a commitment to discipleship, explaining that Christian marriage is a response to God’s call to witness His love in the world. He encouraged the couples to view their union as a means of building up God’s kingdom through the establishment of a “domestic church” in their homes. He reminded the newlyweds that their commitment, symbolized by the exchange of vows, is a lifelong covenant requiring trust, fidelity, and mutual respect.
He urged the couples to anchor their relationships in prayer, the sacraments, and faith in God, drawing strength from Christ’s love, which can renew and sustain them even in challenging times. “Every meaningful commitment demands sacrifice,” he noted, adding that the willingness to forgive and reconcile is essential for a thriving marriage. He encouraged the couples to emulate the teamwork demonstrated at the wedding feast in Cana, where Christ’s intervention transformed water into wine, a testament to the importance of offering the best for God’s glory.
Reflecting on the 45-year journey of the Good Shepherd Parish, Bishop Angkyier expressed gratitude for the contributions of early missionaries and parishioners whose sacrifices have led to significant growth. He highlighted the parish’s achievements, including its impact on education, social development, healthcare, and vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The establishment of Our Lady of the Assumption Quasi-Parish in Kalba and Holy Family Quasi-Parish in Kulmasa were also celebrated as milestones.
As the parish looks forward to its golden jubilee in five years, the Bishop posed critical questions about its vision for the future. He challenged parishioners to deepen their faith, especially among the youth, address challenges to marriage and family life, and foster harmonious relationships with people of other faiths. He called for collective responsibility, active participation, and collaboration in building a self-reliant parish less dependent on external support.
Bishop Angkyier concluded his homily by reiterating the anniversary theme, “Living the Faith in the Spirit of Synodality,” urging all parishioners to reflect on their roles in fostering the spread of the gospel and promoting unity within the parish. He commended the newlyweds for their witness of faith and encouraged them to journey together with love, trust, and mutual support.
The celebration, which brought together clergy, religious leaders, and faithful from Tuna and beyond, was marked by joy and gratitude. The group wedding underscored the enduring significance of marriage as a sacred vocation and a call to serve God and humanity.
