Rev. Fr. Formedza John Felix Awaitey Jnr, the Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Amankwakrom, in the Apostolic Vicariate of Donkorkrom, has urged his Parish Pilgrims at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom to be opened to the grace of God in their faith journey.
He made this known during the Eucharistic Celebration to climax the one day pilgrimage to the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom, by some of the parishioners from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Amankwakrom.
He continued in his homily by indicating to the pilgrims to be people of hope, which is the major theme for the Jubilee Celebration. Pilgrims of hope depend entirely on the grace of God on their faith journey. God’s grace abounds always where sin increases.
Fr. Felix emphasized the fact that they have been forgiven through the power of the church during the confessions. They have become new in Christ through the Sacrament of Reconciliation that they embraced. No sin is bigger than the power of forgiveness of God. Sin entered the world through one man, but grace and mercy also came through one man Jesus Christ as a remedy.
He reiterated that there is power in the Sacrament of Confession, hence they shouldn’t joke with the sacrament. They are to go for Confession always, since it offers a lot of favours and abundant graces of God. Confession he says opens more doors in our lives beyond our imagination.
In concluding his message, he indicated to the pilgrims that their efforts of embarking on the pilgrimage will never be in vain. God will surely reward them for their efforts.
He charged them to be ambassadors of hope in Christ in their lives, urging them not to forget to proclaim the greatness of God to the world.
He advised them to always hope, trust and develop strong faith in God as authentic ambassadors of Christ.
The pilgrimage began with Rosary Procession from the Cathedral’s Small Chapel to the main Cathedral Church.
Other activities included entering of the Holy Door, a talk, penitential service, confession, Holy Mass and an excursion at the Cathedral and it’s environment.
In his exultation during the penitential service, he entreated the pilgrims to repent and come back to the Lord. God loves his children and looks forward to our repentance. It isn’t his wish that a sinner will perish in his sins, but rather repents and live.
He indicated that God takes away our burdens through genuine confession.
Fr. Matthew Akakpo, an associate priest at the Cathedral, on behalf of the Cathedral Administrator, expressed gratitude to the pilgrims and their pastor. He entreated other parishes to follow their example.
The 20 pilgrims were led by Fr. Awaitey Jnr.
