By Anthony Adongo Apubeo/Lawrence Awuni
Bolgatanga, June 23 GNA – Most Reverend Alfred Agyenta, the Catholic Bishop of the Narong-Bolgatanga Diocese, on has officiated the holy matrimony of 32 couples in a special mass ceremony.
The ceremony was part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish in Bolgatanga.
The event, which drew hundreds of congregants, family members, and well-wishers, featured couples now dubbed the “Centenary Couples”, entering the sacrament of marriage according to the doctrine of the Catholic Church.
During the homily, Bishop Agyenta reminded the couples that marriage was not merely a social contract but a sacred calling, stressing the importance of upholding its principles and values.
“You are not just getting married; you are being sent out as missionaries of family life,” he said.
He added: ‘Marriage is one of the sacraments of a mission. Through it, you are called to live out the Gospel in your homes and in society.”
Most Rev Agyenta encouraged the couples to model their lives on love, forgiveness, and mutual respect, stressing that Christian witness in marriage is shown not in words, but in daily actions.
“How you forgive, how you care, how you serve, that is how you evangelise,” he said.
The bishop also took the opportunity to denounce domestic violence, urging spouses to treat each other with compassion and dignity, adding, “It is not Christian for a man to beat his wife. That woman is your equal partner, your better half. Likewise, it is not Christian for a woman to insult her husband to the point he loses his self-esteem.”
To couples with children, he added, “Raising a family is a gift and a responsibility. You must raise your children in love and faith, no matter the challenges.
Following the exchange of vows and blessings, the atmosphere shifted from solemn devotion to festive celebration as the couples, their families, and parishioners joined in music, dancing, and thanksgiving on the cathedral grounds.
The mass wedding was one of the key highlights of Sacred Heart Cathedral’s ongoing centenary programme, aimed at celebrating a century of faith, community, and service in the Diocese.
Several activities, including a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Minor Basilica in Navrongo, a cultural night held to harness diverse cultures for spiritual growth, and 40 days of fasting and prayers, have been organised as part of the celebration.
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the parish will renew the enthronement of the Church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and over 100 individuals who have contributed in diverse ways to the growth of the Church and the society will be awarded.
The year-long centenary celebration, being marked under the theme “Celebrating 100 Years of Walking Together as a Family of God.”
The celebration will climax on June 28, 2025, at the new church building, which is still under construction.
All proceeds from the centenary celebration will be channeled toward completing the new church project, which is currently at the roofing level.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah