The Catholic Diocese of Goaso on Saturday, 11th October 2025, joyfully celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Priestly Ordination of four of her devoted priests at the St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral, Goaso. The solemn thanksgiving celebration brought together clergy, religious, lay faithful, family, and friends from across the diocese and beyond to thank God for twenty-five years of priestly ministry and service.
The jubilarians — Rev. Fr. Stephen Gyau, Rev. Fr. Christopher Kwakye, Rev. Fr. John Forkuo, and Rev. Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi (in absentia) — were ordained to the sacred priesthood in the year 2000. Since then, they have served the Church with faith, dedication, and pastoral zeal, contributing immensely to the growth of the Diocese of Goaso and the spiritual welfare of the faithful.
The Thanksgiving Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Christopher Kwakye, one of the jubilarians, with several priests concelebrating. The homilist, Rev. Fr. Matthew Yeboah from the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, delivered a deeply inspiring sermon on the faithfulness of God in the life of every priest. He encouraged priests to continually renew their trust in the Lord who calls, forms, and sustains them, and to remain humble servants of God’s people.
Present at the celebration was the Most Rev. Peter K. Atuahene, Bishop of Goaso, who graced the occasion and delivered a heartfelt address. The Bishop highlighted the unique significance of the jubilee, recalling that the jubilarians were ordained during the Great Jubilee Year of 2000 — a historic year in the life of the Church which emphasized forgiveness, reconciliation, and renewal.
He noted that their priestly journey over the past twenty-five years has continued to reflect that same Jubilee spirit — a ministry of mercy, healing, and unity. The Bishop praised them for embodying the values of the Jubilee through their pastoral dedication, compassion, and faith-filled service, urging them to keep being witnesses of God’s forgiveness in a world in need of healing and peace.
The celebration also included goodwill messages and presentation of gifts from representatives of the Presbyterium, religious communities, family members, and parishioners, who expressed deep appreciation for the priests’ tireless service and spiritual leadership.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Rev. Fr. John Forkuo expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His sustaining grace throughout their priestly journey. He also thanked the Bishop, fellow priests, religious, and the faithful for their prayers, encouragement, and love over the years, pledging their renewed dedication to the service of God and His Church.
The celebration concluded with joyful singing and thanksgiving within the cathedral, as all present gave glory to God for the gift of priesthood and for His faithfulness over the past twenty-five years. Though Rev. Fr. Bernard Obeng Gyamfi was absent, he was fondly remembered and prayed for by all gathered.
The Silver Jubilee celebration was not only a time of thanksgiving but also a call to renewal, reminding all that the priesthood is a lifelong mission of love, forgiveness, and service in the vineyard of the Lord.