ACCRA, DECEMBER, 05, 2014(CISA) – The Ghana Catholic Bishops held a conference under the theme “The Pastoral challenges of the family in the contest of Evangelisation,” with the aim to explore ways to promote marriage and Christian family life.
The conference was held in Accra with the inspiration of the extraordinary synod of bishops on the family which took place in Rome in October, this year.
In their pastoral recommendations for marriage and family life, the shepherds of Ghana`s Catholic faithful appealed to all who are called to marriage life to prepare themselves adequately.
The Bishops have called on the National Catechetical Commission to develop a structured and sustained programme for on-going formation that will target prospective couples as well for those already married.
The Bishops of Ghana further say that the formation of a Christian family movement to champion Christian marriage should be supported. They have also proposed that annually a week dedicated to the family be celebrated in Ghana. The “family week” to be celebrated annually would be observed by all.
Another timely reminder from the Bishops is directed at priests and the religious. The Bishops remind them that home visitation to families is part of their ordinary pastoral duties and should not be neglected.
Parishes and dioceses should additionally create occasions for the unmarried, especially the youth to come together for retreats , workshops and other avenues to prepare them for their life`s vocations.
In their communiqué, the Bishops identified pressure of work, childlessness , dominating one`s spouse in marriage, polygamy, cohabitation, concubinage and huge amounts demanded for dowry as among some of the challenges facing marriage and family life in Ghana.
