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The 10th National Congress of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, coupled with the Golden Jubilee celebrations in Ghana, began under the banner of spiritual transformation. In his homily during the opening Mass, Bishop Francis Bomansaan of the Catholic Diocese of Wa delivered a powerful message, calling the people of God to allow themselves to be transformed by divine love.

From the start of his homily, Bishop Bomansaan emphasized the importance of unity within synodality, a central theme of the Church’s recent initiatives. He invited the faithful to reflect on the depth of God’s love, a love that is not limited to fleeting emotions but is rooted in sacrifice, self-giving, and transformation. This love, he explained, flows from the heart of Christ and extends not only to individuals but also to families, the Church, and the nation.

For the bishop, to truly love means to accept sacrificing for others. “There is no love without sacrifice,” he emphasized, explaining that without the commitment to endure difficulties for others, love loses its authentic meaning and becomes selfishness. In this light, he encouraged participants to embrace Christ’s sacrificial love as a model for personal and collective transformation.

One of the central messages of Bishop Bomansaan’s homily is the transformative power of true love. “When we love sincerely, our love transforms the other,” he affirmed. This call to sacrificial love and commitment to others is part of a personal renewal process which, according to the bishop, can resonate far beyond individuals and positively impact society as a whole.

Through this reflection, Bishop Bomansaan urged the faithful to adopt a “new way of thinking, a new way of living” in order to bring about real change in the country. By insisting on altruism and openness to others, he showed how divine love, as manifested by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, can serve as a refuge in the face of life’s daily challenges. “The heart of God is the sanctuary where we find refuge and peace; it is the place where our worries and anxieties find relief,” he reminded the assembled faithful.

The bishop of Wa did not shy away from addressing the challenges Christians face in their quest for inner peace. According to him, this search cannot be resolved by moving from one place of worship to another or seeking answers in superficial religious practices. Instead, he invited the faithful to anchor their trust in God and seek true peace in the love He offers.

This peace, he explained, is the fruit of a sincere and deep relationship with God, a relationship that calls for compassion, forgiveness, and unity. The Sacred Heart Congress, held from September 5th to 8th, is thus a privileged opportunity for the people of God to renew their devotion and reflect on the love of Christ. This love, symbolized by the Sacred Heart, burns with a deep desire for humanity and calls each of us to a life of charity and reconciliation.

Building unity was another major theme of Bishop Bomansaan’s homily. He warned against prejudice and gossip, which are major obstacles to creating bridges of unity within society. By calling the faithful to overcome wounds and disappointments, he made a solemn appeal for forgiveness. “Are there people in our lives whom we struggle to forgive because they have hurt or disappointed us? The Lord is calling us during this Congress to come to Him for healing,” he urged.

This call to forgiveness and unity is part of a broader vision of a synodal Church, where listening and collaboration are essential pillars. In a world often marked by division and misunderstanding, the love and compassion preached by Bishop Bomansaan represent a path toward reconciliation and peace.

The 10th National Sacred Heart Congress in Ghana is much more than a mere religious event. It is an invitation to deep transformation through the sacrificial and authentic love preached by Christ. By reminding the faithful of the importance of unity, forgiveness, and spiritual renewal, Bishop Bomansaan offered a clear vision of what a life centered on divine love can look like.

As the Congress continues, it is evident that Bishop Bomansaan’s words resonate as a call to action for all those who aspire to a life of compassion, self-giving, and transformation. May this spiritual experience inspire a new generation of believers to turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the source of infinite and transformative love.

Rev. Fr. George Nwachukwu
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