Prayer, the Foundation of Marriage – Fr Anthony
Rev. Fr. Anthony Parankimalil, VC, a Catholic priest from the United Kingdom, has emphasized that marriage cannot thrive without prayer. He made this statement during a seminar organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra for Catholic women, held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, Adabraka on June 6, 2025.
The session, which was specially designed for women, offered Catholic women of the Archdiocese a rare opportunity to deepen their faith and appreciation for the Eucharist, described as the source and summit of Christian life.
Preaching from the book of 1 Timothy, Fr. Anthony declared, “God is looking for one Monica of this time who does not give up on her husband and children.”
He urged mothers not to incite their children against their fathers, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and adaptability within marriage. “We need to forgive and adjust because God works in mysterious ways, sometimes giving a talkative woman a silent husband,” he remarked.
According to him, “Women are the cords that bind the family.”
Fr. Anthony also addressed single women, saying, “It is not good for a woman to be alone. When you are not married, your family and friends may be happy because you’re available for every occasion, but Jesus will not be happy.”
He encouraged them to approach God with clarity and intention, as God places a high priority on marriage.
He warned that,“ fornication blocks marriages because God only recognizes the union of a husband and wife who have undergone the legal and sacramental process.”
He further added, “The love of God is unconditional, but a child should be born out of the sacrament of marriage.”
He challenged the audience, “Do you hate sin? You cannot stop committing sin just because you hate it; it takes grace.”
He concluded by assuring all women that God’s mercy is ever-present: “Even if you have committed any kind of sin, just know that God still loves you because our God is so forgiving and just.”
Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Parankimalil, VC, is a priest of the Vincentian Congregation, known for his dynamic ministry aimed at deepening understanding and devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
By Theresa Kpordzo https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-kpordzo-7a96991a3?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
DEPSOCOM Accra
