Fr. Carbonu Urges Catholic Youth to Be Authentic Christian Witnesses
Rev. Fr. Delight Carbonu, has urged Catholic youth to deepen their personal commitment to become Christian witnesses, stressing the need for genuine spiritual transformation.
He made these remarks while giving a talk during the 2025 World Youth Day, Accra Version, themed “Catholic Youth, as Witnesses of Christ in the Generation of Many Churches.”
Reflecting on John 15:26–27, Fr. Carbonu said Christian witnessing begins with the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus describes as the counsellor who testifies to Him.
He told the youth that believers also become witnesses when they have encountered Christ and allowed their lives to be changed by Him.
He emphasized that witnessing requires personal transformation, adding that without such change, public expressions of faith lack credibility.
He said the lives of Christians should validate the claims of Jesus, stating, “It means that you must let what is Catholic show in your witness. To be a witness of Christ is a habit, is a life, is a character… You carry it along. It’s not a program”.
Fr. Carbonu referenced planned activities for the WYD celebration, including a candlelight procession, saying such events publicly present Christ to the community.
He noted that some young people may feel uncomfortable participating if their lifestyles contradict their public display of faith but urged them to live by their faith.
Addressing the spread of churches, he said Catholics share belief in Christ with other denominations but maintain a distinct identity grounded in what he called “the Church of Jesus” and “the fullness of the means of salvation.”
He urged the youth to understand and practice the sacraments as part of their witness.
Fr. Carbonu also described a sacramental life as an essential aspect of the Catholic identity, calling on all youth to commit to the apostolate of the Church.
Rev. Fr. Delight Carbonu identified several obstacles that, in his view, weaken Christian witness among youth.
These included living a double life, maintaining friendships that encourage unchristian habits, and experiencing spiritual struggles or attacks.
Fr. Carbonu concluded by praying that the program would lead participants to renewal and transformation, enabling them to serve as credible witnesses of Christ.
By: Vanessa Kekeli Yeboah//Newswatchgh.com
