Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, and participants at the Youth Grotto
The Catholic Bishop of the Ho Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, has urged young Catholics to rely on God for guidance and discernment in their daily lives, cautioning them against judging people and situations based solely on outward appearances.
The Bishop made the call during his homily at the 2026 Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage held at the Sacred Heart Grotto. The three-day spiritual gathering brought together Catholic youth from across the diocese to pray, reflect and deepen their faith under the theme, “Take Courage: Catholic Youth as Actors and Agents of Peace and Hope.”
According to Bishop Fianu, the annual pilgrimage is designed to strengthen the spiritual lives of young people and renew their commitment to the teachings and mission of the church. He noted that such gatherings provide an opportunity for young Catholics to encounter God more deeply and to reflect on their responsibilities within the church and society.
He further stated that the reflection during the pilgrimage was inspired by the Lenten messages, which encourage young people to live lives grounded in faith, service and moral responsibility.
Reflecting on the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Bishop Fianu recounted the biblical account of God choosing David as king of Israel. He explained that although the prophet Samuel initially assumed that Jesse’s eldest son would be chosen, God corrected him by reminding him that while humans judge by outward appearance, God looks at the heart.
The Bishop said the story offers an important lesson in humility and discernment, advising the youth not to judge individuals by their physical appearance or social status. Instead, he urged them to seek God’s guidance in making decisions and in choosing leaders, noting that God’s choices may differ from human expectations but ultimately serve a greater purpose.
He also reflected on the Gospel account of Jesus healing a blind man on the Sabbath, an act that drew criticism from the Pharisees. According to him, the miracle demonstrated God’s power and highlighted the difference between spiritual blindness and genuine faith, reminding Christians that accepting Christ leads believers from darkness into light.
Bishop Fianu encouraged the youth to return to their communities spiritually renewed and committed to exemplary Christian living.
The Dufia of Fodome Tormegbe, Togbe Ze II, advised the youth to avoid hard drugs and other destructive behaviours, urging them to live disciplined and responsible lives that will contribute positively to the growth of the church and society.
From Daniel K. Orlando, Fodome Helu