In a solemn ceremony, two Catholic Priests from the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese were laid to rest at the clergy cemetery at St Mary's Minor Seminary in Apowa, Western Region.
Reverend Fr. Anthony Justice Englyshe, aged 61, passed away on March 21, 2024, after battling a prolonged illness. Very Reverend Fr. Samuel Ebuley Afful, aged 69, and a priest at St Peter's Parish Shama, tragically lost his life in a fatal motor accident on the Tarkwa-Bogoso road on April 9, 2024, while en route to Enchi for an annual classmate's reunion.
Fr. Afful's passing occurred alongside four other classmates, including Most Reverend Joseph Kwaku Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, Very Rev. Fr. Francis Albert Amakye, and Very Rev. Fr. Philip Tandoh.
The Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi witnessed an outpouring of grief from mourners representing diverse social strata who came to bid farewell to these esteemed priests known for their dedicated service to God and humanity. Seven bishops, led by Bishop John Baptist Attakruh of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese, were in attendance alongside hundreds of Catholic priests and dignitaries, including Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne, President of the Sekondi Takoradi Diocesan Priests, and Very Rev Fr. Francis Lemaire, Vicar General of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese.
Fr. Anthony Justice Englyshe, born on September 22, 1963, dedicated 32 years of his life to the Catholic Church, having been ordained a priest for the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese on July 16, 1994. Fr. Samuel Ebuley Afful, born on November 13, 1955, answered the call to priesthood and served diligently for over three decades until his untimely demise.
Tributes poured in for both priests, describing them as faithful, dedicated, and loyal servants of God who served with sincerity and love. During the ceremony, Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh, in his sermon, called on the Catholic faithful to pray for the repose of the souls of the departed priests and urged all to live lives pleasing to God and to be faithful in their dealings.
