As a young man in Ghana, Father Godfred Appiah-Marfo was at a crossroads. He could pursue one of two paths: the priesthood, or professional soccer.
As a young center back and utility player in a country devoted to the game, the choice was not easy. But Father Godfred had a stronger devotion: to the Catholic faith he was raised in.
“I felt a strong call to be a priest,” said Father Godfred, pastor of St. Mary of the Annunciation, Ladysmith.
Father Godfred celebrated his 25th year as a priest with Mass on July 12, followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.
He came to our diocese from the Diocese of Obuasi in Ghana in 2023. He served for one year as parochial vicar of St. Bridget, Richmond, then moved to St. Mary of the Annunciation.
“Father Godfred is a wonderful priest and pastor,” said John McCulla, St. Bridget parishioner. “We so much enjoyed his joyful, caring and compassionate ministry while he was serving as parochial vicar at St. Bridget, and we are overjoyed to see him bring this same spirit to St. Mary of the Annunciation.”
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“There is a story my father told me: I used to be on his shoulder, going to church in my childhood,” said Father Godfred. “At about four or five years old, I told him I wanted to be a priest. I don’t know why or how it occurred to me.”
In the Ashante region of Ghana where Father Godfred grew up, his family was involved in the strong Catholic community. When visiting priests came to his village, his mother would cook for them. A strong part of his Catholic upbringing, Father Godfred’s mother recently passed away on June 30.
Later, when one of his cousins was in minor seminary, Father Godfred felt himself increasingly drawn to the priesthood. He studied at two seminaries in Ghana, graduating in 2000 with degrees in theology and sociology, and was ordained on July 8, 2000.
From 2003 to 2006, Father Godfred studied canon law at the Pontifical Urban University in Rome. He speaks English, Italian, and Twi, his native language. On Mondays and Tuesdays, he works in the Diocesan Tribunal at the Pastoral Center, Richmond.
“Father Godfred has a big heart and greets everyone with a smile,” said Adriana Carlucci, an ecclesiastical notary in the tribunal. “He is wonderful to work with and is kind to everyone.”
After 25 years, Father Godfred said he still feels an immense sense of joy when celebrating Mass.
“Every time I’m going to say the Mass, especially when I am preaching, I feel so happy that God has given me something I have to deliver,” he said.
He also enjoys the pastoral nature of his vocation: “One of the things I enjoy is visiting the faithful in their homes,” he said.
With four Masses on the weekend at St. Mary of the Annunciation, parish duties during the week, and two days at the tribunal office, Father Godfred takes just one day – Friday – to rest. But in his busy life, he credits an inexhaustible source of strength: “As St. Paul would say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Happy, prayerful, pastoral
Deacon Frank Leaming, who serves at St. Mary of the Annunciation, said that Father Godfred is the perfect shepherd for the small, community-oriented parish.
“His personality fits our family atmosphere very nicely,” said Deacon Leaming. “I’ll tell you one thing which most people will tell you: They love his smile.”
“He came in with an attitude of, ‘Let me learn the people, learn the culture,’” Deacon Leaming continued. “He listens, which is exactly what a good manager does.”
Deacon David Geary, now retired, still serves often at the parish. He likewise noted Father Godfred’s sunny demeanor.
“He’s an extremely happy man, and a very prayerful man,” said Deacon Geary.
In a testament to Father Godfred’s popularity, many of the attendees at his 25th anniversary party came not only from St. Mary of the Annunciation, but from the community he served from 2023 to 2024 at St. Bridget.
Kay White, St. Bridget parishioner, was one of many who navigated a punishing rainstorm to celebrate at St. Mary of the Annunciation. She shared a story about a visit Father Godfred paid to her family’s home – one of those visits Father Godfred said he loves so much.
“One night, he came for dinner, and my granddaughter – who was in seventh grade at the time – was full of questions about our faith,” White recounted. “He answered each question so patiently, and in such a way that it encouraged her to ask more. His pastoral presence was and is such a gift.”