Chaplain of Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy Urges Youths to Prioritize Mental Health in New Year Message

In his message, Fr. Kyei also urged young people in the country to create time for recreation and vacation, saying such an opportunity is essential for not only relaxation but also bonding with family members.

He emphasized that taking time to engage in recreational activities with family, work colleagues, or church groups not only promotes physical exercise, improving blood circulation and heart health, but also helps in burning excess fat.

Recreational activities, Fr. Kyei Danso said, “could be a daily brisk walk to burn down some calories and rest too to regain some lost energy and synergy.”

“Having relaxed, taken a good rest and exercised well continuously, one returns to work with a new enthusiasm and happiness, and that increases productivity and smoothens human interactions and relationships,” he said.

The Ghanaian Catholic Priest also urged youths to discover their true self, maximize their strength, and know their defects and work to improve them as the new year approaches.

More in Africa

Chaplain of Ghanaian Catholic Community in Italy Urges Youths to Prioritize Mental Health in New Year Message

Read the article

On discovering their true self, Fr. Kyei challenged every youth to reflect on their nature, saying, “As a new year begins, there is the need to know the kind of person you are: are you quick-tempered, extremely patient, with self-control and balance?”

He told young people that once they identify their character traits, they should make every effort to understand the cause, whether it is innate or shaped by their upbringing.

Fr. Kyei said that once young people discover who they truly are, they find a guide to understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and decide where to channel their energy, time, and resources.

“Are you a good speaker or writer? Are you the caring and compassionate type?” he posed, noting that such self-awareness can help determine the kind of profession or business one is suited for.

He added, “One cannot be a caring and serviceable person but want to be a soldier, or a strict person but want to be a nurse. It is like putting a square peg in a round hole!”

He emphasized the importance of knowing one’s defects and working on them in order to build a strong personality and present oneself well during the new year.

Fr. Kyei noted that as individuals dedicate time to developing their talents, they must also address personal flaws, which may include anger, self-centeredness, jealousy, procrastination, laziness, shyness, unforgiveness, judgmentalness, alcoholism, womanizing, greed, or a thirst for power.

“Unfortunately, these defects can often derail, stagnate, or even truncate one’s growth in profession, business, and relationships,” he said.

He urged young people to reflect on how these flaws began, how frequently they appear, and under what circumstances, and to develop practical ways to manage them consciously.

“This might include avoiding situations that trigger anger, overlooking minor hurts, or addressing issues at the right time with true Christian love,” he said.

(Story continues below)

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.