On 8th September 2022, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, the Redemptorist Vice Province of Afrique de l’Ouest rejoiced in celebrating the temporary and final profession of vows of four brothers. In the Holy Mass that was held in the Chapel of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at Ejisu in Ghana, Brothers Michael Adu Obeng CSsR, Thomas Owusu C.SsR., and Joseph Kofi C.SsR., who had their year of spirituality in the Redemptorist Novitiate in Kenya, professed their first vows as Redemptorists. In their company was Brother Michael Kwame Torwoe C.Ss.R., who made his final vows and thus became a perpetually professed Redemptorist.
In his homily, the Vice Provincial Superior of the Redemptorists in Afrique de l’Ouest, Very Rev. Fr. Patrice Nyanda C.Ss.R., who presided over the Mass, invited the four brothers to see the coincidence of their religious profession with the Nativity of Mary as their own birth into the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He encouraged them to be steadfast in their vocation and to always look up to the example and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in living the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity.
This joyous celebration brought together the families, classmates, friends and loved ones of the professed brothers from different parts of Ghana. In attendance also was Fr. Michael Emewere C.Ss.R., the Director of Students from the Redemptorist Vice Province of Nigeria, who represented the Vice Provincial Superior of Nigeria. Some other religious working in the Catholic Diocese of Konongo Mampong were also present to grace this wonderful celebration.
As speaking on behalf of the newly professed, Bro. Torwoe appreciated the Conference of Redemptorists in Africa and Madagascar (COREAM) for organising the Common Second Novitiate program, which he was privileged to attend in Nigeria in preparation for his final vows. On their part, the three newly professed Redemptorists expressed their appreciation through a song in Kiswahili in honour of Mary.
As usual, after the Mass, the professed brothers assumed their status as the “main celebrants” and were thus joined by others for photoshoots in which all beamed with broad smiles. The joy of the day permeated and found its expression in the sharing of food and drinks as well as music and dance – all to the greater glory of God!
By the Communication Crew
