The community of Blessed Gaspar Stanggassinger, Common Novitiate in Kubease (Ghana), recently celebrated a twofold occasion – the first religious profession of six novices, and the feast day of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist Congregation.
In a ceremony filled with prayerful solemnity, the six novices, Aime, Côme, Abel, David, Emmanuel and Leopold, made their first profession of religious vows, committing themselves wholeheartedly to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. The vice-provincial superior, Very Rev. Fr. Nobila Olivier SAWADOGO, of Afrique de l’Ouest, presided over the Mass and received their vows, warmly welcoming them as professed members of the religious community.
In his homily, Fr. Dominic Kofi, the delegate of the mission of Zimbabwe, encouraged the new professed brothers, stating, “Do not be afraid, for God has given you the grace to overcome every challenge, just as St. Alphonsus did in witnessing to the plentiful Redemption.” He exhorted them to follow the example of their patron saint, who dedicated his life to serving the poor and most abandoned.
The celebration also marked the feast day of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. St. Alphonsus was a renowned moral theologian, prolific writer, and champion of the poor, whose timeless spiritual insights continue to inspire the faithful today.
The joyous occasion was a testament to the vibrant faith and commitment of the religious community, as they welcomed new members and honored their foundational saint. It was a truly grace-filled day, filled with gratitude for God’s blessings and the promise of a future dedicated to the service of the Gospel.
Fr. Marc Toguyeni, CSsR.
