The Congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) successfully held a three-day aspirants retreat from August 18 to August 20, 2026, bringing together young women from across Ghana to discern their spiritual calling.
The event took place at the HHCJ Novitiate Sunyani- Nsoatre, providing a prayerful environment designed to guide participants through the foundational stages of religious life.
Centred around the theme “Come and See: Discovering and Responding to God’s Call” and grounded in the scriptural passage of Hebrews 10:7, the gathering aimed to transition aspirants from merely gathering information to actively listening to God.
The retreat was facilitated by Sr. Agatha Ifenkwe, HHCJ and Sr. Florence Batengazuing, HHCJ the retreat emphasised that a true vocation is a free response rooted in personal encounter and prayerful discernment.
Throughout the first phase of the retreat, Aspirants explored the definition of consecrated life and the true role of an aspirant, examining how God initiates a call through scripture, community, and daily experiences.
The sessions encouraged the young women to reflect honestly on their desires, look past external expectations, and build the spiritual and emotional maturity needed for a life of religious commitment.
The central days of the retreat immersed them in the core identity, spirit, and charism of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, taking the Blessed Virgin Mary as their prime model of surrender and service.
Aspirants reflected deeply on the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, learning how these vows foster an undivided heart dedicated to God and the service of the Church.
Concluding the three-day journey, the candidates drew inspiration from biblical vocation stories such as those of Samuel, Isaiah, and Mary to help overcome personal fears and obstacles.
Through a balanced schedule of Holy Mass, silent reflection, conference talks, and group discussions, the aspirants left Nsoatre equipped to make a mature, personal response to God’s call.
By Sr. Sheila Aselwine Adombire, HHCJ ( Catholic Sister Communicators Network Ghana- CASCON- GH)
