Today, we are reflecting on the beautiful and sometimes challenging experience of being the first person in one’s family, or even one’s community, to embrace Religious Life.
It is a delight to be joined by Sisters who have generously shared their vocation stories. Through their experiences, we hope to encourage young people who may be discerning God’s call in their lives.
- Introduction and Vocation Call
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : To begin, could each of you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you first came to recognize God’s call to religious life?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: I am Sr. Florence Awambeng, a sister of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, and I have been a sister for the past 39 years. I felt the call to religious life after my A’ Levels examinations. At first, I was not sure that the feeling was truly a call from God, so I went on a three-day retreat to pray and ask God to make it clear to me. At the end of the retreat, I became convinced that God was calling me to serve as a religious.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: I am Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu, a member of the daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation, working at the Don Bosco Girls Home in the Sunyani Diocese.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: My name is Sr. Esther Angyuum, aember of the daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy CongregationSister. Growing up, I always wanted to become a religious Sister. I was drawn by the peace, faith and sacrifice I saw in religious life.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: My name is Sr. Celestina Theresa. I grew up in a village where people had never seen or heard of religious Sisters. For me, becoming a sister was therefore a great joy, because I became the first Sister in my family and in my community.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: I am Sr. Eunice Angsotenge, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary from Ghana, working in the Sunyani Diocese. Thank you for having me.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: I am Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa, from the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. I am currently serving in the Yamfo Community. I come from Obuasi in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and I am the first of three sisters.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene: My name is Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene, a member of the Sisters of St. Louis, Ghana Region. I am grateful to God for the gift of my vocation and for the opportunity to serve Him and His people through religious life.
Sr. Alice Marlyse : My name is Sr. Alice Marlyse from Yaoundé Cameroon. I am an Oblates Sisters of the Holy Spirit (OSS).
- Being the First
Sr. Grace Ku-inne, SMI: How did you feel knowing that you were the first person in your family to embrace religious life?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: I felt the call to religious life after my A’ Levels, and after prayer and retreat I became convinced that God was calling me. Although I was not the first religious in my wider family, responding to the call was still a very important step in my life.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: I felt very happy because my childhood aspiration was being fulfilled. I also felt that I was opening a way for those who would come after me.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: It was a mixed reaction for me, but I felt deep joy because I knew God was leading me on the right path. I was grateful to be the first female in my family to enter religious life.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: It was a great joy for me to become the first Sister in my family and in the wider community where I grew up.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: I felt happy to be a pacesetter, but I also felt challenged because a pacesetter charts a path for others to follow. I pray for the grace to be a good example to others.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: I felt both joyful and privileged. I saw myself as a testimony of God’s work, because God can choose anyone for His purpose, regardless of background or connections. The journey has been a very humbling experience for me.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene :It was both a joyful and humbling experience. I felt honored that God chose me to be the first in my family to answer this unique call. I thank God for the opportunity given to me.
Sr. Alice Marlyse : I was born into a family with no history of religious life and never imagined becoming the first religious sister in it. Like many young people, I had my own plans, but God had another.
- Family Reaction
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : How did your family react when you told them about your decision to enter religious life?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: My family was not surprised because we already had other members of the family in religious vocation. Their main concern was that I was too young, and they encouraged me to further my studies before entering the convent. However, I felt strongly about my decision and went ahead.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: My family, especially my father, was very happy. He himself had wanted to become a religious, but his parents had refused him. So, he was happy to see me follow this path.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: I will always be grateful to my family for their love and prayerful support. When I first told them about my intention to enter religious life, they were happy to see me take this step as the first person in the family.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: It was not easy for my family to accept the decision because, in our village, people had never heard of a young girl choosing to live her whole life without marrying or having children. Some family members have accepted it, but my father has still not fully come to terms with my choice. I continue to hope that one day he will.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: My father received the news calmly and took time to pray about my vocation. He gave me his full support and consent throughout my formation and continues to support me. My mother was also supportive, although she became emotional whenever I visited and had to leave. Some extended family members initially objected, but later accepted my decision after seeing my commitment and perseverance.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: My parents were very excited. For them, it was an answered prayer and a sign of God’s visitation to our family. They were proud of me and gave me their full support and blessing. Sadly, they did not live long enough to witness my First Profession, but I believe they continue to pray for me from heaven.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene : At first, they had mixed feelings. Some were surprised, while others were concerned because I did not mentioned it to anyone. But as they saw my joy, commitment, and peace, they gradually accepted and supported my decision. Today, they are proud of my vocation and continue to pray for me.
Sr. Alice Marlyse : As I grew in faith, I felt a gentle but persistent call. Through prayer and Church life, I realized Jesus was inviting me to dedicate my life to Him.
- Challenges
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : Every vocation has its own challenges. What was the biggest challenge you faced when you began your religious journey?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: At the beginning, I often missed home because I had a very close bond with my parents and siblings. I also found that the convent food was not as nice as the food at home! But with time, I adjusted and it was no longer a problem.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: It was not easy at first. I sought admission to as many as two congregations before I was finally admitted.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: One of my greatest challenges was living away from my family and missing important family events, especially during times of sickness, funerals and family celebrations.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: The challenges were real. It was not easy to leave my home and comfort zone and begin living with people from different places and backgrounds. I also experienced rejection from friends and loved ones. My father’s continued difficulty in accepting my choice has been a great challenge for me.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: Some family members objected because, as the firstborn and only girl, they felt I should remain at home, work and support my siblings. They preferred that I continue my education rather than enter a convent.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: One of my biggest challenges was feeling that I was leaving behind my responsibilities as the first child. After my parents passed away, I sometimes felt powerless because I could no longer directly respond to the needs of my younger sisters. With time, however, I learned to trust in the Lord and believe that neither my sacrifice nor that of my parents would be in vain.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene : One of the biggest challenges was leaving behind the familiar life I had always known. There were moments of uncertainty and sacrifice, but through prayer, the support of my congregation, and God’s grace, I found strength to persevere. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow in faith.
Sr. Alice Marlyse : My family was initially surprised, but through time and trust in God, they came to see the peace my vocation brings.
- Greatest Joy
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : Looking back on your journey, what has been your greatest joy as a religious Sister?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: My greatest joy has been the opportunity to serve God through His people. I am especially happy when I work with vulnerable groups, particularly those who cannot speak or fight for themselves.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: My greatest joy is that my childhood aspiration has been fulfilled. I am also happy that other young girls followed my footsteps, including my own blood sister.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: My greatest joy is knowing that I am living the vocation to which God has called me. There is a deep sense of peace that comes from saying yes to God’s invitation and trusting Him with my whole life.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: My joy comes from remaining faithful to the path I have chosen and trusting God through the challenges that come with it.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: My greatest joy has been the practice of constant prayer and being in communion with God. I wake up each day knowing that I am loved and that I am doing God’s will for me.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: My greatest joy is being able to live freely according to my congregational charism: spreading the Kingdom of God’s love among ourselves and among others. It is also a joy to live for God and for others and to unite myself with Him daily in the Blessed Eucharist.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene : My greatest joy is belonging completely to Christ and serving His people. Through prayer, education, media communication, and community life, I find fulfillment in knowing that my life can bring hope and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Sr. Alice Marlyse : being the first religious sister in my family is both a privilege and responsibility. I hope my life witnesses God’s call and blesses those I serve.
- Message to Young People
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : Finally, what message would you give to young people who are discerning their vocation, especially those who may be afraid to choose religious life?
Sr. Florence Awambeng: My message is: do not be afraid. Religious life is worth living and comes with many blessings.
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu: I encourage young girls to follow Christ through religious life. It is a joyful way of serving the Lord. One day in God’s house is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Sr. Esther Angyuum: I encourage young people to listen carefully to God’s call and to trust Him. When you say yes to God and live the vocation He has given you, you discover a deep sense of peace and fulfillment.
Sr. Celestina Theresa: To young people aspiring to become religious, I say: do not be afraid. Trust in God, because everything will work out at the right time.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge: Pray and discern your rightful vocation so that you can live a fulfilled life. Religious life is a joyful life and is open to anyone who is willing to let go, trust God and do His will.
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa: Be attentive to the voice of God and make yourself available to the Holy Spirit. Trust in God, and He will never disappoint you. Religious life is beautiful, so do not be afraid to say yes to God’s call.
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene : They should not be afraid to listen to God’s voice. God’s plans are always for their good. A vocation is a beautiful gift, and when they respond with love, God will never disappoint you.
Sr. Alice Marlyse: today, I thank God for the courage to respond and pray my vocation inspires others to trust His plan.
Closing
Sr. Grace Ku-inne : Thank you, dear Sisters, for sharing your stories so openly and honestly. Your experiences remind us that responding to God’s call can involve joy, sacrifice, uncertainty and even opposition, but it can also lead to deep peace and fulfillment. Your stories are a source of encouragement to young people who are discerning their vocation. May your witness continue to inspire many others to listen to God’s voice and courageously respond to His call.
Interviewer:
Sr. Grace Ku-inne SMI
Interviewees:
Sr. Florence Awambeng HHCJ
Sr. Felicia Chukwudiebere Agorchukwu DMMMC
Sr. Esther Angyuum MMS
Sr. Celestina Theresa SDLM
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge FMM
Sr. Scholastica Maria Akua Ntiriwaa CSFN
Sr. Adelaide Bemah Saahene SSL
