The fifth day of the annual eight-day retreat of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word at the Ark of the Covenant Novitiate, Mantukwa-Sunyani, focused on the theme, “Every Choice is a Renunciation: The Daily Call to Choose Christ in Consecrated Life.”
The retreat is being facilitated by Rev. Fr. Clement Amankwa, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, as the sisters continue reflecting on the overall theme, “Renewing the Joy of Consecrated Life.”
Building on the previous days’ reflections, Fr. Amankwa reminded the Sisters that their vocation began with God’s loving initiative, saying, “God first called each one by name, and they responded generously.” However, he stressed that responding to God’s call is not a one-time event but a daily decision that requires constant renewal and fidelity.
Sisters Invited to Embrace the Cost of Their ‘Yes’ to ChristThe fifth day of the annual eight-day retreat of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word at the Ark of the Covenant Novitiate, Mantukwa-Sunyani, focused on the theme, “Every Choice is a Renunciation: The Daily Call to Choose Christ in Consecrated Life.”
The retreat is being facilitated by Rev. Fr. Clement Amankwa, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, as the sisters continue reflecting on the overall theme, “Renewing the Joy of Consecrated Life.
“Building on the previous days’ reflections, Fr. Amankwa reminded the Sisters that their vocation began with God’s loving initiative, saying, “God first called each one by name, and they responded generously.”
However, he stressed that responding to God’s call is not a one-time event but a daily decision that requires constant renewal and fidelity.Reflecting on the day’s conference, the Retreat Director explained that every authentic choice comes with a renunciation. Every meaningful “yes,” he said, also implies saying “no” to something else.
Choosing the Consecrated Life means freely letting go of other possible paths in order to follow Christ wholeheartedly, he added.
Using practical examples, Fr. Amankwa noted that a married person who chooses one spouse automatically renounces all others. In the same way, a Religious Sister who has chosen Christ willingly gives up other opportunities and ways of life to remain faithful to her vocation.
He encouraged the Sisters to view these sacrifices not as losses but as joyful expressions of love and commitment to God.
He also spoke of the “hidden cost of every yes,” explaining that every vocation demands perseverance, self-denial, and the willingness to choose Christ repeatedly in the ordinary moments of daily life.
He urged the Sisters to remain focused on the One they have chosen, especially when faced with challenges or competing attractions.
Drawing from the Book of Jeremiah, Fr. Amankwa reflected on God’s promise of hope to His people.
Although the prophet first described Israel’s situation as hopeless and deeply wounded, God ultimately revealed Himself as the One who hears His people’s cries and restores them.
The Priest encouraged the sisters to trust that God continues to bring hope into every difficult situation and remains faithful to those who rely on Him.
The conference also coincided with the Church’s celebration of St. John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of Parish Priests. Sharing the Saint’s inspiring story, Fr. Amankwa recounted how John Vianney struggled academically, especially with Latin, and was once considered unsuitable for priestly ministry.
Yet, despite his limitations, he remained deeply committed to prayer, humility, and service.
The Priest explained that St. John Vianney’s greatest strength was not his academic ability but his holiness. Spending long hours in the confessional and guiding countless people back to God, he became a powerful instrument of God’s mercy. His simple preaching and unwavering dedication eventually transformed the lives of many and earned him recognition as one of the Church’s greatest pastors.
Fr. Amankwa reminded the Sisters that every person has both weaknesses and strengths. Rather than becoming discouraged by their limitations, they should identify the gifts God has given them and use them generously in His service. Holiness, he emphasised, is not reserved for the most talented but for those who remain faithful to God’s call.
As the fifth day of the retreat concluded, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word were encouraged to renew their daily “yes” to Christ, embrace the sacrifices that accompany their vocation with joy, and continue trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every weakness.
Inspired by the witness of St. John Mary Vianney, they were invited to deepen their life of prayer, remain faithful in service, and allow God to work through them for the good of His people.
By Sr. Rebecca Asante,SVI ( Sister Communicator CASCON-GH)
