The Vocation Office of the Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), Ghana- Province organized its three-days annual Aspirants Retreat from August 13 to 15, 2026 at the Mother Maria House, Koforidua.
The Retreat was organised as an opportunity for the aspirants to withdraw from their usual environment, deepen their relationship with God, reflect on their vocation, and prayerfully discern the Lord’s call in their lives, and how young ladies from across the country should make use of their time.
The Retreat was on the theme, “The Master Is Here and Is Still Calling for You,” which invited the aspirants to become more attentive to God’s presence and to respond generously to His call.
The aspirants arrived at the Mother Maria House and were warmly welcomed by Sr. Eunice Tamra,the SSpS Vocation Directress – Ghana.
The Retreat officially began in the evening with the praying of the Holy Rosary. This provided an opportunity for the aspirants to place the retreat under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and to entrust the days ahead to God.
The next day being a Friday, the aspirants had a day of recollection centred on the Retreat theme which was led by Rev. Fr. Shadrach Kwadow Danso, an Assistant Priest at the St. Geoge’s Cathedral, Koforidua.
The reflections encouraged the Aspirants to listen attentively to the voice of God, recognise His call in their lives, and reflect honestly on their personal vocation journey.
There was also a period of Eucharistic Adoration, an opportunity for spiritual conversation, where they could share their experiences, concerns, and questions in an atmosphere of trust and openness.
Later on, a congregational talk was delivered by Sr. Dorothy Kporyi, SSpS, the Pre-Novice Mistress and Sr. Cynthia A. Chanagea, SSpS, to help introduce and deepen the aspirants’ understanding of the Congregation, its spirituality, mission, charism, and way of life.
This was followed by an open forum, during which the aspirants were encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification about Religious Life and the Congregation, Sr. Eunice Tamra and Sr. Dorcas Sampson, SSpS helped in answering their questions.
On August 15, which was the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Aspirants had the opportunity to visit Our Lady Cause of our Joy Grotto at Nkurakan, Koforidua.
The visit provided a beautiful spiritual experience and allowed them to reflect on Mary’s complete openness and response to God’s will and also know some part of Koforidua since many of them came from different regions.
The celebration of the Assumption also served as a meaningful reminder to the aspirants of Mary’s example of faith, obedience, availability, and total surrender to God’s call.
On the last day of the retreat, which was a Sunday, they joined for Holy Mass at the St. Dominic Catholic Church, Ejisu.
The Eucharistic celebration provided an opportunity to give thanks to God for the success of the retreat and to pray for the continued growth and discernment of the aspirants.
At the end of the Retreat, the aspirants expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the sisters for organizing the programme.
They particularly appreciated the food, peaceful environment, accommodation, and the warm and welcoming presence of the sisters throughout the Retreat.
The Aspirants described the retreat as a spirit-filled and enriching experience. They appreciated the opportunity to pray together, learn more about religious life, spend time in Adoration, engage in spiritual conversations, and interact freely with the Sisters.
The aim and purpose of the retreat was to provided a valuable opportunity to accompany young women who are discerning God’s call. It is our hope that the seeds planted during these days of prayer, reflection, and encounter will continue to grow and help each aspirant to respond generously and faithfully to the Lord’s invitation.
By: Sr. Cynthia Addi-Chanagea, SSpS
( Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana CASCON-GH)
