The four sisters who professed their perpetual vows were Sr. Mary Jennifer Aba Aikins, HDR; Sr. Maria Gabriella Nada Nadine Yankey, HDR; Sr. Mary Samuella Patience Kuutaala, HDR; and Sr. Mary Cecilia Addobea Agyei, HDR. The Silver Jubilee celebrants marking 25 years of dedicated religious life are Sr. Mary Florence Adzo Adzakpah, HDR; Sr. Mary Francisca Grace Asiedua Appiah, HDR; and Sr. Mary Victoria Depla, HDR.
The ceremony drew a large number of participants, including the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, the Superior General of the congregation, Elizabeth Paula Nkansah-Otchere, members of the HDR Council, priests, religious men and women, and family members and friends.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop John Kobina Louis. In his homily, he reflected on the theme of obedience to God’s will, drawing from Hebrews 10:7: “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.” He emphasized Christ’s total surrender to the Father’s plan and encouraged the sisters to embrace a similar spirit of obedience in their vocation.
Referencing the Annunciation, the bishop recalled the response of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), as a model of humility, trust, and commitment. He urged the sisters to remain faithful to their vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and to live lives of simplicity, love, and total surrender to God.
He also congratulated the four sisters on their perpetual profession, encouraging them to let their “yes” to God inspire others. The bishop further commended the jubilarians for their 25 years of dedicated service, describing their journey as a testament to God’s faithfulness.
During the rite of profession, the four sisters publicly professed their perpetual vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and signed the official documents as a sign of their lifelong commitment. The jubilarians also renewed their vows in thanksgiving for their years of service in religious life.
In a symbolic gesture, the sisters presented lighted candles to the Blessed Virgin Mary, entrusting their vocation to her maternal intercession. The celebration was marked by moments of joy, with singing and dancing in praise of God.
In her remarks, the Superior General, Sr. Elizabeth Paula Nkansah-Otchere, expressed gratitude to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obeng Cudjoe, and the entire parish community of St. John the Evangelist for their support in hosting the celebration.
The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake and expressions of goodwill from attendees.
Story by:
Thelma N. E. Impraim-Holm
DEPSOCOM Accra.
