Rev. Fr. Reginald Tiesaah, S.J., standing on the words of Pope Francis, has called on the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Sisters in the Ghana Province to a spiritual renaissance rooted in the Heart of Christ.
Speaking to the HHCJ Sisters in their preparation to go into chapter this year, he said, in a renewed call for deep spiritual reflection, Pope Francis, has urged the faithful especially those in Religious Life to begin transformation by returning to the heart of Jesus, fostering a life marked by justice, love, and internal growth.
Addressing the global congregation of Consecrated Persons, the Pope emphasised that meaningful change in the world must begin from within, anchored in the imitation of Christ. “The world can change beginning with the heart of Jesus,” he affirmed, highlighting the centrality of spirituality in confronting today’s moral and social crises.
Echoing this message, Jesuit Priest Fr. Tiesaah cautioned against the rise of “religious relativism,” where the essence of consecrated life risks being diluted into routine practices devoid of personal conviction.
“Religious Life is not just a society one joins,” he warned, saying, “Without internal conviction, our beliefs lose their meaning.”
Fr. Tiesaah emphasised that the experience of Religious Life is about transformation, not self-denial in the negative sense, but dying to self to grow holistically. 
He quoted St. Ireneaus, who said, “The Kingdom of God is the human being fully alive,” and underscored the need for continuous internal development. Fr quoted.
In explaining his message, Fr. Tiesaah outlined a threefold spiritual path for the HHCJ Sisters as they prepare for their 2025 Chapter in November.
He urged them to look to the past with gratitude, asking them to “Recount the values and all that God and your foundress has used you to achieve. He urged the HHCJ Sisters in communities to acknowledge their spiritual heritage.
He also entreated the Sisters to live the present with passion, calling on them to mirror the zeal of the apostles in their service and commitment.
“Christ is the ideal,” he reminded them, referencing Philippians 1:21, and asked the Sisters: How are we being challenged by the Gospel today?
Finally, Fr. Tiesaah appealed to the HHCJ Sisters to embrace the future with hope despite challenges. Insisting that hope must anchor the future of religious life. Courageous docility, trusting in God’s plan even amidst uncertainty, is vital to this renewal.
Throughout his message, the Jesuit Priest reaffirmed that all experiences, even painful ones, are part of God’s divine plan. He invited the Sisters to open themselves to the heart of Jesus, allowing grace to transform bitterness into betterment.
“Whatever we are passing through,” he said, “is part of God’s plan for growth.”
As the world navigates social upheavals, moral ambiguity, and spiritual fatigue, he said, Pope Francis’ call serves as a timely reminder that authentic renewal, both personal and collective, begins with the heart turned toward Christ.
By Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
