Sr. Sheila Adombire, a Sister of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus ( HHCJ ) from Ghana, has shared her experiences and knowledge gained during her scholasticate programme in Nigeria.
The scholasticate programme which started on October 10, 2024 and ended on June 25, 2025 was a successful one.
The Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus undergo an additional nine-month scholasticate formation programme at their Generalate in Ifuho, Ikot Epene Diocese, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, further preparing them for their final vows after completing their initial four-year formation before first vows.
This programme is designed for HHCJ Sisters who have made their Temporary Profession, typically 2-3 years after their first vows.
As a Sister Communicator who just ended her scholasticate year, Sr. Adombire stated that she has acquired valuable communication skills that would equip her to spread the Gospel effectively.
Courses on pastoral theology and religious leadership have taught her how to approach communication with clarity, empathy and purpose.
According to her, she has learnt to craft messages that would resonate well with people, and make her a more impactful communicator for her congregation and the people of God.
She noted that the scholasticate’s emphasis on Catholic social teachings has endowed her with a deeper understanding of the Church’s stance on critical social issues.
She indicated that she has learned how to apply these teachings in practical ways, promoting justice, dignity, and compassion wherever she finds myself.
This knowledge will help her come up with strategies that would enable her to address social issues with clarity.
Through this scholasticate formation, the scholastics have gained vital knowledge and insights that will shape them, empowering them to live out their faith with greater purpose, serve others with compassion and wisdom, and spread God’s love more effectively.
This formation has deepened their understanding of their congregation’s mission and vision and has also equipped them with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in their various communities and the world at large.
The formation programme is aimed to deepen the spiritual connection with God, equip Sisters for effective ministry, and nurture their own spiritual growth as well as that of the communities they serve and the apostolate they do.
The programme combines spiritual formation with academic studies to shape and enrich the lives of sisters under temporary vows, building on their experience of community life.
The scholasticate programme also offers a unique chance for Sisters from different provinces, regions, and missions to come together, encounter each other, share knowledge and experiences, and live in community which foster mutual understanding and growth.
During this period, the scholastics undertake various courses, including, prayer, liturgy, philosophy, church history, Catholic Social teaching, Moral Theology, fundamental theology, Scriptures, Ecclesiology, pastoral theology, Dogmatic theology, Spiritual Theology, Code of Canon law, religious leadership, Pneumatology, Consecrated life, psychological aspects of religious life and many other workshops.
These courses empower the scholastics to be bold and refine, with a deeper understanding of the teachings of the church and her traditions which helps them to confidently live out their faith with conviction and wisdom.
The scholasticate training deepens the spirituality of the scholastics, particularly through courses on prayer and liturgy.
They are able to gain a richer understanding of God’s love and presence in their lives, which enhances their personal prayer lives and ability to connect with others on a spiritual level.
This spiritual growth shapes them into being more compassionate and empathetic individuals, deepening their relationship with God.
