The Ghana Province of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), is set to hold this year’s 9th Provincial Chapter in November on the theme: “Renewal of our values and spirituality as Handmaids. Being pilgrims of hope in our world.”
The eight-day Chapter will take place at the HHCJ Novitiate at Nsoatre in the Bono Region of Ghana.
The Province has elected 35 delegates to attend the Chapter to deliberate on the theme and other related issues.
Prior to the Chapter year, the HHCJ Sisters are being called to a deep and intentional renewal in light of their Chapter theme.
In preparations towards the event, the multi-dollar question is: What is expected of the HHCJ Sisters and what are they called to do?
At this November Chapter, it is expected that the Chapter attendees would renew their core values and spiritual identity
They are expected to revisit the charism of the Congregation which is love, compassion, humility, simplicity, and service.
They are also expected to deepen their commitment to prayer, community life, and apostolic service as well as reflect personally and communally on the foundational values handed down by Mother Mary Charles Magdalen Walker.
At the Chapter, the Sisters would evaluate how faithfully these values are lived in today’s challenges and engage in a spiritual re-awakening through more intentional prayer and contemplation.
They would have spiritual retreats and guided reflections, personal and communal discernment, be rekindled in their missionary zeal and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them in a time of renewal.
The November Chapter is also expected to recognize the HHCJ Sisters’ role in bringing hope to a troubled and uncertain world, especially in education and formation of the young people.
On healthcare and pastoral outreach, the Chapter would champion advocacy for justice, peace, and integrity of creation.
It is expected to look at how to te signs of resilience, courage, and compassion, especially to the poor and marginalised.
As a Congregation that is committed to transformation at all levels, the HHCJ would foster ongoing formation in leadership, mission, and spiritual life and also strengthen the bonds of sisterhood and communion within the Province.
It is expected for the Chapter to discern how to respond prophetically to the needs of the Church and society today and engage in Chapter discernment with openness.
The Sisters as women of faith would enter the Chapter process as a sacred time of listening—to God, to one another, and to the signs of the times, make courageous decisions about mission priorities, structures, and renewal strategies for the next years.
They would expected to allow the Chapter to be a time of conversion, unity, and hope for the future.
In essence, the Handmaids of Holy Child Jesus are being invited to this 9th Provincial Chapter year to rekindle their founding spirit, walk together in renewed faith, and radiate the hope of Christ in all their ministries, communities, and relationships.
It’s a time to re-root and re-ignite their call as Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus in Ghana and beyond.
Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
