In a spirit-filled ceremony marked by solemn commitment and deep reflection, eight pre-novices of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Ghana Province were officially clothed into the Novitiate on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
The event took place at the HHCJ Novitiate House in Nsoatre, in the Sunyani Diocese of the Bono Region of Ghana.
The clothing ceremony was held during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Emmanuel Appiah Adongo, curate at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Nsoatre. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Vitalis Kokoro from the Obuasi Diocese.
In his homily, Fr. Emmanuel offered a stirring message centred on the call to Religious Life, describing it as a sacred promise made to God, a promise that must be nurtured and upheld with grace, discipline, and zeal.
Reflecting on the readings of the day, he likened the responsibility of the new novices to that of the biblical judges, who served as prophets and leaders, bearing the weight of God’s mission.
“A promise made must be executed,” Fr. Emmanuel said, adding that “It has never been easy and will never be easy, but it must be kept by the grace of God if only you take the same zeal as Jephthah.”
He emphasised that the religious habit is not just a symbol, but a rule that demands obedience and sincerity of purpose.
“Formation is not a punishment,” he continued, “but a path to help you discover and walk rightly in the life you have chosen. If you cannot fulfill your vow, keep quiet and pray for yourself, but do not destroy others. Focus on your promises to God.”
The ceremony was graced by the HHCJ Provincial Superior, Sr Christiana Doggu and her Council, HHCJ Sisters, Novices, and friends of the Congregation, to witness and celebrate this important milestone in the lives of the eight young women committing to the next phase of their spiritual journey.
Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah (Sister Communicator)
