Handmaids of Holy Child Jesus ( HHCJ) Sister Felicia N. Fokawati, has celebrated a Thanksgiving Mass at the St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish, Lassia Tuolu as the first Religious Sister from Lassia Tuolu in the Wa Diocese.
The January 5, 2025 Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Fredrick Tantie.
In his homily, Fr. Tantie said the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord and thanksgiving for Sr. Felicia was a sign of gratitude to God.
He said Sr. Felicia had been is invited for this service as a Handmaid, shining as a star, to shed light on those who walk in darkness.
Fr. Tantie noted that Sr. Tantie is privileged irrespective of her background, and has been chosen by God.
He urged her to consider herself as a pencil in the hand of God, allowing Him to use her in His vineyard.
There are other privileges, he stated but according to him, Sr. Felicia chose to go in to work for Christ through humanity which is the ultimate of our being.
“Through your example, many more will follow your footsteps as the first Religious Sister” admonished the celebrant.
“When God wants to bless a nation, he first makes them least before he blesses them. God has chosen you from among the least, and he has blessed you”, said Fr Tantie to Sr. Felicia.
Fr. Fredrick said, the congregation present at Mass was evident because the glory of God has indeed shown among us.
To the HHCJ Sisters, and others, Fr. Tantie urged them to continue to sacrifice their lives for the kingdom.
And haven’t seen the star, he encouraged the congregation to continue to remain like the Prophet Isaiah, giving people hope and give their best instead of the “pull him down” syndrome and make themselves free gifts for the child Jesus to always be born in them.
Fr. Tantie admonished Sr Felicia to continue to commit herself to prayer, and in humble service to God.
“Maintain your identity, remember your fundamental option, original motivation,” said Fr. Tantie.
He prayed that God should bring the good work he has begun in her.
Present at the celebration were priests and religious especially the HHCJs.
The perpetually professed Sisters present at the occasion renewed their perpetual vows as an annual ritual done on epiphany day to remind themselves of their total self-giving as a gift to the Lord.
By Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
