The Sisters of the Incarnate Word (SVI) have concluded their annual retreat with a pledge to renew the joy of being Consecrated Persons.
The retreat was heldfrom August 1 to August 8, 2026, at the Ark of the Covenant Novitiate in Mantukwa-Sunyani.
It was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Clement Amankwa, Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani.The retreat brought together 28 Professed Sisters, centred around the theme: “Renewing the Joy of Consecrated Life.”
The retreat concluded with a solemn penitential service, providing the Sisters an opportunity to seek God’s forgiveness for times they fell short in faithfulness and love.
During the retreat, Fr. Amankwa emphasised that every vocation is a gift from God that must be cherished.
He reminded the Sisters that true joy is found in religious life, and in following Christ, asking: If a religious does not find joy in Christ, where else will it be found?
Throughout the sessions, Fr. Amankwa highlighted Christ as the origin and anchor of religious calling, because God loves humanity.
He continuously invites believers to remain in His love; responding to a vocation is accepting this divine invitation.
Acknowledging that the path includes trials. He urged the Sisters to stand firm and support one another through life’s difficulties. Emphasising the communal dimension of faith, he noted that Jesus did not form isolated followers, but rather a community of disciples.
He described every convent as a “school of love” where shared living reveals both strengths and weaknesses.
Far from being obstacles to holiness, Sisters in the community are God’s chosen instruments for mutual sanctification.
He warned that tearing down fellow sisters inflicts deep wounds, encouraging them instead to cultivate daily gratitude to guard their hearts against discouragement.
The Sisters were also motivated to spend regular time before the Blessed Sacrament to draw strength and consolation directly from Christ.
Addressing their mission, he reminded the congregation to embrace and remain faithful to the evangelical counsels. “We live not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world,” he noted, entreating the Sisters to let their lives be a visible witness.
Religious sisters are called to comfort the sorrowing, heal the brokenhearted, visit the poor, and serve as a source of hope to all.
He evoked the participants that every choice involves renunciation.
Saying “yes” to God requires letting go of personal will in favour of obedience, and choosing community life over isolation.
Embracing these sacrifices makes communal living both fruitful and joyful.
The Sisters were emboldened to look to Mary, the model of consecrated life, for strength during difficult times, and to offer their absolute best in ministry.
Fr. Clement implored them never to be the cause of another’s sorrow, but always the fountain of joy.
By Sr. Veronica Ferkaa, SVI (Sister Communicator, CASCON-GH)
