On Saturday, July 27, 2024, the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana gratefully witnessed fifteen friar novices make their first profession of simple vows.
In his homily during the event, the Custos, Friar Vitus Edem Yao MENSAH, challenged the newly professed friars to see themselves outwardly as friars but inwardly as “no-vices” forever, that is, men without vices. He encouraged them to see their profession, not as a graduation, but as a new beginning towards a greater commitment in the school of Jesus. Their formation, he concluded, must be continuous, until they definitely encounter Jesus in heaven.
The colorful and joyful celebration was held at the beautiful and serene Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence in Saltpond, Ghana. Those attending included a dozen friars, some religious, and relatives and friends of the newly professed. Those who made their first profession as members of the Custody of Ghana are Friars Mark OPPONG, Theophilus Kwabena YEBOAH, Victor YIRBEEN, Albert ARCHER, Saint Gregory ASUMADU-BOAKYE, Marvin Kusi APPIAH, Emmanuel Chibuikem UBAH and Samuel Louis NYAMEKYE. The rest made their first profession as members of the Provincial Delegation in Burkina Faso, represented on this occasion by Friar Martin ROUAMBA. They are Friars Datchega Gabin KIATTI, Amen Amevi WOMAGNON, Eric KOETA, Tarbsida Norbert SANKARA, Kouetcha Blaise GNAMMI, Pengdwende Pascal ZONGO and Aubin OUEDRAOGO.
We offer the newly professed our warmest congratulations and best wishes as they navigate their Franciscan discipleship in the school of Jesus.
Friar Moses Kabenla ARTHUR, Master of Novices
