On October 18-22, 2021, the solemnly professed friars of the Provincial Custody of St. Anthony of Padua in Ghana participated in a week of formation at the Friary and Novitiate of St. Francis of Assisi in Saltpond, Ghana.
The formation week gave the friars an opportunity to learn more and rekindle their zeal, to be rejuvenated and spend some fraternal time together. The program began with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Evening Prayer led by the Novice Master, Friar Moses Kabenla ARTHUR.
The five-day program was animated by Friars Charles Bruno KABIR and Vitus Yao MENSAH, from the Custody; Friars Varghese ALPHONSE and Augustine Teye NAATEY, OFM Cap.; and Brother Augustine Teye NAATEY, Marist. The animators spoke on the following topics: “The Spirit of Discipline”; “Dedication and Hard Work as Friars on a Mission”; “Growing Immorality in the 21st Century: How Can We Friars Be Living Witnesses of the Gospel?”; “The Role of Catholic Education in Evangelization”; and “The 800th Anniversary of the Earlier Rule (1221-2021): Renewing the Spirit of Francis in the 21st Century.”
Each day included some time for fraternal recreation. There was also a soccer match between the friars in solemn profession for five years or less, and those in solemn profession for more than five years. For the record, those solemnly professed for more than five years won, 4-0.
The friars were very happy with the formation week and were grateful for the food for thought they got from its organizers. We thank God for the fraternal time shared during this formation week.
Friar Pius Kofi ASARE, Custodial Secretary
