The Sisters of Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer of Accra, an indigenous congregation founded by Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers, SVD, and Co-Foundress Mother Providencia Hein SSpS in the year 1957 recently had their Ninth General Chapter.
Prior to the Chapter, the Capitulars had a week retreat led by Fr Michael Boakye Yeboah, a priest of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi and Vice Rector of St. Gregory the Great Provincial Major Seminary, Parkoso, in Kumasi, to prepare themselves towards the Chapter. Sr Olivia Umoh, a member of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, DC was the facilitator of the Chapter. The Chapter was to evaluate and plan for the future and growth of the Congregation. In discernment and prayers with the direction of the Holy Spirit, the Chapter elected these leaders: Sr Elizabeth Paula Nkansah-Otchere as Superior General; Sr Regina Ignatia Aflah as the Assistant Superior General.
The rest are: Sr Assumpta Ayikue, Sr Gifty Amoah Godwyl, and Sr Hellena Providencia Mireku for the next five years.
Most Rev John Kobina Louis, Auxillary Bishop of Accra, represented the moderator, Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie CSSp Archbishop of Accra, to preside over the election.
In attendance was Bishop Anthony Narh Asare, Auxillary bishop of Accra, who led in the opening Mass for the Chapter.
The HDR Sisters undertake apostolate such as: Teaching, catering, social works like running of orphanage, secretarial and administrative services, sewing services, as well as health services such as: nursing, midwifery, pharmacy, radiology and to undertake other works of charity in line with their charism. Hence, they invite young ladies to embrace the vocation to Religious Life, to offer their gifts and abilities in rendering services especially in Accra Archdiocese, Koforidua, Kumasi and Secondi-Takoradi Dioceses as well as Donkorkrom Vicarate and the country at large.