The historic celebration marked a significant milestone for the Catholic Church in northern Ghana, as the missionaries made their definitive commitment to a life of service to God and humanity.
The Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Yendi, Most Rev. Matthew Yitiereh, and attended by hundreds of the faithful, including diocesan clergy, religious men and women from various congregations, traditional rulers, family members and well-wishers.
In his homily, Bishop Yitiereh commended the fifteen candidates for their courage and willingness to respond to God’s call in an increasingly challenging world. He reminded them that religious profession is not a destination but a lifelong commitment to bearing radical witness to the Gospel.
He urged the newly professed missionaries to remain firmly rooted in prayer and to embrace the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience with genuine joy.
The bishop also emphasised their mission in the universal Church, particularly within the pastoral context of the Diocese of Yendi, calling on them to become agents of peace, reconciliation and holistic development among the people they are sent to serve.
Solemn rite marks lifelong commitment
The climax of the celebration was the solemn Rite of Profession, during which the fifteen Dunstan Missionaries individually stepped forward before the bishop, their religious superiors and the gathered assembly to pronounce their perpetual vows.
Following their individual declarations, the candidates prostrated themselves before the altar as the Litany of Saints was chanted, symbolising their total self-surrender to God.
They were subsequently presented with the visible symbols of their perpetual commitment, marking their lifelong membership in the Dunstan missionary family.
The ceremony was marked by deep spiritual emotion, with joyful tears, traditional drumming and ululations from proud family members filling St. Martin’s Pastoral Centre.
Boost for missionary work in Yendi Diocese
The perpetual profession of the fifteen missionaries is expected to strengthen the evangelisation efforts of both the Dunstan Missionaries and the Catholic Diocese of Yendi.
Known for their dedication to pastoral care, education and social interventions, the congregation is expected to expand its missionary reach with the addition of these fully incorporated members.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues at the end of the Mass, one of the newly professed missionaries expressed profound gratitude to their formators, families and the leadership of the Diocese of Yendi for their unwavering support throughout their years of formation.
Discussion about this post