Meet the Ghanaian SVD Priest making artificial legs, arms for amputated patients

His life took a shift from the routine of a regular priest after his superiors suggested to him to take up a challenge to study Prosthetics and Orthotics.

For three good years, Rev. Fr. Eugene Asante, SVD, took on what could be described as a mission that extends beyond traditional priesthood duties studying how to craft arms and legs for amputated persons at the Brother Tarcisius Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College in Nsawam.

“I found myself in this field because this institution was started by an SVD brother called Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter,” Fr. Eugene explains. “After him, there has been no SVD who has been able to continue what he started, so it was suggested to me by my superiors that if I have the interest, I should also come and study so that I’ll find myself in this institution,” He told Catholic Trends.

Fr. Eugene began his journey into prosthetics in 2021 when he enrolled in the Brother Tarcisius Prosthetics Orthotics Training College. He graduated on August 23, 2023, and now fulfills his national service at a workshop at the SVD Orthopedic Centre where he meticulously crafts prosthetics for patients who have undergone amputations.

At the workshop, Fr. Eugene specializes in various types of prosthetics, from transtibial limbs for those amputated below the knee to transfemoral devices for above-the-knee amputees. He also designs hand prosthetics, providing tailored solutions to each patient’s unique needs.

“In addition to my work in the workshop, I serve as a chaplain,” Fr. Eugene said. He added that, “I celebrate Masses, offer counseling, and provide spiritual guidance to patients, children, and the dedicated staff here. Sometimes I give counseling and guidance to the patients who are finding it difficult to also accept the situation in which they are in. So in the way, I’m also sharing in Christ’s ministry.”

Fr. Eugene’s dual role as a priest and prosthetist embodies a profound dedication to Christ’s healing ministry. He describes his role as contributing to Christ’s healing ministry in a more practical way.

” I’m doing it in a practical way by trying to help people who cannot walk to walk again. So in the way, I can say that It is for filling and I am contributing to Christ’s healing ministry in a more practical way, so basically that is what I’m doing here,” He said.