The Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, has admonished Christians, especially the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Sisters and Consecrated Persons, not to model their lives on the values of the world but to allow their minds and lives to be transformed by Christ.
He gave the charge during a solemn Eucharistic celebration held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Christ the King Cathedral in Sunyani to mark the final profession of four members of the HHCJ and the Silver Jubilee celebration of Sr. Agatha Ifenkwe, HHCJ.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Gyamfi reflected on the meaning of vocation and commitment in Christian life.
He noted that every human being lives for something and must make a definite choice in life, whether to commit oneself to family life, the priesthood, or religious life. According to him, these choices are mutually exclusive and demand total dedication.
“Once you choose one, you let go of the others,” he said, citing Mary and Jesus as examples of people who embraced their vocations with courage despite the challenges they faced. He explained that just as Jesus committed Himself fully to His priestly mission and Mary accepted her role in God’s plan, consecrated persons today must also commit themselves wholeheartedly to the service of humanity and the Church.
Bishop Gyamfi congratulated Sr. Agatha Ifenkwe, HHCJ, on her 25 years of faithful service to God and the Church, describing her journey as a testimony of perseverance and grace. He also commended the four sisters making their final profession for their courage in saying a definitive “yes” to God.
“They have chosen to run the race forward, not looking back, with their focus always on the Lord,” he said, calling on the congregation to support them with prayers so they may remain faithful to their lifelong commitment.
Drawing inspiration from St. Matthew the Apostle, the Bishop described the sisters’ decision as a bold and radical choice. He noted that while some of the apostles returned to their former lives, Matthew never went back after responding to Christ’s call. In the same way, he encouraged the sisters to remain firm, even in the face of temptations to return to former ways of life.
Acknowledging the difficulties of religious life, Bishop Gyamfi emphasized that following Christ is not easy but becomes possible when one remembers who it is they are following. He assured the sisters of God’s promise: “Fear not, my servant whom I have chosen; I will pour my blessings on your efforts, your prayer, and your commitment.”
Using the symbolism of the religious ring, he urged the sisters to “write on their hands” that they belong to the Lord. “By the ring, you have carved the Lord’s name on yourself,” he said, stressing that total consecration demands a radical transformation of life, echoing St. Paul’s exhortation not to conform to the world but to be renewed in mind.
The Bishop further encouraged the newly professed sisters to deepen their lives of prayer and meditation, likening their journey to that of the prophet Samuel, who gradually learned to recognize the voice of the Lord. He reminded them of Mary’s steadfastness, noting that despite her suffering, she never ran away from her commitment but pondered all things in faith.
Present at the celebration were the Sisters who made their final profession of vows, including Sr. Sandra Sauri, HHCJ; Sr. Agatha Acquaye, HHCJ; Sr. Sheila Adombire, HHCJ; and Sr. Thelma Nora Fynn, HHCJ as well as the silver jubilarian, Sr. Agatha Ifenkwe, HHCJ.
Also in attendance were numerous religious priests, consecrated men and women, diocesan priests, family members of the celebrants, various church organizations, and schoolchildren from institutions where the sisters have served.
The Bishop concluded by urging the sisters to remain sincere and faithful to their lifelong vows. “You belong to the Lord now and always,” he said. “Let your lives from today never be the same. Live, move, and have your being in the Lord.”
Sr Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
