Sr. Paulette Ankrah, RVM, has urged the Temporary Professed of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) congregation to ensure the find quiet time for personal reflection and evaluation.
Speaking at an annual recollection for 17 Temporary Professed Sisters of the SMMC at Sokode Gbogame in the Ho Diocese of Ghana’s Volta Region, she exhorted the Sisters to allow the Lord to challenge them and encouraged them to look up to Jesus on the cross in everything.
The June 21 to 23, 2024 programme which was part of their annual ongoing formation programme saw many topics discussed to equip the Sisters in their Religious journey.
Speaking on Journaling, Sr. Ankrah emphasised the benefits of journaling, which had spiritual growth at its center, saying, “Journaling helps us to nourish and monitor our spiritual growth.”
She tutored the participants on how to evaluate themselves in the light of the scripture, their constitution and core values as Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church.
Touching on Spiritual Direction, Sr. Ankrah defined spiritual direction as an ongoing relationship in which the director helps another person grow in relationships with God.
She noted that it was essential for the sisters to find personal spiritual directors to help them on their spiritual journey
As part of the programme, the Temporary Professed Sisters renewed their commitment and rededication of self with lighted candles and prayed silently before the altar.
During a dialogue session among the participants, the Temporary Professed Sisters shared and discussed their experiences as well as life as a temporary professed.
“As we look up to others for modelling, we also must look at ourselves for evaluation, for at the end we are going to be accountable for ourselves,” Sr. Ankrah said, adding, “Strengthening the spirit requires sacrifice, the ultimate remains prayer”.
Rev. Fr. Samuel Eco Kornu, the Chaplain of Mater Ecclesiae School at Sokode, Ho who officiated Holy Masses on different days of the Recollection, entreated the Sisters to always depend on God for survival.
He encouraged them not to worry about tomorrow because God had provision for all, saying, “We are unhappy because we sometimes do not know the difference between our needs and wants.”
“Let us differentiate between our needs and wants in order not to misplace our priorities. Be content with what you have for man is insatiable,” he stated.
He exhorted the Sisters to always trust in the Lord, even in their difficulty, encouraging them, “Let us call on Jesus in our boat of life to stop all our fears.”
Story and Photos by Sr. Bridget Kator, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
