A six-day annual Retreat for the Handmaids of Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) Sisters at Nsoatre, Sunyani in the Bono Region of Ghana, has been held from August 23 to 30, 2024, on the theme: In Christ, Renewed in my Call.
Rev. Fr. Gustav Karlson Kofi Kpeyibor, a Jesuit and the Director of the St. Peter Claver Retreat Centre at Brafoyaw in Cape Coast, who was the facilitator, emphasized God’s ongoing creative work in people’s lives.
He highlighted how often people forget God’s presence amidst life’s distractions, saying, “This forgetfulness allows evil to recycle itself in various forms, as we neglect to manifest God’s image and likeness.”
The Jesuit Priest noted that God’s nature is multifaceted – He can appear young or old, swift or slow.
He posed thought-provoking questions: “At what point did you meet Christ? In what form, colour, or manner? How did you recognize Him?” He encouraged the sisters to reflect on their personal encounters with Christ, enabling them to testify to the Spirit’s work in their lives.
The retreat also focused on embracing the processes of diminishment, aging, and death.
Fr. Kpeyibor highlighted that true beauty lies within, shining brighter as people grow older and encouraged the Sisters to accept help when needed.
He stressed the value of community living, where young and old accompany each other on their spiritual journeys, saying, that living in community is synonymous with living in the Spirit, and every community is apostolic. Therefore, he called on the Sisters to embody the Lord’s example in their daily lives.
“Community life has its challenges, but humility should be the guiding principle” he said, reminding the Sisters that “the resurrection, we transcend worldly limitations, and encountering Christ renews us.”
He urged the Sisters to embrace humility, awareness, and transformation, allowing Christ’s passion to ignite our communities.
By Sr. Sheila Adombire, HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
