On September 8, 2024 fifteen young men pronounced their first Religious Vows in the Congregation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, St. Joseph (Africa Occidental South, AOS) Province in Ghana at the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Odumase in the Diocese of Sunyani.
The Eucharistic celebration and the receiving of the vows of the newly professed was done by the AOS Provincial, Rev. Fr Dennis K. Soro, SDB.
In his homily, Rev. Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, SDB, the provincial of Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) St Artemides Zatti Province identified three idols that he said could destroy religious life which are Possessions, Power and Pleasure.
He, therefore, urged the newly professed to get rid of any of these idols stating that they would prevent them from living out the vows of Obedience, Chastity and Poverty, if entertained.
He advised them to ask Jesus to journey with them as they live the vows and encouraged them to say to themselves that they were making this profession forever consecrating every aspect of their lives to God.
Fr. Jorge informed the young men to look nowhere when challenges come their way but to look to Jesus and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He acknowledged the increase in vocation to the religious life in Africa, stating that there is no vocation in Europe and that some people think that Consecrated Life would disappear.
In confirmation of the growth and increase in vocation in Africa the AOS St. Joseph Providence have twenty-two young men who have started their Novitiate journey into the religious life.
By Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicator)
