A vibrant surge of youth from across the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani attended a major Youth Rally at the Queen of Peace Grotto, Amanfoso-Nsoatre.
This massive gathering, held from February 27 to February 29, 2026, marked a transformative three-day rally centred on the inspiring theme: “Catholic Youth on Mission: Youthful, Empowered & Sent (Jer 1: 6-8)” With 2026 officially designated as the “Year of the Youth” for the Diocese, the event served as a powerful catalyst for spiritual renewal and missionary zeal.
While the rally drew the Clergy and Religious from across the Region, the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) were at the heart of the weekend’s activities. Led by the Vocation Directress, a vibrant team of Sisters and Novices made it their mission to personally connect with the hundreds of young people seeking a deeper purpose.
The Handmaids didn’t just attend; they immersed themselves in the crowd, sharing their personal journeys of faith and the unique charism of their Congregation. Their presence served as a living testimony to the beauty of saying “Yes” to God’s call.
A major highlight for the young people was a dedicated session on identifying one’s “authentic vocation.” The Handmaids took a leading role here, with the Vocation Directress, Novices, and professed Sisters guiding the interactive discussions. They worked together to explain the different forms of service within the Church, including the Priesthood, Married Life, Single Life, and specifically highlighting the beauty of Religious Life. The Sisters focused on the practicalities of discernment, helping the youth understand that a vocation is not just a career choice, but a divine invitation to love and serve.
To ensure their message stayed with the participants long after their interactions, the Handmaids were active in promoting and producing the identity of their Congregation throughout the three-day rally. The Sisters and Novices moved through the crowd, distributing informative brochures that detailed the history, spirituality, and mission of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus.
During the sessions, the Novices shared their fresh perspectives on the formation process, making the idea of religious life feel relatable and attainable to the gathered youth.
The Rally concluded with a renewed sense of purpose for the hundreds of young people, many of whom left Queen of Peace Grotto with a Handmaid brochure in hand and a new spark of vocational interest in their hearts.
As one participant noted, seeing the Handmaids so involved gave everyone a clear picture of what “Catholic Youth on Mission” really looks like, as the Sisters didn’t just teach the message; they walked alongside the youth to live it.
By Sr. Sheila Aselwine Adombire, HHCJ (Sister Communicator)
