Sr. Mary Anastasia Ama Asiedua Anane and Sr. Mary Celestine Innocentia Dovlo of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer (HDR) have held their Silver Jubilee Celebrations at the St. Michael Garrison Catholic Church, adjacent to the 37 Military Hospital.
A spirit of joy and gratitude marked the event as the entire HDR fraternity gathered to praise God for the duo’s 25 years of devoted service.
The responsorial psalm, “Here I am Lord, send me,” highlighted their dedication to serving the Lord and the fulfillment of their chosen vocation.
Twenty-five years of total devotion, “saved to serve” God and humanity, Sr. Anastasia, a teacher, and Sr. Celestine, an accountant, have made significant contributions in their respective fields to help foster the growth and aspirations of the church.
The celebration was graced by Most Rev. John Kobina Louis, Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra, who represented Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie, CSSp, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra.
In his homily themed “The Lord Himself will give you a sign,” based on Isaiah 7:14, Bishop Louis emphasised the significance of signs about the Blessed Virgin Mary and Consecrated Women.
He defined a sign as “pointing to something beyond itself” and related it to a bouquet of flowers, which is presented to show love and affection to someone to ignite joy and give hope.
He added that these signs also project directions to destinations, giving approvals and appreciations in their entirety to all.
He also said that the Blessed Virgin Mary is a perfect sign of salvation to all, especially to consecrated women, and that cannot change because it is purely captured by the love of God.
During the Renewal of Consecration, Sr. Anastasia and Sr. Celestine knelt before the altar and solemnly renewed their vows while Bishop Louis prayed for them.
The Jubilarians expressed their profound appreciation to Bishop Louis, their Sister Superiors, the Religious, and all present for their prayers, presence, and presence during the celebration of their Silver Jubilee.
By Anita Aryeh (DEPSOCOM, Accra)
