Professions in Ghana

Br Franklin Bilikpe has made his first profession as a Presentation Brother at a ceremony at Mount Saint Joseph in Logre, Bolgatanga in Ghana.

In addition, another five young men have requested admission to the Presentation Brothers novitiate. The five are Dassah Augustine, Maabobrkuu Vitalis, Callistus Nero, Titus Ngmenkaar Bayagr, and Danikuu Vincent (see left). All hail from the diocese of Wa.

Br Joe Gilleece has written an account of the ceremonies:

The postulants requested entry at the door of the oratory and then proceeded to the altar, where they were respectfully but frankly queried about their intentions and purpose of their desire to become members of our Congregation. The Province Leader presented a copy of the Constitutions to each, stating, “They are for us our rule of life, a statement of our identity as a Religious Congregation” and each novice made a solemn  promise to live by our Constitutions. Then followed the formal presentation and introduction of each to the novice director, Br. Godfrey Kuubagr, who has the challenging task of helping them to discern the validity of their vocations.

In his address, Province Leader, Br. Rupert O’Sullivan explained the purpose of the novitiate. It is a journey in faith deepening one’s relationship with the Lord. It is also a journey, growing in honesty and integrity as we travel with the Lord and listen to his promptings for growth in all the virtues. It is also a journey with counter attractions, we have wandering hearts seeking satisfaction in material things, in status in entertainment, in addictions etc. The great St. Augustine sought satisfaction in all the aforementioned but eventually arrived at the conclusion, ”That our hearts do not rest until they rest in thee.”

Br Joe was also present at the First Profession of Br Franklin. He writes;

"Br. Valerius Sandow gave the homily at the profession ceremony. He made a valiant effort to simplify the meaning of the vows and to make them intelligible to everybody. He emphasized the freedom we embrace through the vow of Chastity. “In contrast to the marriage vow, I am not bound to love one person exclusively, the vow of Chastity frees me to love everybody I meet." 

He proceeded to explain that the essence of the religious poverty is not destitution, but common ownership of all goods of the congregation. “Nothing belongs to me personally, I drove a car here this morning, but the car is not mine, it is the property of the Congregation, to be used for the work of the Congregation.”

"The vow of obedience is the commitment to discern the will of God, through the prayerful approach to the Scriptures and the respectful  listening to the leaders of our community."

The highlight of the profession ceremony was when Franklin was led to the altar by his father and mother, Charles and Marcella,  who like Franklin himself are  both professional teachers. The significance of this was very striking- the parents surrendering their son to God just before he, himself surrendered himself to the lord through his vows of Poverty, Chastity and obedience.

With a very melodious voice and flanked by both parents Franklin sang his own personal surrender to the Lord, “Here I am Lord,….  I will go Lord. … ”  and the roar of Dagati drums in the background encouraged him in his surrender. After he pronounced his vows the rest of the Mass continued as usual.

Br. Andrew, headmaster of the nearby Presentation Junior High School, and assistant novice director, thanked all the priests, religious and laity in attendance, showing his heartfelt appreciation with the words, “Your support gives us great energy, enables us and empowers us”. He had a special word of thanks for our sister Congregation – the Christian Brothers, who came from Tamale with their twelve novices and three formators. He assured them, “Our collaboration continues to grow.”  

“We are deeply indebted too to Franklin’s  parents, without whom this function would not have been possible” said Andrew. He also thanked Franklin’s relatives for making the long journey to Logre.

Over a hundred souls were present for the ceremony and we concluded a hope filled  day with some light refreshments."

Thanks to Br Joe Gilleece for this account and best wishes to all our Ghanaian Brothers, novices, postulants and aspirants.

 

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