The Province of West Africa rejoiced in grand style on July 7 as they celebrated their first Final Professions since becoming a Province earlier this year. Br. John Affum, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of West Africa, received the vows of Br. Nathaniel Obbih, C.S.C., Br. Augustine Sam, C.S.C., Br. Michael Quayson, C.S.C., Br. John Amponsah Agyemang,C.S.C., and Br. Robert Owusu, C.S.C., in joyful, faithful, and music-filled Mass in Holy Family Catholic Church in Brafoyaw.

The night prior to their profession, the five brothers shared their life stories and prayed with the community as a way of preparing themselves for the grace of their consecration.

The Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Archbishop of Cape Coast, presided at the Mass and gave a rousing homily, in which he began by singing the well-known song “I have decided to follow Jesus”.

Having captured the attention of the friends and family of those to profess Final Vows, as well as the other religious and priests in attendance, the archbishop proceeded to reflect on the commitment and determination required to follow Christ, emphasizing the significance of the journey of faith and the unwavering resolve needed. He underscored the cardinal virtue of obedience as fundamental to the brothers’ calling, saying that it was the means of discovering true freedom in aligning their wills with God’s plan.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued at the Province Centre, which is located in the same village of Brafoyaw. There a festive reception awaited, with the venue adorned with vibrant banners and decorations and the aroma of delicious food filling the air. Laughter and good cheer marked the rest of the celebration as families, friends, and community members came together to share in the joyous occasion.

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Br. Nathaniel Obbih, C.S.C., comes from Ituma, near Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. He professed his First Vows on July 8, 2014. After completing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, he undertook theological studies at Catholic University in Fiapre. Br. Nathaniel has counseled patients suffering from HIV at the Cape Coast Metropolitan Hospital, taught at St. Augustine Practice Basic School, and has done extensive work with the youth of Our Lady of Apostles Parish.

Br. John Agyemang Amponsah, C.S.C., is a native of Tepa in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. After having considered the monastic way of life, he eventually joined Holy Cross and professed his First Vows on November 9, 2019. Br. John holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Information Technology. As a trained catechist prior to joining Holy Cross, Br. John has a rich experience of ministry and loves his work at St. Brother André High School.

Br. Robert Owusu, C.S.C., is a native of Nkenkaasu in the Offinso North District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He professed his First Vows on November 9, 2019. Br. Robert had earned a Diploma in Education and so entered the Congregation as a professional teacher. His community-minded attitude and spirit, coupled with his apostolic zeal, earned him a place among the pioneer group of brothers who started the Nkoranza community. Br. Robert studied theology at the Catholic University at Fiapre.

Br. Michael Quayson, C.S.C., was born in Esikado, Sekondi, in the Western Region. He made his first Profession of Vows on October 15, 2016. Br. Michael was a welder but has since changed his interest to health care. He is currently a student at the Nursing College. The desire for nursing evolved from his ministry at the chaplaincy office at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital when he was a novice.

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Br. Augustine Sam, C.S.C., hails from Aboadze in the Western Region of Ghana. He made his First Vows on October 15, 2016. Br. Augustine entered Holy Cross with a tertiary certificate in Construction Technician and Block Laying from the Cape Coast Polytechnic. He now holds a Bachelor’s degree in Building and Construction from Takoradi Technical University. His zeal for ministry is described as “superb.” He taught at Holy Cross Technical Institute and later took theology classes at the Catholic University of Fiapre.