On Saturday, 19 September, three weeks after the Final Professions in the United States, the Province of West Africa gathered in Holy Family Church, Brafuywa, to celebrate the Final Professions of Br. Richmond Kakra Asaffua, C.S.C., Br. Eugene Ayensu, C.S.C., Br. Peter Gaglosu, C.S.C., Br. Godfred Kyeremeh, C.S.C., and Br. Augustine Maison, C.S.C.
The Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Archbishop of Cape Coast, presided at the Mass and preached the homily. Br. John Affum, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of West Africa, received the vows of the five brothers and presented them with the medals of St. Joseph, signifying their definitive incorporation into the Congregation.
The Province of West Africa took advantage of the Mass to celebrate as well the Silver Jubilee of Religious Vows of Br. Patrick Baah, C.S.C. His anniversary added another layer of joy and meaning to the day’s festivities, which ended with a thanksgiving meal.
Among the family, friends, and religious who gathered for the celebration was Br. Kenneth Haders, C.S.C., Superior of the Midwest Province, who offered congratulatory remarks to the newly finally professed and jubilarian. The Midwest Province founded and oversaw the Congregation’s mission in West Africa for decades, until it was made its own province in 2023.
Read more about Holy Cross men from around the world who have professed Final Vows
Brother Richmond Kakra Assafuah, C.S.C., a member of the Province of West Africa, is a native of Ayeldu in the Central Region of Ghana. He took First Vows on 9 November 2019. Richmond graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education with a specialization in English from the Catholic University of Ghana. Br. Richmond is an avid reader of spiritual books and contends that he has “learned how God speaks to me and encourages me through spiritual reading.” He sees the vows not as “obligations imposed from outside but as pathways to greater freedom, service, and union with Christ.” He has had a variety of pastoral experiences, from pastoral ministry at Sacred Heart Parish directing youth programs to teaching at St. James Seminary. Br. Richmond currently assists the Director of the Candidates program at St. Joseph Hall.
Brother Augustine Atta Maison, C.S.C., a member of the Province of West Africa, hails from Jukwa Abrafo in the Central Region of Ghana. He pronounced First Vows on 9 November 2019. As a trained nurse, Br. Augustine has a natural affinity for working with the sick, the vulnerable, and their families. Working with the sick has deepened his understanding of human suffering as part of the mystery of the Cross. Br. Augustine values community life and is noted for fostering healthy and respectful relationships with his confreres. He completed a bachelor’s degree program in nursing and has served at the Cape Coast Regional Teaching Hospital and also at St. Matthew’s Parish, bringing to bear his skills in serving the sick. Br. Augustine is currently working as a nurse at St. Gregory Catholic Hospital in Kasoa, which serves a large refugee community, and living with the Holy Cross community at Saint Brother André Senior High School.
Brother Peter Ofori Gaglosu, C.S.C., a member of the Province of West Africa, comes from Osudoku in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. He professed First Vows on 14 September 2018. He is naturally an introverted person. Religious Life has taught Br. Peter to approach everyone with kindness and respect. Br. Peter’s participation in the pilgrimage and renewal program in Le Mans, France, “deepened [my] appreciation of the spirituality of Blessed Basil Moreau and strengthened [my] commitment to the charism of Holy Cross.” Br. Peter earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from the Catholic University of Ghana and has served as librarian, a teacher, and assistant formator. Br. Peter currently is an Assistant School Administrator and teaches Religious and Moral Education at Saint Brother André Senior High School.
Brother Godfred Kyeremeh, C.S.C., a member of the Province of West Africa, is from Techimantia in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. He made First Vows on 14 September 2018. Godfred is community-minded and deeply prayerful, drawing strength from contemplative forms of prayer. He contends that prayer is “the central pillar of my vocation and the wellspring from which I draw strength, joy and meaning in life.” He earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Sunyani. Currently, Br. Godfred serves in the Information Technology and Media Department at Saint Brother André Senior High School. He writes, “This mission enables me to integrate faith and technology, educating minds, nurturing hearts, and making God known, loved, and served.”
Brother Eugene Ayensu, C.S.C., a member of the Province of West Africa, was born in Breman-Asikuma in the Central Region of Ghana. He took First Vows on 14 September 2018. Eugene has a special devotion to Our Lady, St. Joseph, and Blessed Basil Moreau. He contends, “prayer sustains me in moments of joy and in moments of darkness.” His visit to Fr. Moreau’s tomb “had a great impact on my understanding of Holy Cross and its charism.” Eugene’s simplicity, availability, and willingness to serve make him a “positive presence” in the Community. Br. Eugene earned a bachelor’s degree in geography with First Class Honors, a notable academic achievement that reflects both his intellectual ability and his determination to excel. Br. Eugene teaches geography and serves as Campus Minister at Saint Brother André Senior High School.