Saturday, 20 September, was joy-filled for the Province of West Africa of the Congregation of Holy Cross as they celebrated the First Professions of its three novices: Br. Vincent Ackah, C.S.C., Br. Martin Davis, C.S.C., and Br. George Yalley, C.S.C. The celebration took place in the Saint Brother André Chapel at the Province Centre, Brafoyaw, in Cape Coast.

As the Congregation’s Vocations and Formation Commission was in Ghana for its annual meeting, Br. John Affum, C.S.C., Superior of the Province of West Africa, invited some members of the Commission to take prominent roles in the ceremony.

Fr. Larry Mwenya, C.S.C., from the Province of East Africa, presided at the Mass, and Br. John Paige, C.S.C., from the United States, preached the homily. He described the Religious Vows as a “sacred treasure.” Then, after Br. Affum had presented the three novices for their professions, Br. Jonathan Beebe, C.S.C., Sixth Assistant and Co-Chair of the Vocations and Formation Commission, received their Vows and presented them with the symbols of their profession.

The celebration concluded with a joyful meal shared by all in attendance, including family members of the recently professed.

Joining the Mass and festivities were 13 aspirants, being accompanied in a process of vocational discernment by Br. Kenneth Goode, C.S.C., Vicar and Vocation Director. The aspirants met with the Vocations and Formation Commission following Mass.