On March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph, the District of West Africa joyfully welcomed to Perpetual Profession in Holy Cross, Br. Francis Xavier Bangee, C.S.C. The Most Rev. Matthias Nketsiah, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Coast, presided and preached at the Mass of Profession held at the District Centre, Brafuyaw, Cape Coast. Br. Kenneth Haders, C.S.C., Superior of the Midwest Province, which oversees the Congregation's mission in West Africa, received Br. Francis’s vows.

Prior to the opening of the Mass, Br. John Badu Affum, C.S.C., Superior of the District of West Africa, welcomed approximately 500 guests who came from the various parts of Ghana for the ceremony. The guests included the Holy Cross Sisters, Fr. Agapetus Mukabane, C.S.C., and other priests and religious in the area. The Perpetual Profession also provided the occasion to celebrate the 50th anniversary of religious profession of Br. Haders.

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To mark their individual milestones in religious life, Br. Bangee and Br. Haders each cut their own celebratory cakes which brought many smiles to the faces of those who were present. Br. Haders also received a special blessing from the bishop. 

Br. Bangee was born in Jirupa-Tampala in the upper western region of Ghana. Having professed his First Vows in 2014, Br. Bangee studied accounting at the Catholic University College of Ghana. He completed his national service requirement at Holy Cross Technical Institute, where he served as the Accounting Officer and a teacher. Devoted to the Blessed Mother, he is equally devoted to community life where he is known for his humor, generosity, and warm personality.