The Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) on Sunday, October 26, 2025, brought its 9th Provincial Chapter to a solemn close at the HHCJ Novitiate in Nsoatre, near Sunyani, in the Bono Region of Ghana, with the election of new leaders.
The newly elected Leaders are Sr Judith Magbity, HHCJ (Provincial Superior), Sr. Ann Twumasi, HHCJ (Provincial Vicar), Sr. Mary Gyamfua, HHCJ (1st Councillor). Bridget Mwingyine, HHCJ (2nd Councillor) and Sr. Christiana Chika Ifeabunike, HHCJ (3rd Councillor).
The closing ceremony was marked by a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Very Rev. Fr. Thomas Oppong Febiri, Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Damien Akintemi, SDB, Novice Director of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Delivering the homily, Very Rev. Fr. Oppong Febiri urged the newly elected leaders and members of the congregation to embrace humility and patience in their spiritual and communal lives. Centering his reflection on the Gospel reading of the day, he reminded the congregation that “there are many reasons God will say no” and emphasized that “waiting is one of the most difficult things,” yet it is often a divine invitation to trust and grow in faith.
He cautioned against pride, drawing lessons from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. “Because of pride, the prayer of the Pharisee was not answered,” he said. “Prayer is open to everyone — the sinner and the saint. The Church is open to all; it is what we do when we enter that matters.”
Fr. Oppong Febiri exhorted the newly elected leaders to remember that their election was not a result of merit but a gift of God’s mercy. “Do not be bloated thinking it is because of your good deeds,” he warned. “You are called to serve. Do not despise others or think you are better than them. Every person has a voice and a place in the Church.”
He further noted the subtle temptation among religious leaders to underestimate the contributions of others, especially those with fewer years of experience. “Sometimes, when we are up there, it looks as if others are not important,” he said. “That was what the Pharisee did, degrading others through his self-acclaimed righteousness. God does not have favorites; He gives each person a special gift to work with.”
Concluding his message, Fr. Oppong Febiri encouraged the sisters to remain steadfast in prayer, humility, and service. “Once you are up there, people will always see you,” he reminded the leaders. “No matter how good your intentions are, others may not understand. That is why you who have been elected need to pray for God’s guidance daily.”
The ceremony drew together sisters from across the province, marking the end of days of prayer, reflection, and deliberation on the future direction of the HHCJ congregation in Ghana. The atmosphere was one of gratitude and renewed commitment to the congregation’s charism of service, humility, and devotion to the Holy Child Jesus.
By Sr Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ
