From April 12 to 19, 2026, the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) gathered at the Novitiate at Nsoatre, Bono East Region, Ghana, to complete their first annual retreat, under the theme “Transformed Through Consecration, empowered for mission as Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus.”
The Sisters balanced quiet personal prayer with deep “spiritual conversations.” These group sessions allowed them to share their personal encounters with God, helping them realize that their individual struggles and joys were shared by the entire community.
During these spiritual exchanges, the Sisters opened up about their personal experiences in the mission field and their private walk with God.
They described these moments of sharing as deeply fulfilling and enriching, as they listened to how the Holy Spirit was working in each other’s lives. By bringing their individual reflections into the group, the sisters were able to encourage one another, turning their private spiritual gains into a collective strength that united the congregation.
The retreat also focused on practical ways to serve with a “gentle heart” across all their various apostolates. The sisters are committed to slowing down and treating every person they encounter, especially those who are difficult or suffering, as someone to be loved rather than just a task to be finished. They explored the “holiness of littleness,” learning to stoop down and care for the fragile, including the neglected or even a tired fellow sister, without losing their inner joy.
Rev. Fr. Edmund Agorhom, SJ, the Retreat Moderator, reminded the Sisters that they were God’s instruments, not the world’s saviours. This insight helped them let go of the stress of trying to control every outcome and find peace in their companionship with Jesus.
The Sisters departed from the Novitiate with a renewed promise to keep this spirit of warmth and humble service alive in their work with the poor and vulnerable.
HHCJ Media (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana -CASCON-GH)
