Br. Imoru Emmanuel, Province Secretary of the West African Province has sent the following update:

The 7th – 13th of August 2016 was a period chosen for the Temporary Professed Brothers of the West Africa Province to have their annual retreat. The retreat took place in Navrongo – Bolgatanga Dioceses in the Holy Angels Parish at Garu. The retreat was preached by our own Brother Valerius Sandow.

A total number of ten (10) Temporary Professed Brothers renewed their vows in the full glare of parishioners, which was received by Br. Valerius Sandow and witnessed by Br. Imoru Emmanuel. Unfortunately, Br. Maxwell Orkumah could not turn up and his vows ran out automatically. Br. James Derbuo Dery renewed his vows with the Monks at Christo Boasi in Tuobodome.

The retreat was crowned with the first profession of religious vows of Br. Yohanna Zarmis Shuka on 15th August 2016, which also marks the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary our Patroness. This particular date is historical to the Congregation, as it was the date chosen for professions in earlier time.

The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Leo Traynor (St. Patrick’s Society, who are running the SELL programme alongside with the Presentation Brothers in the diocese). Br. Agoah Francis Xavier (Province Leader) gave a beautiful reflection.  In his reflection, the key issues where on being Prophetic witnesses; protecting and preventing abuses of all forms in both the Church and in our ministries. He reminded the Congregation that by the vows of the religious, he or she is not to be competing for positions but to be of service. “Do not lord it on people but be there for them”.

The Novice Director (Br. Joseph Mukasa Dongligee) proceeded to present the candidate for first profession. This is the first born Brother of Br. Joseph Mukasa Dongligee. The Province Leader examined the candidate and found him worthy for the pronouncement of religious vows.

Br. Yohanna Zarmis Shuka is missioned back to his home diocese Bauchi, in Tafawa Balewa where he will teach in our Presentation Brothers’ School.

More pictures from the profession of vows can be seen here.