A NEW FRONTIER

Ghana, like Benin (one of our mission countries which currently has three communities), is also a country in West Africa, bordering Burkina Faso to the north, the Gulf of Guinea to the south, the Ivory Coast to the west and Togo to the east. Ghana and Benin share Togo as a border.

On Saturday, March 4, more that forty Sisters gathered for a Zoom meeting, during which Sr. Anne Walsh and Sr. Maria Cristina Pievani spoke of the visit they made from December 2 through 7. They visited Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Fodome, Diocese of Ho, Ghana, at the invitation of its’ Bishop, Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD.

The interest was great. Various questions were asked, especially regarding the educational system, the running of the clinic, the language and characteristics which emerged from the shared images.

From December through March, all the Sisters were asked to pray and discern if they felt called to this mission and, if their response was affirmative, to send a letter to Mother Miriam by March 10. Shortly thereafter, Mother Miriam announced that we would be opening this new mission and that five Sisters would go to Ghana:

Sr. Linda PETTINELLA – Superior – Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Daniela MINNITI - Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Clara Mahilia ROACHE - Mary Queen of Apostles Province - USA

Sr. Rizeuda BARBOSA PINTOS – Sacred Heart of Jesus Brazilian Province – SP

Sr. Vera GJOKA (Albania) – Mother Clelia Italian Province – IT

The official opening of the mission is foreseen to take place on October 15 or 16, 2023. Since it is an interprovincial province, it will depend directly on the General government. Let us pray for these sisters as they prepare for this new mission of our Institute in Ghana.