Twelve apostles of the youth
It all happened on the 11th of June, 2011 at the Catholic Parish of Trede Kumasi, Ghana. The entrance hymn for the day was carefully chosen to suit the occasion: “This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad, Amen”. Our people say that a good day begins with a good sunset. The day indeed began with a good sunset in spite of the fact that we are in rainy season, and in fact every other thing follows suit. If you ask me why 11th June, 2011 was good, I will say that it was good because twelve apostles of the youth were born to the Institute of the Marist Brothers’ of the schools. Six of these apostles came from Cameroon, one from Ghana and five from Nigeria.
Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Anokye, the Bishop of Obuasi diocese was the main celebrant. In his homily, he encouraged the newly professed to keep the vow they have made, noting that some priests and religious are no longer serious with the vows they have made to the Lord. The occasion witnessed many priests and religious including formatees from different religious congregations. Parents and relations of some of the newly professed, especially Michael Telewa (son of the soil) were also in attendance. The new queen mother of Trede was also in attendance.
Br. Sylvain Yao, the district superior of West Africa, and the delegate of Superior General, received the vow while Br. Joachim Ezetulugo, the newly appointed provincial of Nigeria helped in girdling the cords around the waist of the newly professed as a sign of chastity. The cord has three knots symbolizes the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience.
While we thank God for the gift of these young men, we keep praying for more vocations to the Church especially to the Marist way for life.