On Saturday 27th November 2021 in a simple yet deeply moving ceremony, twelve novices made their first profession of religious vows as members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. The ceremony, which took place during the eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop of Tamale, His Grace Philip Naameh assisted by twelve priests, at the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Tamale, Northern Ghana. Br Alfred Banda (Province Leader) received the vows on behalf of the Congregation.

The Archbishop during his homily reminded the novices that their formation had not ended as they professed their first vows, but that formation is a lifelong process. Their formation was to continue to follow Jesus Christ and develop an intimate relationship with him. He warned the brothers against following a life of self-indulgence, which is the alternative value our world is promoting. Quoting Pope Francis Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, the Archbishop reminded the brothers that their vocation as Brothers is a gift to the Church and indeed to the whole human race. By making their vows they are committing themselves to be brothers to everyone, a brotherhood not due to blood relation or race, or nationality but because we are all brothers and sisters, created in the image and likeness of God.

The twelve newly professed are John Mwauru (Kenya), Fabio Mauti (Kenya), Sumo Mulbah (Liberia), Lawrence Ndyabagye (Uganda), Myers Gaywhea (Liberia), Joseph William Omondi (Kenya), Kennedy Akoth (Kenya), Alisious Kongo Ligurie (Sierra Leone), James Kpedie (Ghana), Daniel Masiyaleti (Zambia), Jonathan Lufunda (Zambia) and Peter Siisi Mutelo (Zambia).

The newly professed Brothers will spend the Christmas holidays with their families and in January they will join their assigned communities in Zambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone. We wish them God’s blessings in their life and mission.

The newly professed Brother Alisious Ligurie (named after Br Ligurie Gillepsie) from Sierra Leone while giving a vote of thanks, quipped – “Can anything good come from Tamale” – making reference to the gospel reading, to which he responded - YES – brotherhood – born and bred in Tamale! There was no doubt that the impact of brotherhood was evident in the local Parish and the community. These twelve young men were treasured by the whole community.

Br George Massay