For Sisters Daria Romanek, Daniela Gwiżdż and Paula Kozłowska the nine months’ period of preparation for Mission came to an end.
The preparation program included participation in the “Return to the Roots” renewal program, intensive English courses, the history of our presence in Ghana, getting to know the country’s religion and culture, as well as an experience of Nazareth community living in Rome, in the heart of the Church.
The Sisters all agreed that the highlight of their time in Rome was the Papal Audience on Wednesday 17 May which they were privileged to attend. During their brief encounter with Pope Francis the Sisters mentioned that they will be going on mission to Ghana and asked him to bless their mission which Pope Francis was only pleased to do!!!
On Sunday 28 May, Feast of the Ascension, the words of the gospel were most appropriate for the formal commissioning ceremony which took place during Vespers at the Generalate.
“…Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always…” (Mt 28:19-20)
Archbishop Konrad Krajewski, the Papal Almoner, Father Giuseppe Fanelli, OSJ, and Father Mariusz ¦wider were among the special guests. A large number of Sisters from our Motherhouse at Machiavelli, as well as the Sisters in the Generalate community witnessed the formal sending forth of the Sisters on mission, in the name of the Congregation.
During the ceremony Mother Jana Zawieja, Superior General, stated that it was the Church, sending them on mission and invited each Sister “…to receive the cross, a sign of Christ’s love for you. May it guide and accompany you each day”.
Finally, on Wednesday 16 August, the three very excited missionaries arrived in Accra International Airport, and were welcomed by Sr. Helen Tereba who was spending a few weeks in Ghana at the time.
After a nights’ rest at the Divine Word Missionaries’ Guest House, the Sisters travelled for 7 hours by car to Holy Family Convent in Sunyani, where the Sisters had gathered to welcome them. The enthusiasm of the three new missionaries was equally matched by the warmth and excitement of the Sisters awaiting their arrival.
While the Sisters were very grateful for their thorough preparation for mission, all commented on the fact that no amount of preparation, planning or research can substitute the reality of life which they had already witnessed and experienced….and this was only the beginning….
May God strengthen their faith, hope and love, so that they may be joyful witnesses and bearers of the Good News to the people of Ghana.
