PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF VOWS AND SILVER JUBILEE
OF SOME SISTERS OF THE HANDMAIDS OF THE DIVINE REDEEMER (HDR) OF ACCRA
ON THE SOLEMNITY OF ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD, MARCH 25, 2026
AT ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH AT ADENTA, ACCRA
HOMILY BY BISHOP JOHN KOBINA LOUIS
THEME: “BEHOLD, I COME TO DO YOUR WILL, O GOD” (HEBREWS 10:7)
READINGS: ISAIAH 7:10-14; 8:10/ HEBREWS 10:4-10/ LUKE 1:26-38
TRIPLE CELEBRATIONS
Today, we have a threefold celebration:
- the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
- the Perpetual Profession of Vows by four HDR Sisters, and
- the Silver Jubilee of Vows of three other HDR Sisters.
To God be the glory! Great things He had done!
INTRODUCTION
Today’s readings remind us that it is God who lovingly took the initiative to save humanity. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ. He obediently responded: “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb. 10:7). Then, God sent the Angel Gabriel to the most blessed of all humans, the Virgin Mary. And her response echoed the heavenly response of the Divine Son she would conceive: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
The sacred dialogue between God and the Virgin Mary is not only a past event—it is a living pattern. It is the same pattern unfolding today in the lives of our seven Sisters. God has called Sr. Jennifer Aikins, Sr. Gabriella Yankey, Sr. Samuella Kuutala, Sr. Cecilia Agyei, Sr. Florence Adzakpah, Sr. Francisca Appiah, and Sr. Victoria Depla. And each of them has responded: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word”.
Dear Sisters, congratulations to you all!
- GOD’S PROMISE: A FAITHFUL GOD WHO CALLS AND FULFILLS
In the first reading (Isaiah 7:10-14), God gives a sign: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” Even when human faith falters, God remains faithful. His plans are sure, His promises unfailing.
Religious vocation begins here—not with human initiative, but with divine calling. Before any Sister said “yes,” God, who loved her even before she was conceived, chose and called her.
Dear Sisters, your vocation is not an accident. It is a fulfillment of God’s eternal promise. Just as He fulfilled His word in Mother Mary, so He continues to fulfill His purpose in you.
- CHRIST’S OBEDIENCE: THE MODEL OF TOTAL SELF-GIVING
The second reading (Heb. 10:4-10) reveals the heavenly response of Christ: “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God.” Christ replaces animal sacrifice with obedience, ritual with relationship, offering with self-gift.
This is the essence of consecrated life. It is not merely about vows—it is about becoming an offering. Your poverty, chastity, and obedience are not ends in themselves; they are expressions of a deeper reality: a life totally surrendered to God’s will. Thus, every authentic religious life echoes Christ’s words: “I have come to do your will.”
- MARY’S FIAT: THE COURAGE TO SAY ‘YES’ WITHOUT CONDITIONS
In the gospel reading (Luke 1:26-38), Mary’s “yes” is not naive. Though she did not fully understand the mystery announced by the angel, she knew that she would face risk and possible rejection. Yet she entrusted herself completely to God.
Her “fiat” is not just a word—it is a lifelong commitment. From Nazareth to Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Jerusalem and through to Calvary, she remained faithful.
Dear Sisters, your vocation is your own “fiat.” It is your daily “yes” to God—especially when His plans are not easy, clear, or comfortable. Like Mother Mary, you are called not only to begin well, but to remain faithful unto the end.
- TO OUR SISTERS MAKING PERPETUAL PROFESSION: A RADICAL AND JOYFUL ‘FOREVER’
Dear Sr. Jennifer, Sr. Gabriella, Sr. Samuella, and Sr. Cecilia, today you say your definitive “yes.” Your vows are no longer temporary—they are total, lifelong, irrevocable.
Today, you stand spiritually beside Mother Mary and Christ our Lord, declaring:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord”;
“Behold, I have come to do your will.”
Your perpetual (“forever”) vows are both beautiful and demanding. They mean:
- Loving God above all, even when emotions fade
- Serving His people, even when unrecognized
- Remaining faithful, even in trials and dryness.
But take courage: the God who calls is the God who sustains. The Holy Spirit who overshadowed Mother Mary will overshadow you. You are not alone.
Let your lives become a living Annunciation—where Christ is continually conceived and made present to the world through your prayer, service, and witness.
- TO OUR SISTERS CELEBRATING SILVER JUBILEE: THE GRACE OF PERSEVERANCE
Dear Sr. Florence, Sr. Francisca, and Sr. Victoria, your 25 years of consecrated life are a great testimony: God is faithful, and His grace is sufficient.
You have lived your “yes” not just in moments of joy, but through:
- Times of sacrifice
- Periods of uncertainty
- Seasons of hidden service
Your jubilee is not merely a celebration of years—it is a celebration of God’s faithfulness. You have walked the path of Mother Mary, persevering in faith. Congratulations!
Now, God invites you to renew your fiat—not as beginners, but as seasoned witnesses. Your experience is a light for younger vocations. Your perseverance is a source of hope for the Church.
CONCLUSION: BECOMING LIVING ‘YES’ TO GOD
Dear brothers and sisters, the Annunciation teaches us that salvation begins with a “yes” – the “yes” of Christ and that of Mother Mary.
Today, through these Sisters:
- God’s promise continues to be fulfilled
- Christ’s obedience continues to be lived
- Mother Mary’s “fiat” continues to echo in the Church
May all of us learn from their example. Whether in religious life, priesthood, or lay vocation, we are all called to say: “Behold, I come to do your will, O God.”
And may the Virgin Mary, the most blessed Handmaid of the Lord, intercede for us, that our lives too may become a joyful and faithful “yes” to God’s saving plan.
Amen.
