2nd June – 13th June 2025
From 2nd to 13th June 2025, the Aging Gracefully Programme was held with the participation of ten sisters from different congregations across Ghana and Nigeria. The programme offered an enriching opportunity for reflection, renewal, and preparation for the later stages of religious life.
The participants came from diverse congregations, including the Sisters of the Infant Jesus (SIJ), Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer (HDR), Society of the Holy Child Jesus (SHCJ), Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), Holy Spirit Congregation (HSC), Notre Dame de l’Église (NDE), and the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND). Their presence highlighted the shared commitment within religious life to accompany one another through all stages of the journey.
The programme focused on both the practical and spiritual dimensions of aging. Courses included “Aging Gracefully—Planning for the Future,” “Anger, Grief, Stress, Bereavement, and Conflict,” “Issues in Mid-Life: A Holistic Approach to Dealing with Crises,” and “Transition in Religious Life.” These sessions provided participants with valuable insights on personal growth, resilience, and the grace of embracing change.
The facilitators—Bro. David Kwaw Mensah, OFM Conv.; Bro. Joseph Tsiquaye, CSC; and Bro. Emmanuel Affum, SVD—guided the sisters through deep reflections, equipping them with tools to face challenges with faith and wisdom. Their expertise encouraged a spirit of openness, dialogue, and support among the group.
The ten-day programme created a space for mutual sharing and renewal, as participants found strength not only in the content of the sessions but also in one another’s experiences. By its conclusion, the sisters expressed gratitude for the time to reflect on their journey, prepare for the future with serenity, and embrace the call to live the aging process with grace.