Profession of Vows at St. James Catholic Church, Tonsuom Estate | 28th July 2026

By Afriyie Thelma-Royal, DEPSOCOM

St. James Catholic Church, Tonsuom Estate, was filled on Monday, 28th July 2026, as priests, religious, parishioners, family and friends from Sunyani and Techiman dioceses gathered to witness three members of the Congregation of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (JMJ) make their profession of vows.

Sister Linda Ojaiouri made her Perpetual Profession, while Sisters Joyland Nnwami Takre and Dorcas Agirigica made their Temporary Profession. The Mass was presided over by Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and Concelebrated by Most Rev. Dominic Yeboah Nyarko, Bishop of Techiman.

The liturgy opened with the entrance procession, followed by the Liturgy of the Word. Sisters Joyland and Dorcas proclaimed the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm, while Sister Linda read the Second Reading. In his homily, Bishop Gyamfi reflected on the meaning of religious consecration, addressing the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and their place in a life given wholly to God.

The rite of Temporary Profession followed. Sisters Joyland and Dorcas came forward and knelt before their Regional Superior and the Bishop to pronounce their vows. They signed the official documents of profession, after which the Bishop presented each with the Cross of Christ and the Constitutions of the JMJ Congregation.

The rite of Perpetual Profession for Sister Linda followed. She was presented to the Bishop by her parents before prostrating herself before the altar as the Litany of the Saints was sung. She then rose to pronounce her final vows aloud and signed the profession document. The Bishop blessed and presented her with a ring, signifying her permanent consecration to Christ, which was then placed on her hand by her Superior. The congregation responded with applause and traditional songs of celebration.

The event forms part of ongoing vocational milestones within the Diocese of Sunyani, as the Congregation of Jesus, Mary and Joseph continues its formation and religious life programme in the region.