The great Hospitaller Family celebrates with profound joy the flourishing of our charism throughout the world. The month of August brings us two significant vocational events: the Silver Jubilee of religious profession and the renewal of vows of young Sisters in the Vice-Province of Vietnam, and the Perpetual Profession of Sister Monica Andoh in Assin Foso, Ghana. These milestones unite us as one body and reaffirm the vitality of our universal mission at the service of the most vulnerable.
Faithfulness and Hospitaller youth in Vietnam
On August 13, the Vice-Province of Vietnam gathered in an atmosphere of prayer, praise and joy to give thanks for faithfulness throughout the years and for the new generations who are carrying forward the Hospitaller mission in Asian lands. During a solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Silver Jubilee of the religious profession of our Sisters was commemorated, a living testimony of perseverance, love and unconditional self-giving.
During the same celebration, the young Sisters renewed their temporary vows of obedience, poverty and chastity, in accordance with our Constitutions. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to shape their hearts according to the sentiments of Jesus and to be bearers of His mercy in community life and in their daily mission. The freshness, generosity and enthusiasm of these young vocations represent a breath of the Spirit that strongly inspires the work of the Hospitaller Sisters in Vietnam, where they lovingly care for those who are most in need.
Sister Monica Andoh: A definitive and shared “yes” in Ghana
The joy of consecration was also deeply felt on the African continent. In the community of Assin Foso, Ghana, Sister Monica Andoh gave her definitive “yes” to the Lord through her Perpetual Profession. In this moving rite, Sister Monica consecrated herself for life to the service of the sick and those in need, promising to live evangelical hospitality with a selfless and joyful heart.
The liturgy was marked by a strong sense of ecclesial communion, with the local community joining in songs and traditional dances to express their gratitude. A moment of particular significance for our charism was the presence and participation of the Brothers of Saint John of God (Fatebenefratelli), reflecting the deep roots shared by both institutions. Together, as the Hospitaller Family, we express that compassionate care is a fraternal mission that brings us together and knows no borders.
“With great joy and deep inner peace in my heart, I want to express and share my happiness on the day of my Perpetual Profession, a covenant to give myself totally to God and to give Him my definitive ‘yes’.”
One heart that is loved
These celebrations, lived out in such diverse cultural and geographical contexts, remind us that Hospitaller consecrated life is a unified journey of vocational growth and consolidation towards full identification with Jesus Christ. As we contemplate the self-giving of our Sisters in Vietnam and Ghana, the entire Congregation feels invited to return to the origins of our charism, to rekindle our first love and to continue being true signs of hope in a fragmented world.
We unite in prayer for Sister Monica Andoh, for our Sisters celebrating their jubilees and for each of the junior Sisters in Vietnam, asking the Lord to make their daily self-giving fruitful and to bless their steps along the path of mercy.
