Ghanaian Dresses

I was never one to be concerned about my collection of dresses when living in the USA. Actually, I don’t think I ever owned enough to say I had a “collection”! I was pretty “blah” when it came to what I wore. I hated to shop for clothing and as far as I was concerned, the less the better. 

Here in Ghana, however, for some reason that has changed. It could be that I realize cotton dresses are remarkably comfortable, or maybe it is that clothing here is very affordable, or maybe that I just love the colors. Whatever the reason, I can now say that I have an amazing collection of beautiful colorful dresses that I love and although they are not the normal Western Pennsylvania style, I plan on wearing them when I get back. Everyone who sees me will be asking themselves “where in the world does that lady shop”.

Bakita Night

Each year at St. Anne’s Senior High School (SAGISS) an event known as Bakita Night takes place. This is where the Freshman girls compete for the title of Queen. The girls model, perform (sing, dance, act), and speak on a subject of their choice. Pregnancy before marriage, the importance of family, and female genital mutilation are examples of topics the girls spoke about this year.

The Senior class coordinates the entire event, therefore, no Bakita Night is ever the same. Each year the atmosphere tends to take on a different tone. What is the same, however, is that the celebration is always enjoyable, full of laughter, and entertaining; culminating with a Queen and her Court being chosen and making three girls extremely happy. 

Sacraments

 There are seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the sick, Ordination and Matrimony. While living here in Damongo I have been Blessed to be present at five of the seven.

I attended the Baptism of my Ghanaian granddaughter, Annette (I adopted my neighbors, Paulina, Francis and their three children as my Ghanaian family). I also attended as Evan’s, another adopted son’s, second child Mathias, was Baptized. Yes, I have become Mama Karen/Granny Karen to many during my four years serving here in Damongo.

I experienced the Diaconate Ordination of 17 men whose main objective was to be ordained Priests. This most beautiful ceremony took place at a Seminary two hours from Damongo. Two of these young men are from my diocese. I missed their ordination to priesthood because of traveling to the USA when Covid-19 first hit, but was later able to experience three young men from the Damongo Diocese be ordained.

Shortly after I arrived in Damongo a group wedding was performed at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish. I was present as 13 couples took the vows of marriage. Quite different, I know, to have 13 married at the same time, but quite exciting as the entire church was filled with dancing and singing with joy.

Also at St. Theresa’s Parish I watched as several children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This Sacrament, performed by our Bishop, The Most Rev. Peter Paul Y. Angykier, is were the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen the newly confirmed. A group of young children performed during the Confirmation Mass.

As for me, I receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist several times a week while attending Mass. This enables me to be filled with God’s abundant Graces and unites me more closely with Christ. Living my life as a missionary in Damongo IS TRULY A BLESSING!

Birthday Blessings

I knew someone would do something for me on my birthday but this I never imagined. What a surprise when I got to my office.

Blessings In Small Packages

One of the blessings of serving God’s people in the Diocese of Damongo comes in small packages; it’s the children. Although my services as a missionary are geared to all ages, life here without children would be less colorful and definitely less rewarding. I am Blessed!

 

Parish Audit and Other News

 

This may be my fourth year on mission here in Damongo but the excitement of my journey has not stopped. As acting Bursar at the school I am privileged to be around the girls daily, and being that I am part of the Administrative staff, I also have a part in decision making. I am honored.

My other position with the Diocese of Damongo is that of auditor, assigned to visit all 13 of the Diocesan Parishes to ensure proper financial practices are being followed. So far the findings have been positive. The ability to meet new people and visit different villages is amazing.

Maria Josefina A Cruz, one of Lay Mission-Helpers new missionaries, has finally arrived in Damongo. Josie and I share a bungalow. I enjoy helping her through the culture shock experienced when moving to such a different environment. More about this incredible woman will come in my next blog.

God has blessed me with this unbelievable journey I am on. I praise you, Lord, and thank you for enriching my life.

New Assignment

 

After a short visit to the USA to celebrate the Holidays with my family I am excited to be back in Damongo, Ghana to begin my fourth year serving God’s children as a Lay Mission-Helper.

There have been many changes since I arrived back to the place I have called home for the past three years. My adopted Ghanaian family was blessed with their third child. Parents Paulina and Francis are both teachers at St. Anne’s Girls’ Senior High School (SAGISS) where I live. I am so happy that the family recently moved into the bungalow next door. What a joy it is to have my Ghanaian family so close and to be able to hold a baby any time I wish.

Since my return I have taken on different responsibilities. I am now the Bursar at SAGISS. As Bursar I act as the accountant at the school, and I oversee food supplies. I will, however, continue to work for the Catholic Diocese of Damongo. Using my knowledge as an auditor, I will travel to many of the thirteen parishes to ensure finances are accounted for properly. This is an exciting assignment for I will experience the lifestyles of different tribes and villages throughout the Diocese.

What a joy it is to know I will be helping the Diocese of Damongo in different ways my fourth year in mission, giving me the ability to learn more about the beautiful people this Diocese serves. I am truly Blessed!