Three Jesuit Novices Profess First Simple Vows in Ghana

The North West Africa Province (ANW) of the Society of Jesus celebrated with gratitude to God as three Jesuit novices professed their First Simple Vows during a solemn Eucharistic celebration on 16 July 2026 at St. Brother André Chapel in Brafoyaw, Cape Coast, Ghana.

The Provincial, Rev. Fr. John Ghansah, SJ, presided over the celebration, during which the newly professed Jesuits—Richard Adzayi, SJ, Fredrick Owusu, SJ, and Cornelius Amoah, SJ—publicly committed themselves to the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience, formally entering the next stage of Jesuit formation. Jesuits, religious, family members, friends, benefactors, and members of the faithful gathered to witness and celebrate this joyful moment in the life of the Province.

The profession of First Vows marks the successful completion of the Jesuit novitiate, the foundational stage of formation in the Society of Jesus. Lasting two years, the novitiate is dedicated to deep spiritual formation, discernment, and growth in the Jesuit way of life. During these years, novices are introduced to the spirituality of the Jesuits through the Spiritual Exercises, community life, apostolic experiences among the poor and marginalized, manual work, studies of the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and sustained accompaniment in discernment. Rather than focusing on academic studies, the novitiate is intended to help a candidate develop an intimate relationship with Christ and discern whether God is truly calling him to the Jesuit vocation. The profession of First Vows signifies that the novice has freely embraced this call and desires to continue the journey of formation as a scholastic in the Society of Jesus.

Preaching the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ehimanre, SJ reflected on vocation as God’s initiative and a lifelong response of faith. Drawing from the call of the prophet Jeremiah and the Gospel account of Jesus calling Simon Peter, he reminded the newly professed that every authentic vocation begins with God’s loving choice long before one becomes aware of it. He encouraged them not to be discouraged by their limitations, recalling that God does not choose the already perfect but perfects those whom He calls. Reflecting on Peter’s words, “But if you say so, I will let down the nets,” Fr. Ehimanre explained that religious vows are a daily expression of trust in Christ: poverty lets go of worldly security, chastity embraces an undivided love for God and His people, and obedience opens one’s heart to be sent wherever the mission requires. He urged the three Jesuits to remain men of prayer, discernment, and generous service, reminding them that the Society of Jesus exists not for itself but for the mission of Christ and His Church. Their profession, he said, is not the end of their journey but the beginning of a deeper life as companions of Jesus, always seeking the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam).

Following the profession of vows, the newly professed Jesuits were warmly congratulated by members of the Province, their families, and friends, who expressed gratitude to God for the gift of their vocations. The celebration was marked by joy, prayer, and hope as the Province witnessed God’s continuing call to generous young men willing to dedicate their lives to the service of the Gospel.

With the profession of First Simple Vows, Richard Adzayi, SJ, Fredrick Owusu, SJ, and Cornelius Amoah, SJ now continue their Jesuit formation as scholastics. Their journey will include studies in philosophy and theology, apostolic assignments, and continued spiritual and pastoral formation, preparing them for future ministry in the Church. As the North West Africa Province rejoices in this important moment, it entrusts these young Jesuits to the prayers of the faithful, asking God to grant them perseverance, wisdom, and generous hearts as they continue to follow Christ in the service of His Church and the world.