Day 2 – First Session of the Inaugural Chapter – Province of West Africa

Today marked the opening of the inaugural chapter for the newly established Province of West Africa, Congregation of Holy Cross. The session was presided over by Br. John Badu Affum, C.S.C., the Provincial Superior. Br. Affum began by conducting a roll call and warmly welcoming all in attendance. Among the distinguished guests were:
Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation
Fr. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C., Third General Assistant, who traveled from Rome to be present
Fr. Peter Mayanja, C.S.C., Provincial Superior of the Province of East Africa, Br. John Bailanda, C.S.C., and Fr. Peter Qorror, C.S.C., both from the Province of East Africa.
The chapter also introduced the moderators, Rev. Fr. Joseph Kwame Blay, OFM Conv., and Br. Paul Mensah, C.S.C., who were accepted by the members to facilitate the proceedings. Br. Affum then delivered his state of the province address, which was followed by a goodwill message from Fr. Mayanja on behalf of the Province of East Africa. Additionally, messages of support were read from the Superior of the Sisters of the Holy Cross and the Midwest Province. Fr. Andrew Gawrych CSC gave his goodwill message and the Superior General Bro. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C on behalf of the General Administration presented to us a goodwill message from the General Administration, He also presented on the state of the Congregation and his personal exhortation. The chapter then proceeded to approve the schedule, committees, steering committees, secretaries, and the code of chapter, ensuring a structured and organized approach to their deliberations.
The opening Mass, celebrated by Most Rev. Charles Palmer-Buckle, Archbishop of Cape Coast, and assisted by Most Rev. Matthias Kobena Nketsiah, Archbishop Emeritus, Rev. Fr. George Bonnah, Rev. Fr. Andrew Gawrych, Rev. Fr. Peter Mayanja, and Rev. Fr. Peter Qorro, marked the beginning of this significant gathering. The Mass of the Holy Spirit was offered, invoking the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit as the chapter embarks on its mission.