March 9, 2016
Last week we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the schools Holy Child School, Cape Coast and Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi, which were founded by the SHCJ.
The celebration began with a Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Cape Coast Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthias Kobena Nketsiah, with two Monsignori and three other priests con-celebrating. Among the priests were the chaplains of the Holy Child School, Cape Coast (Rev. Fr. Atta Baidoo George), and the Holy Child College of Education, Takoradi. The Monsignori are Very Rev. Martin Essilfie, the Assistant Chaplain of the University of Cape Coast and Very Rev. James Robert Myers, while the third priest is a lecturer at the Saint Peter’s Regional Seminary, Cape Coast.
The students, alumnae, teachers and past headmistresses of both schools were present at the Mass. Among the attendees were two outstanding past headmistresses of the Holy Child School, Cape Coast, namely, Rev. Sr. Michelle Puma SHCJ who is the only surviving expatriate headmistresses and Mrs. Alice Agyeman, who was the longest staying headmistress; she had headed the school for twenty-three years. Sr. Michelle had come from the USA to participate in the celebration. Everyone present was very happy that Sr. Michelle was able to attend the program.
Sisters of the SHCJ were joined at the celebration by their contemporaries from other Congregations including the Sisters of the Society of the Infant Jesus (SIJ) and the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA).
The headmistress of the Holy Child School, Cape Coast, Rev. Sr. Josephine Anto SHCJ thanked all who were present at the Mass and noted that the Holy Child School, Cape Coast, was the only SHCJ founded school in Africa that has maintained the SHCJ presence from the beginning in 1946. She explained that at any point in time, since 1946, there has always been an SHCJ on the staff of the school.
After the Mass, everyone was treated to a sumptuous meal in the school hall.
This is awesome! We thank God who has made this possible through Cornelia Connelly. We celebrate her specially.
A very hearty CONGRATULATIONS to all the Founding Mothers and Head teachers. Long live SOCIETY of the Holy Child Jesus!
Stella Envulu, SHCJ
To SLT, APLT and, particularly the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus, Ghana, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and assure you of continued prayers of gratitude. As an Alumnae I would have loved to experience the Great Jubilee firsthand. However this is not possible due to ministry commitment at CFR, Jos. I have journeyed with you in joy and prayers including offering Eucharistic Celebrations. I consider that it is not just a coincidence that the Jubilee occurs within the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. The Holy Child Schools are truly visible signs of God’s Mercy. Holy Child Alums continue to spread this mercy in the different parts of the world as we go. Thanks be to God! Special gratitude to our Foundress, Cornelia Connelly and all the Founding Mothers and Headteachers. Congratulations!
Bernadette Eyewan Okure, SHCJ
we thank God for the successful celebration. May we continue to touch lives and proclaim the GoodNews with joy.
Actions Not Words!
Ngozi, SHCJ