Sr. Josephine Elizabeth was sent on mission from Ooty Province in 1989 She was sent to Papua New Guinea where she ministered for six years in the field of education, youth animation, Counseling and guidance. From 1996 onwards she is Ghana. While continuing the same ministry she is also involved in Pastoral ministry
Country:
The Republic of Ghana is a country in West Africa. It borders Côte d`Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word "Ghana" means "Warrior King", and was the source of the name "Guinea" (via French Guinoye) that is used to refer to the West African coast (as in Gulf of Guinea). Upon being the first African nation to achieve independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, the name Ghana was chosen for the new nation to reflect the ancient Empire of Ghana that once extended throughout much of western Africa. In the Ashanti language it is spelled Gaana.
Climate: tropical; warm and comparatively dry along southeast coast; hot and humid in southwest; hot and dry in north.
Population: 23,382,848
Religions: Christian 68.8% (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
Languages: More than 250 languages and dialects are spoken in Ghana. English is the country`s official language and predominates government and business affairs. It is also the standard language used for educational instruction.
Sr. Josephine Elizabeth writes:
I was in Papua New Guinea from 1989 – 1995 teaching and counseling both staff and students. This experience helped me to accept the same mission in Ghana. I came here in 1996. I counsel and guide the students, organize programmes for both staff and students. Whenever the Chaplain is not available I take care of their spiritual needs, like conducting Communion Service.
. Though the ministry is the same the system of education and the ethnic background of the students are very different from the previous mission. Hence understanding the students and Teaching in the new system is both demanding and challenging. By the Grace of God, I am able to cope very well in my present mission. In the year 2004 on the 5th of October,(World Teachers’ Day) I was honoured with the ‘The Best Teacher Award.
I am the Head of the Dept for Home Economics Subjects which include theory and practical in Food/Nutrition, Clothing/Textiles and Management in Living. Since the subjects are very interesting the students study well and score centum pass every year. I love my students and am happy to help the Ghanaian girls to be become skilled persons, wives and mothers. The students too love me and together we hope to develop the families, community and society and the country at large as vibrant and wholesome.
Our province comprises of two countries – Ghana and Liberia. There are 10 communities in Ghana and two in Liberia. More than 50 sisters are Ghanaians. Living the FMM Charism in the midst of different cultures is both rewarding and challenging.To be poor with the vast majority like St. Francis, to be chaste and all embracing in loving all and to discern the will of God and obey is surely demanding but the peace that comes in living like that is worth it.
Self emptying and living our victim vocation is a constant struggle. The more one gives the more is demanded. Our Foundress Blessed Mary of the Passion is my inspiration and guide in my daily journey.
Empowerment of women - this was the one aim of Blessed Mary of the Passion in serving the less fortunate that led her to open educational institutions, health-care services and set up small income-generating works for women. We respond to the cry of the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized, especially the women through the same services today. We work for the integrity of creation through non-violence and eco-justice, sharing God's gifts with all.
Her farsightedness in establishing a printing press in the 19th century itself, to publish The Annals of the Institute as a means of sharing news and views with the wider public has set the trend for us to utilize the potent means of the media to communicate the compassionate face of God to all peoples thereby promoting communion and human relationships.
