“From Ghana to Ireland: A Divine Journey of Faith”- Frt. Joseph Mensah SVD

In the vast tapestry of life’s adventures, there are moments that define us, and journeys that lead us to our true calling. Such is the story of a young Ghanaian soul, who embarked on a transformative journey from the heart of Africa to the Emerald Isle. Buckle up as we take flight on this remarkable odyssey.

Taking Off: Ghana to Ireland

On a warm August day in 2017, the journey began. The sun was high in the Ghanaian sky when we set foot on an Ethiopian airline headed for Ethiopia. As the wheels left the tarmac, a mix of excitement and trepidation filled the air. For some, flying is routine, but for our traveler, it was a life-changing adventure.

The aircraft soared through the clouds, carrying dreams and aspirations high above the African continent. Seven hours later, Ethiopia welcomed us under the blanket of a starry night. The journey was far from over as we continued our pilgrimage through the skies.

A Midnight Crossing: Ethiopia to Dublin

Midnight approached, and it was time to resume our celestial journey. In the heart of the Ethiopian night, our plane roared to life once more. The clock struck 12, and we were off, bound for Dublin, Ireland. The hours passed like seconds, and soon the Irish dawn broke through the horizon.

At 5:45 AM on that memorable Wednesday morning, we touched down in Dublin. The Emerald Isle welcomed us with open arms, a land steeped in history and tradition. Thirteen hours in the air had brought us to a new chapter in life.

A Divine Calling: A Childhood Dream

But this journey began long before the boarding passes were issued. It started in the heart of a young soul, a burning desire to proclaim the Word of God. In the presence of a Catholic priest, the spark of a vocation ignited. As a child, our traveler saw themselves in the priest, a divine connection that would shape their destiny.

An Educational Odyssey: Ghana to Ireland

The path of faith led to Tamale, in the Northern Region of Ghana, where studies in philosophy began. Three years of rigorous academia paved the way for the next step—a year in Nkwatia-Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana for the Novitiate program. Here, the focus shifted to a personal encounter with God, a journey of self-discovery that would set the course for the future.

A Profound Revelation: The Holy Triune God

In the quietude of the Novitiate, God revealed Himself in profound ways. The Holy Trinity emerged as a source of love, salvation, and divine power. The young soul emerged from this spiritual cocoon with a deeper understanding of their Christian ministry and a newfound purpose.

A Journey Continues: Ireland Beckons

With First Vows proclaimed, the next chapter unfolded—two young souls, Clement Kwabena Narcher and our traveler, were sent to Ireland. Here, they would continue their studies, seeking to discern the path that God had laid out for them.

A Prayerful Blessing: The Holy Triune God

As we conclude this chapter of the journey, one prayer echoes in our hearts: May the Holy Triune God dwell in our hearts and in the hearts of all people. From Ghana to Ireland, this journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and the belief that our calling is written in the stars, waiting to be discovered.

In the shadow of St. Arnold Janssen’s legacy, our traveler carries the torch of faith, illuminating the path for others to follow. The odyssey continues, with each moment, each flight, and each new dawn filled with the promise of divine revelation.

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• (Photo box): Frt. Joseph with Fr Tim (Provincial) and Frt. Clement.
• Featured photo: Ghana, Chapel in Nsawkaw Parish, Fr. Stanislaw Gergont SVD –
• © Stanislaw Gergont SVD archive. (www.svdphotos.org)