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Be “living witness of God’s love”: Catholic Bishop in Ivory Coast to Woman Religious at Final Vows, Emphasizes Fidelity

Bishop Honoré Beugré Dakpa of the Catholic Diocese of Katiola in Ivory Coast has called upon Sr. Rosalie Kpanda Tuo to live a life that demonstrates God’s love.

In his homily during the Perpetual Profession of the member of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross of Liege (FC), Bishop Dakpa emphasized the need for Sr. Rosalie to remain faithful to her Christian calling and Consecration to the Lord in Religious Life.

“With this consecration, Sr. Rosalie becomes a living witness of God’s love for His people, a model of fidelity and surrender to Christ,” he said, and added, “This inexhaustible mystery profoundly transforms her being and conforms her to the obedient, chaste, and poor Christ.”

Consecration is both a “great richness and profound mystery,” Bishop Dakpa said during the December 21 celebration that was held at St. Joseph Niakara Parish of Katiola Diocese.

While Consecrated Life is rich in blessings, the Ivorian Catholic Bishops said, it requires resilience and sacrifice.

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“Perseverance in prayer, obedience to superiors, and fidelity to the charism of the Congregation are essential pillars for fully living out this calling,” he said, and called upon the people of God to support Sr. Rosalie in her apostolate.

Bishop Dakpa recognized the professional background of Sr. Rosalie, adding that she has distinguished herself in the field of education, particularly in the spiritual and intellectual formation of young girls. 

“Her teachings and dedication have touched generations of students, earning her admiration for her faith and commitment,” Bishop Dakpa said, and added, “Sr. Rosalie is a light to those around her. Her life is a living testimony of Christ’s love, a love she shares generously with others.”

The Local Ordinary of Katiola since his Episcopal Consecration in July 2023 recognized the role of women Religious in the mission of the Church. He said, “Through their prayers, catechesis, and apostolic works, Sisters actively participate in the Church’s mission. They are a living testimony of Christ’s presence in our communities.”

Bishop Dakpa called upon participants in the December 21 celebration to view Sr. Rosalie’s Perpetual Profession as an inspiration, adding that her decision reflects a total and joyful response to God’s call.

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“Perpetual vows are a definitive ‘yes’ to the Lord, a self-gift without reserve, in service to the Church and humanity,” he said.

Addressing himself to young women Religious, Bishop Dakpa called for openness to God’s calling, emphasizing the nobility and fulfillment of Religious Life.

“God continues to call men and women to cooperate in His mission. Open your hearts and listen to God’s call,” he said, and urged parents to support their children in discerning their respective vocations without undue pressure or resistance.

This celebration of Perpetual Profession, he went on to say, “is an opportunity for each of us to renew our faith, open our hearts to God, and work together to build a strong and missionary Diocese.”

“May Sr. Rosalie’s perpetual consecration inspire many vocations and bear fruit for the Church and society,” Bishop Dakpa implored during the December 21 celebration.

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Justin Assalé contributed to the writing of this story

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