Ghana Sisters Help Provide International Flavor to Assembly

By Carole Eschen and Lillian Moskeland

The 2018 Assembly had an international flavor this year with sisters from two countries outside the United States in full attendance and our sisters from Pakistan. The Ghana Committee was blessed to have Anna Amo, president of the FST Sisters, and Cecilia Ankomah participate during the entire week of the Assembly.

Visa troubles disappeared, and Anna and Cecilia arrived in Kentucky on July 4 after a long trip. After much needed rest, they explored the Motherhouse and nearby areas. Anna and Cecilia were especially interested in how the Infirmary rooms are adapted as the resident sisters age. They said they would take much of what they learned home to Ghana.

Both sisters enjoyed a trip to nearby Gethsemani. However, the highlight of the Motherhouse visit was visiting Jeanne Dueber’s art gallery. Their enjoyment so impressed the Ghana Committee that they presented to Anna, Cecilia and the FST Sister Community one of Jeanne’s beautiful sculptures.

During the Assembly, the sisters participated fully at the stable tables’ table discussions as they got to know many more sisters and co-members. The entire Ghana Committee met several times for lunch or dinner with Anna and Cecilia. It was an opportunity to get to know them, their humor and insights on an informal basis.

Beth Blissman met with the two Ghanaians for lunch to talk about what resources Beth could offer as Loretto’s U.N. NGO. Both sisters eagerly examined the resources Beth brought for them, many that could be used with children in their classrooms. Some resources included a set of cards with sustainability goals for teaching in the high school.

Once during an Assembly break, a spontaneous dance broke out. Anna and Cecilia joined in eagerly and skillfully. It was delightful for them to share such a light-hearted moment with Loretto members during much serious and important work.

Anna and Cecilia presented information about the FST Community during Assembly. The presentation told the story of their Community, their mission and charism. Among the pictures we got to see were photos of the school children in their various schools. They set the Assembly stage in beautifully decorated Ghanaian cloth and poster. The sisters presented a wonderful, printed Ghanaian dress to Pearl and the Community. The next day for Mass Father Michael De Sciose borrowed it as a vestment!

After the Assembly, the sisters returned to the Motherhouse for a few more days. Kay Carlew had arranged a visit with the Louisville managers of WaterStep. This non-profit organization provides safe water systems around the world, and it has been very useful to our sisters in Pakistan.

Anna and Cecilia made their second presentation during their few days at the Motherhouse.

It had been a long visit filled with new friends, interesting travel over the Kentucky land and new knowledge to share on their return. Anna and Cecilia left on their return flight to Ghana on July 18 with that spirit of Loretto, and they left a place in our hearts for them.