Meet two Brothers from Ghana

• A significant number of new vocations for the Brothers of Holy Cross come from Ghana, a West African country, located on the Gulf of Guinea
• Ghana is slightly smaller than the state of Oregon
• Ghana’s population is about 12,300,000
• Young Brothers in formation from the United States and from Ghana are each grouped together in a program and generally stay together until they finish their academic formation period

Meet Brother John Kwesi Asiedu

Background Currently studies at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas Has been in formation for more than four years Lived 72 miles away from the boarding school he attended in Ghana Wants to be a teacher; will probably choose government as area of expertise Age - early 20's

On call to vocation. . . “Responding to any vocation is like going on a journey. You cannot decide how the journey will go until you start it. You must not be afraid. When God calls you, He will also give you all the graces you need to continue the journey, if you allow Him to accompany you.”

On formation. . . “I had no idea what a brother was until I saw the work of my brothers at school. We do not go on our journey alone. We do it within the context of the community. The mission itself is what we partake in. There are ups and downs in any way of life, and there is much joy in the brotherhood. It is helpful to give it (the brotherhood) a try (through formation).”

On brotherhood. . . “I see brotherhood as a vocation without boundaries.”

Meet Brother John Affum-Badu

Background Is one of 12 children Has been in formation for more than four years Views teaching as a way of life Wants to teach business or management in a high school Age - early 20s

On call to vocation. . . “The brotherhood is a community that is committed to the work of God, so all of us who have a desire to serve God in this particular vocation must try to respond. If you have the desire, it may be that God is calling you to this vocation. You can come and find God, but you have to take the first big step yourself to and find out.”

On formation. . . “You don’t become a Brother in one day. Much depends on your preparedness and whether you are ready to belong to this life or not. First, you come to the community. Then you may or may not decide to say ‘I want to commit myself to this life’. Formation is a great time for us to find out if we are interested or not. You can change your mind and stop at any time because you remain a temporary brother until you commit yourself when you take your vows.”

On brotherhood. . . It is a long journey but the people who are journeying with you will help you along the way to see if this is where God is calling you to be.