PERSONAL PROFILE; BR FABIAN BEZEL.

FAMILY LIFE

I was brought forth in Pina, a suburb of Lambussie on 10^th March, 1965 by Germano Bezel and Balbina Kuukobe, both of blessed memory. I am the sixth born of a family of six, comprising four boys and two girls.  My parents were committed and practicing Catholics and groomed me to embrace the same faith. I was initiated into the Catholic faith a month after I was born. My mother in particular was very prayerful and never relented in teaching us the Catholic prayers in our local language (Dagaare). In terms of discipline, my parents were very stern but at the same time very loving and caring. They never spared us whenever we erred. My father was a hoe farmer and wished that I being the last born should take after him and stop schooling. This agenda by my father to truncate my academic destiny could not see the light of day as I braved all odds to construct my own academic carrier and choice of vocation.

MY EDUCATION

I had a highly interrupted educational life. I began my elementary education in 1971 at the age of six and progressed steadily until I reached upper primary where I had to combine farming, tethering of animals and schooling. At a point, I became a regular absentee in the school; two of my cousins and I were compelled to take turns weekly to shepherd my father’s flock of sheep. Thus, for every three weeks, I was always one week absent from school. This situation prevailed till I got to middle form three in 1979 where I was completely denied the opportunity to write common entrance examination to enable me go to secondary school. My class teacher tried to intervene but my father sternly told him that I was too young to stay away from home. Consequently, I completed Middle School in 1980. 

The adage that “where there is will, there is a way” is in fact a reality. I never gave up after my initial disappointment; after completing Middle school, I helped my father on the farm for four years and got enrolled into St. Basilide’s Technical Institute in 1984 against his will. I later quitted school at the end of the academic year due to strong opposition from my father. Again, I farmed for another four years and got enrolled into St. John’s Technical Institute in 1988. This time I defied all oppositions and went through the training in Block laying and concreting craft.   I successfully completed school in 1993.

MY VOCATION STORY

My interaction with some of the FIC Brothers in St. Basilide’s Technical Institute and St. John’s Technical Institute respectively boosted my interest in religious life. I was touched by the way they conducted themselves as teachers and Administrators; they were not only friendly and committed to their apostolate but were also very impartial in dealing with students. My desire to become a Brother deepened year by year as I progressed in my training in St. John’s Technical Institute; however, I kept it to myself. It was in 1993 when I was in the final year of my training that I mustered courage and applied to be enlisted as an aspirant, and in 1994, I attended FIC “Contact days” for the first time. I was utterly surprised when at the end of the meeting I was advised to consider applying for admission into the Pre-novitiate programme that very year. I was by then working as a subcontractor in the construction industry in Upper West Region, Ghana; thus, leaving my job behind and starting an “unpredictable life journey” was a challenge to me. My fears and hesitation were more or less justified when I learned that two Novices and two Pre-novices were asked to discontinue their initial formation that very year. 

Nevertheless, after a solemn reflection and consultation with significant others, I made up my mind and applied for admission into the initial formation programme. My application was considered and so I was initiated into the Pre-novitiate programme on 15^th October, 1994 with two others. It was not easy for me at that time; thoughts of quitting formation lingered in my mind day in and day out; but with constant prayers, Spiritual reading and Direction, I persevered till I made my first profession of religious vows in 1997; and in 2006, I committed myself perpetually to the evangelical counsels.  The Scripture text that motivated me to stay in formation is: Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plough and looks back to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God” (Lk 9: 62).   

MY APOSTOLIC EXPERIENCE

I lived and served in Tumu Community, Kaleo Community and Mt. Zion Community, Nandom respectively; currently, I am in Kaleo Community for the second time.  

As Principal of St. Basilide’s Technical Institute I am conscious of the fact that our Founders were committed people filled with the spirit of Jesus (Ref. Art. 9 of our Const.). They had special concern for the poor and the needy and they did whatever was necessary to make life meaningful for the underprivileged in society.  Inspired by these core values, I entreat all staff and students to cultivate them. I encourage them to be loving, caring and generous and I am happy they are doing so.  There is good sense of solidarity in the Institute; students assist one another when they are sick or in need; currently, we have “crippled student” who is assisted daily by fellow students to carry out his academic work comfortably. We have extended our charity works beyond the confines of our campus. Three years ago, I mooted that the Staff and students should do voluntary contribution during Lent to support any needy organization. I was glad they supported the idea and contributed cash which we donated to Jirapa Orphanage to support the upkeep of the Orphans. This year, we have raised funds again to replicate such gesture in spite of the economic hardships we are facing in recent times. Similarly, the spiritual wellbeing of the students is my major concern; we organize Eucharistic celebration for students twice every week; we provide guidance and counselling services, vocation direction and also prepare students for the sacrament of Christian initiation. 

CONCLUSION

“How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me”? (Ps 116: 12). I am highly indebted to God for the gift of my vocation as FIC Brother. I see myself as the Biblical Jonah who tried to avoid sending God’s prophetic message to the people of Nineveh.  Just like Jonah, I quitted St. Basilide’s Technical Institute and was swallowed up by farm work for many years only to come back to the same school to serve as Principal; to God be glory and praise. 

 For the past twenty-five (25) years I have enjoyed living with and serving my fellow brothers. I have experienced deep sense of communion, solidarity and acceptance; I am happy and proud to be a member of the FIC Congregation.  I pray that God who called me into this religious family will constantly give me the grace to be good and do good in spite of the numerous challenges in life.

BR. FABIAN BEZEL, FIC, GHANA PROVINCE