Meet the Ghanaian Catholic priest making artificial legs and arms for amputees

Catholic priests, reverend sisters, and other religious figures are often seen as individuals whose primary responsibilities are to pray and preach the word of God. However, the religious vocation involves much more, including serving the community through teaching, caring for the poor and needy, and providing healthcare.

One such religious figure is Rev. Fr. Eugene Asante, a Catholic SVD priest, who provides artificial limbs for amputees. In an interview with Catholic Trends, Rev. Fr. Asante shared that, following advice from his superiors, he enrolled at the Brother Tarcisius Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College in Nsawam, Eastern Region, in 2021 to learn how to craft prosthetic limbs.

Having graduated, Fr. Asante now works with a department of the college to produce these prosthetics, fulfilling what he sees as his priestly calling. He mentioned that his journey was inspired by the founder of the college, who is also an SVD priest.

“So, I can say that even though I'm a Catholic priest, many people know that a Catholic priest is mainly based in the parish. But I'm a Catholic priest who has found myself in this field. And in a way, I can say that I found myself in this field because this institution was started by an SVD brother called Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter.

“And after him, there has been no SVD who has been able to continue what he has started. So, it was suggested to me by my superiors that if I have the interest, I should also come and study the course, prosthetics and orthotics, so that I'll find myself in this institution and be able to continue what the founder of this institution started,” he narrated.

In addition to manufacturing prosthetics, Fr. Eugene also provides spiritual leadership at the institution.

“In addition to my work in the workshop, I serve as a chaplain in which I celebrate Masses, offer counseling, and provide spiritual guidance to patients, children, and the dedicated staff here. Sometimes I counsel and guide patients who are struggling to accept their situation. So, in a way, I’m also sharing in Christ’s ministry.”

Watch his remarks in the video below:



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