Fr. Eugene Asante, SVD
Walking in Hope
Brother Tarcisius' Legacy and Fr. Eugene's Mission to Transform Lives in Ghana
In 1961, Divine Word Missionary Brother Tarcisius de Ruyter, SVD, embarked on a mission assignment to Ghana, where he would dedicate more than 50 years of his life to transformative work. Originally from the Netherlands, Bro. Tarcisius came from a long lineage of shoemakers and was skilled in shoemaking, physiotherapy, and teaching. Upon arriving in Ghana, he was struck by the prevalence of polio, which left many with severe disabilities, impacting their mobility and livelihoods. Determined to make a difference, he began crafting shoes, artificial limbs, crutches, and other essential aids.
In 1965, Bro. Tarcisius launched a mobile unit to expand his services across the country. Two years later, he established a home for children to provide intensive therapy. His mission continued to grow, and in 2013, the Brother Tarcisius SVD Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College opened its doors. This institution has since trained technologists who serve at the Orthopedic Training Centre, hospitals, government facilities, and other organizations assisting the physically challenged. According to the college’s website, more than 100,000 children and adults have received orthopedic surgeries, tools, and support—restoring their dignity and offering hope for a brighter future.
Bro. Tarcisius passed away in January 2014, but his legacy lives on through the dedicated work of those at the college and the Orthopedic Training Centre. Among them is another member of the Society of the Divine Word, Fr. Eugene Asante, SVD, who has embraced this ministry with passion and purpose.
In 2016, Fr. Eugene toured the Bro. Tarcisius SVD Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College and Orthopedic Training Centre. At the time, it left only a fleeting impression, but in October 2020, his Provincial encouraged him to enroll in training. Over time, Fr. Eugene developed a profound appreciation for prosthetics and orthotics, and for the opportunity to serve the physically challenged in such a tangible way.
For three years, Fr. Eugene trained in orthotics, focusing on devices that correct deformities of the foot, ankle, and knee. He also gained expertise in prosthetics, crafting artificial limbs for below-knee, above-knee, and through-the-knee amputees. In August 2023, he completed his training and now serves in multiple roles: Chaplain of the Brother Tarcisius SVD Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College, technician in the Orthopedic Workshop’s prosthetic department, and a member of the mobile clinic team, which brings orthopedic care to underserved areas.
Fr. Eugene’s work involves close interaction with patients, from assessing their needs to teaching them how to manage their residual limbs. He takes measurements, creates casts, and fabricates prosthetic devices—an intricate process requiring skill and patience. On average, it takes him three days to complete a prosthesis. During the fabrication process, he finds a meditative rhythm, envisioning the perfect fit for each patient’s limb to minimize adjustments later.
Life-changing results
“Some people who receive their orthosis have never walked before in their life,” Fr. Eugene explained. “Those who have been amputated also lose hope and think they will never walk or go back to their normal daily schedules.” While some patients initially struggle to adapt, most experience life-changing results. “Most of the time when patients receive their prosthesis or orthosis, they’re happy, joyful and regain the hope they lost,” he said.
This ministry is a unique calling for a priest, yet Fr. Eugene sees it as profoundly aligned with the SVD charism, embodying three of the four key characteristics of the congregation. Through his work, he lives out the Biblical Apostolate by offering healing in a tangible, transformative way, mirroring the compassion and restorative actions of Jesus. His ministry also highlights the power of Communication, as he uses his skills to convey a message of hope and renewal, reaching individuals who may have lost faith in themselves and their future. Additionally, his efforts exemplify the SVD's commitment to Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) by restoring dignity to individuals, honoring their identity as creations made in God’s image.
Fr. Eugene had only one opportunity to meet Bro. Tarcisius before the center’s founder passed away, but carrying on his remarkable legacy has been an honor and privilege. As the first Divine Word Missionary to continue this vital work, Fr. Eugene hopes to leave his own lasting mark within the SVD community by advancing the study of Prosthetics and Orthotics to the highest level. He also aspires to transform these fields in Ghana by introducing modern practices, such as 3D printing, to improve the creation and accessibility of prosthetic and orthotic devices, ultimately enhancing the lives of those in need.
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