The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) is a Missionary Congregation of Pontifical Right founded by Blessed Mary of the Passion on 6th January 1877 and will celebrate 150 years of existence in the world in 2027.
The Divine Providence Region (TDP Region) consists of Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, and Ethiopia with its Regional House in Accra, Ghana.
After a significant restructuring, merging, regionalization, and spiritual renewal in the entire FMM Institute, TDP Region was established on November 1, 2023, formed from the former Ghana-Liberia and East Africa Provinces.
This new region celebrated its inaugural Regional Chapter in Saltpond at the Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence from August 10 to 23, 2026.
Over this twelve-day period, approximately fifty Capitulars from Ghana, Liberia, Kenya, and Ethiopia reflected on the theme “Led by the Breath of God, Woven in Unity, Revitalized for Mission.”
Under the guidance of Sr. Julia Mombo Pelenah, the Regional Superior and President of the Chapter; Sr. Cecilia Joachim, the Moderator of the Chapter, and Sr. Janis Gbiel, the Co-Moderator of the Chapter, the Capitulars developed a Pastoral Plan for the region covering the years 2026 to 2029 and revised the Regional Statutes that had been in place since 2023.
The saying goes, “Whatever has a beginning has an end.” Following deep reflections, extensive deliberations, and crucial moments for the Capitulars, the Chapter concluded on August 22, 2026, with a simple yet meaningful closing ceremony during Mass.
The Mass began with an entrance procession of the Capitulars into the Chapel, who carried symbolic items: a Bible (the Sacred Word of God), the FMM Constitutions (our way of life), the Chapter Candle (the light of Christ), and the Final Documents of the Chapter (the fruits of their work).
They held beautiful ribbons of various colors, inter-connected to signify the bond uniting them as Sisters and daughters of Blessed Mary of the Passion, their mother foundress.
The interconnected ribbons also represented their desire to be woven more closely together as one region.
Friar Pascal Affum OFM Conv, the Vicar Provincial Custos of the OFM Conventuals in Ghana and custodian of Our Lady of the Angels Friary in Awoshie Anyaa, Accra, presided over the Eucharistic celebration.
In his homily on leadership, he remarked that “when choosing leaders, we must select those whose character is worthy of emulation and whose lifestyle inspires others to serve the Lord.”
According to him, some decisions require broader consultation, while others can only be made well through seeking the face of God and listening to His Spirit.
Such decisions, he noted, may include admitting sisters to advance in their formation or, in some cases, asking them to return home.
Leaders were not present at the time of their original call and, therefore, cannot solely determine the authenticity of their vocation. This necessitates a serious and sustained practice of listening to the Holy Spirit, who guides the decision-making process.
Before the final blessing, Sr. Julia Mombo Pelenah commissioned the Capitulars, sending them forth to their communities as messengers who have been transformed and revitalized by the breath of God. She reminded them that while the Chapter has ended, the mission continues.
Each of the 26 communities in the region received a beautifully designed white candle featuring the chapter logo, symbolizing their union and communion with the chapter and their collective call to be transformed by the light of Christ and led by the breath of God.
Community delegates symbolically accepted the candles as Sr. Julia called the name of each community.
The Capitulars then prayerfully recited their commitment in unison. This solemn act was followed by the Magnificat, the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary, reflecting the joy in their hearts through singing this hymn of Thanksgiving to God.
Friar Pascal Affum OFM Conv encouraged the Capitulars to applaud themselves and reminded them that all decisions made are to be lived out and faithfully observed.
He concluded with the words of the Regional Superior: “The Chapter has ended, but the Mission continues.”
The recessional hymn echoed the call of God, sending the Capitulars forth as messengers of light to spread His message throughout the world. The ceremony concluded with a series of group photographs, and they departed from the Chapter Hall for an excursion to Elmina Beach Resort.
This gave Capitulars the opportunity to relax their minds after days of intensive deliberations.
During the Chapter, the Lord called one of the FMM Sisters to eternity: Sr. Laetitia Dombesegtah, the Novice Mistress and ex-officio member of the Chapter, passed away on August 16, 2026, in Kenya, just one day after her 70th birthday.
Two days after the Chapter, Sr. Lawrencia Hanee followed, passing away on August 25, 2026, fifteen days after her birthday. With our faith in the resurrection of the dead and the communion of the saints, we pray that our sisters intercede for the FMM Congregation. May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in peace through the great mercy of God. Amen.
To God be eternal glory! Long live the Divine Providence Region! Long live the FMM Institute!
By Sr. Eunice Angsotenge, FMM (Catholic Sister Communicators Network Ghana- CASCON-GH)
